Northwood, coming off first CIF title, faces new challenges in the Pacific Coast League

Among the players expected to lead Northwood this season are (from left) Ahmad Kazi, Jan Abuelsad, Kaden Carter, Danial Kamel and Joseph Harper. (Photo: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).

Northwood High School’s football team made history last season, capturing the first CIF championship in school history.

“The kids were just great, everything just broke the right way,” said Timberwolves’ Coach JC Clarke.

Northwood defeated Long Beach Jordan to capture the CIF DIvision 11 title. The Timberwolves eventually lost to Righetti in the CIF 5A Southern California Regional title game.

Coach JC Clarke, who led Northwood to a 9-6 record, is hoping the success continues this season.

“As long as they’re trying their best, as an old coach, that makes us satisified,” Clarke said.

The Timberwolves open the season Friday, Aug. 19, hosting Woodbridge at Portola.

Northwood will face a tougher road this season in its quest to reach a CIF championship game.

Northwood, which won the Pacific Valley League title last season, is moving up to the higher Pacific Coast League team which is part of the eight-team Pacific Coast Conference. Irvine, Dana Hills and Laguna Hills are also in the league.

“We have our work cut out for us,” Clarke said. “It’s definitely a step up and if you’re good enough to beat those teams, we’re not going to be playing Division 11 anymore, we will be up at six, seven or eight, I would guess (for the playoffs).

“I know all four teams in that upper division made the playoffs last year but I would like to be first or second in that league. I think we’re capable of being one of those things. If we got first or second in that upper division, that would be a pretty good accomplishment.”

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Clarke has talented players to lead the way, including Adam Harper, who was MVP of the Pacific Valley League last season.

“We had a pretty good first week and a lot of guys out there,” Clarke said. “There was good emotion out there. we were pleased.”

Besides Adam Harper, his younger brother Joseph Harper, a 6-1 sophomore who plays wide receiver and defensive back, returns

“They just pick up wherever you want them to pick up,” Clarke said of the Harper brothers. “It’s incredible how fast they acquire techniques.”

Adam Harper, a 5-11 senior, carried the load offensively running the ball last year. But Clarke would like to cut down his workload a bit this season.

“With Phil Roh (offensive coordinator) I think we’re going to be able to pass a lot more,” Clarke said. “Adam got a little tired towards the end of the playoffs last year. We would like to have him carry less than 25 times a game, early in the season for sure.

“He’s still the best player on our team. He’s put on 10 pounds, he’s going to be something.”

Clarke is also confident in the abillities of senior quarterback Eugene Miyata, who had some big games last season.

“He really bailed us out a couple times in the playoffs,” Clarke said. “I think he will be able to keep Adam fresh. He had a couple of scrambles in the playoffs that just saved us; he got much, much better. He’s a good team leader. And we have another running back, Kaden Carter, a junior, who is pretty explosive also.”

On the line, returning All-CIF player Jan Abuelsad, a senior who plays both offense and defense is the only returning lineman back.

“We’ve had several kids come off of lower levels, some wrestlers and some different people and with Zaverio Brenner doing the coaching, I think we’re going to be good again on the offensive line,” Clarke said.

On defense, Clarke said that CIF defensive player of the year and league defensive MVP Danial Kamel, a linebacker, returns to lead the unit which also includes senior linebacker Ahmad Kazi.

“He will be in there with Adam and Andrew Penrod,” Clarke said. “Andrew Penrod is probably our second best receiver to Joe and he will spell Adam’s spot. We’re going to try and rest him on defense a little bit too and we have our safety coming back, (John Kim). He’s really good. We got Joe and Kaden (Carter) at the ends.”

Junior Shane Stradling, an outstanding guard and defensive tackle, has also impressed Clarke with his hard work in the off-season.

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