Defense steps up and Northwood tops Troy 7-0 without starting QB Jaden Piazza

Lineman Xavier Cousar led the way for the Timberwolves Thursday night (Photo Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High’s defense led the way Thursday night in the Timberwolves’ 7-0 nonleague victory over Troy at Fullerton.

“The defense stepped up to secure the victory for Northwood big time tonight,” Northwood Coach Paige Nobles said after the game.

Leading the way for Northwood were defensive tackle Xavier Cousar, who had seven total tackles and three sacks; middle linebacker Mat Tait, who had 2.5 tackles and one sack; and freshman linebacker Adam Harper, who had 1.5 tackles and one sack.

“All together our defense made some great stops when they needed too,” Nobles said. “They were on fire tonight.”

Northwood was without starting quarterback Jaden Piazza. Piazza was available to play but Nobles said he decided to keep him out.

“He has a soft tissue bruise (in his throwing arm),” Nobles said. “He could have gone tonight and he wanted to go tonight but it was my decision to not dress him out. He played the whole game vs Dana Hills and practiced all this week. Jaden, being still a little sore this morning, I made the game day decision to rest him.”

Northwood has a bye next week and Nobles said he expects Piazza to be available to play the following week on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Bolsa Grande.

The rest of the Northwood team picked up the slack, the first-year coach said.

“Our offense struggled a little tonight without our senior QB Jaden Piazza but where I am most proud of our offense is that they stuck together as a family and even though we did struggle moving the ball we did see some bright spots with Ethan Duong taking over the QB job tonight going 9 for 18 for 26 yards and one touchdown to Travis Arena,” Nobles said.

“Travis had another great night being the best Division 12 receiver in Orange County.”

Arena had six catches for 62 yards and one touchdown with an average of 10.3 yards, according to Nobles. He also had 20 yards on 10 carries.

“Jackson Baker played amazing almost taking a punt return to the house and probably saving the game for us by intercepting Troy’s QB late in the fourth quarter,” Nobles added.

Coach Michael Echaves Troy team fell to 0-3.

“Troy High School is a very tough school (and) they have some really good players that are game changers,” Nobles said. “Tonight’s game could have gone either way but as always it is good to be a Timberwolf tonight.”

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com