DIVISION 8 FINALS NOTES: A CIF title wasn’t on the minds of Northwood players at first

After a semifinal victory over Vista Del Lago, some Northwood players were acting as if they were rowing a boat like going to the ship, the CIF championship game. (Photo courtesy Mark Bausman).

As Northwood High School football players and coaches looked ahead to the 2022 season, there wasn’t a lot of talk about repeating as CIF champions.

The Timberwolves won the CIF Division 11 title last season, the first in school history, and knew they would likely move up in playoff divisions after being elevated to the higher of two leagues within the Pacific Coast Conference.

Northwood (12-1) won the Pacific Coast League title, then as expected, was moved up to the tougher Division 8 for the playoffs. But the Timberwolves handled the challenge and have made it to the championship game again to face Lakewood from the Moore League Saturday at Lakewood.

“We knew we were moving up into a higher division in our league and we were probably going to move up a few divisions (in the playoffs) so were kind of just satisfied with winning our league,” said Northwood’s star running back Adam Harper after the squad’s semifinal victory over Vista Del Lago.

“And then we win a few games and we got some confidence and now we’re rolling and I think we’re a team to beat in the finals.

“Our coaches always tell us, ‘if we do our job and do what we’re supposed to we’re going to win games,’ and that’s what we did, we came out on top with a big margin (in the semifinals).”

Quarterback has stepped up

A lot has been said about Harper, who has rushed for more than 2,000 yards, but quarterback Eugene Miyata has been one of the big keys to Northwood’s success. He’s been able to find open receivers and scrambled for yards too. Miyata has passed for more than 1,700 yards and thrown 25 touchdowns.

“”He’s awful smart and he’s got quick feet, he saved us last year against Vista Del Lago and he saved us again this year with his feet,” said Northwood Coach JC Clarke.

“We’re trying to run it back,” Miyata said. “We know it’s going to be a great game, hopefully we win. We definitely have experience in that situation, our line is young and our skill players know what they’re doing.”

Lakewood looks for first title

Lakewood’s football team is looking for its first CIF title.

The Lancers are 8-5 overall and finished third in the Moore League. Lakewood has won five in a row and is led by senior quarterback Brayden Downen, who has passed for more than 1,700 yards. The defense is led by Tyree McCowen, who has more than 150 tackles. Noah Mallon and Rahkeen Moore have combined for half of the Lancers 30 sacks.

Coach returns to alma mater

After the COVID-shortened season in 2020, Lakewood’s current head coach Justin Utupo was named Northwood’s head coach for the 2021 season. But Utupo later accepted the head coaching job at Lakewood, his alma mater.

The Timberwolves ultimately turned to Clarke, who led them to a CIF title in 2011.

Lakewood has enjoyed success under Utupo, so in the end, it has worked out well for both programs, who wound up with solid coaches. There’s been plenty of excitement in Lakewood about the Lancers resurgence and trip to the finals.

“I was really excited for the opportunity to lead Northwood,” Utupo told OC Sports Zone in May 2021. “The administration was very supportive and they have great coaches on campus willing to help the student athletes. However, I made the decision to return to my alma mater Lakewood High School.”

Clarke knows Moore League well

Northwood’s victory in the CIF finals last year came against Long Beach Jordan from the Moore League. Clarke, the Northwood coach, will lead his team into Saturday’s final against another Moore League team, Lakewood.

Clarke has indicated great respect for all the Timberwolves’ playoff opponents. He is familiar with the area’s football teams, having coached for many years at Long Beach Wilson.

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