A night to remember for Locke, who leads Northwood to 51-20 victory over Cerritos

Northwood’s Seth Locke talks to his teammates after Thursday’s win.

Northwood’ senior Seth Locke had plenty of energy, even after the game when addressing his teammates following a 51-20 non-league victory over Cerritos at Gahr Thursday night.

It had been a very busy and productive night for Locke, who had a hand in five of the Northwood’s seven touchdowns along with two extra points.

Northwood's players including quarterback Jaden Piazza (front) warm up Thursday.

Seth Locke (left) and Jaden Piazza were Northwood's offensive stars.

Players from Northwood and Cerritos meet after the game.

Northwood (4-1) led 44-6 at halftime and substituted freely in the second half.

“It was a great week of practice and a short week but every time we went out there we balled,” Locke said. “And we practiced real hard and held everyone accountable and got the W.”

“It’s just a great time; when everyone gets to step on the field it shows how much hard work we’re doing because it’s paying off.”

Locke hauled in three catches for 41 yards and completed both passes totaling 95 yards out of the swinging gate formation.

Northwood quarterback Jaden Piazza also had a big night, passing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a TD catch.

“Everyone in practice balled out and showed it on the field,” he said. “It was just a great week all around. I think if we have a week of practice like we did this week every week we will do good.”

Locke had a 6-yard TD run on Northwood’s first score. Then, he ran in for a two-point conversion.

Northwood then moved ahead 14-0 when Nick Demaio scored on a 10-yard run. And Locke hooked up with Luke Demaio on a two-point pass.

The Timberwolves then moved ahead 23-0 when Piazza hooked up with Locke on an 18-yard TD pass.

Then, using a swinging gate offense, Locke tossed the ball to Piazza, who scampered 45 yards for a score to put Northwood ahead 30-6.

Locke wasn’t finished.

He had a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown later in the quarter to put the Timberwolves ahead 37-6.

In the third quarter, Locke connected with Luke Demaio on a 50-yard touchdown pass. Luke Demaio also hauled in a 27-yard TD pass from Piazza in the second quarter.

“We knew that this was a big game because this was one of the better opponents that we’ve faced,” said Northwood Coach Pete Mitchell. “And going into league, we really wanted to play well against a good team and a very well coached team.

“I think at least we’ve proved that we’re getting better. We’re so young. That’s been our goal to try and get a little better each game and I think we’re doing that.”

As for Locke’s performance:

“He’s just a phenomenal athlete,” Mitchell said. “He came to us last year as a basketball guy last year and hasn’t played much football. But as you can see, he’s a natural and he’s just getting better. He can do just about everything. We’re very fortunate to have him.”

Scott Feeko also had an interception for Northwood.

Cerritos (3-3) was led by Tye Anderson who had 12 carries for 100 yards.

STATS

North      23   21   7    0     –  51

Cerr.          6    6    0    8     –  20

RUSHING: North Mould 6-66, Piazza 5-27; Cerr Anderson 12-100.

PASSING: North Piazza 11-17-0, 2 touchdowns; 176 yards; Locke 2-2-0, 2 touchdowns, 95 yards; Cerr King 13-28-1-133 yards.

RECEIVING: North L. Demaio 3-82, Arena 1-52; Cerr Sanchez 7-84, Dantzler 2-47.