Justin Utupo, who was named Northwood football coach, selected to lead Lakewood

Justin Utupo was named new Lakewood coach on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy Northwood athletics)

Justin Utupo, who resigned after being named Northwood High’s new football coach, was named as the new head coach at Lakewood High on Wednesday.

Utupo will be returning to his alma mater and replacing Scott Meyer, who took the head coaching job at Long Beach Wilson. Meyer previously coached at University and Corona del Mar.

“I was really excited for the opportunity to lead Northwood,” Utupo said Wednesday. “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. My wife is expecting our third child and I wanted to be closer to home as well as give back to the Lakewood community.”

Northwood’s co-athletic director Brandon Emery said Tuesday school officials have begun their search for a new coach to replace interim coach Mike Stewart, who resigned after two spring games.