Northwood falls behind early and loses to Rio Hondo Prep 41-22 in CIF Division 12 opener

Northwood quarterback Jaden Piazza, shown in a PCL game, had more than 300 yards passing in Friday’s CIF playoff loss. (Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High’s football team fell behind by 22 points in the first quarter and was unable to recover, losing on the road Friday night to Rio Hondo Prep 41-22 in the opening round of the CIF Division 12 playoffs.

“Northwood went into Friday night’s game as a huge underdog to a very well coached and powerful team, Rio Hondo Prep,” said Northwood Coach Paige Nobles.

“Despite Northwood’s lack of size my team still worked their butts off trying to get the win and move on in the Division 12 bracket. As soon as we would get a good drive going we would turn the ball over either on downs, fumbles, or interceptions. The turnovers would prove very costly for us because as we went down by 22 points in the first quarter.”

Nobles said his team, which finished 8-3, battled the whole way.

“I am so proud of my guys because we held Rio Hondo Prep scoreless in the second quarter and we never gave up,” he said. “They kept fighting till the very end. Take away our turnovers in the first half and we would be looking at a 22-19 football game.

“Once we got into a rhythm senior QB Jaden Piazza went 18 for 36 for over 305 yards passing with three passing touchdowns with three interceptions.

“Northwood’s receivers did a great job tonight catching the ball. Our three biggest contributors were Nate Maloney with a TD catch, senior Jackson Baker with a TD catch that went 46 yards with a total of 95 yards on the night. But once again Travis Arena showed why he is the most dominating receiver in Division 12. Travis had 11 receptions for 162 yards with his longest being a 70 yard touchdown.”

Nobles said Northwood’s defense also made some big plays.

“Northwood’s defense was stellar tonight making huge tackles for loss, sacks that took them out of range for an easy first downs and numerous tackles. Max Tait, Trey Littlejohn, Ethan Duong, Esmar Walkman, Najib Hersi, Andrew Penrod, Adam Harper, Jackson Baker and Nate Maloney proved they were a force to be reckoned with.

“I said the team that made the fewest mistakes would win tonight’s game and that is what Rio Hondo Prep did. I want to thank and congratulate Rio Hondo Prep’s coaches for an amazing game and I wish them all the luck in their next game.”