Northwood football team brings home the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy -

Northwood players, coaches and supporters with the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy Thursday. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone).

Northwood High School is the new home of the Dennis Toohey Fence Post Trophy.

The Northwood football team earned the trophy, which will be on display at the school, with non-league victories over city rivals Irvine, Woodbridge and Portola.

The Timberwolves (5-0) were presented the trophy Thursday afternoon before practice by Sierra Wang, co-athletic director. Co-athletic director Erik Terry also attended.

“We’ve got a good start to the season and we beat the three Irvine teams we needed to beat,” said Northwood Coach JC Clarke. “I’m sure Marcello (Coach Giuliano) and Beckman would like to have a little say in this but he will get it sometime soon.”

Beckman, also 5-0, posted victories over city rivals Portola and Woodbridge. The Patriots are in the Lambda League and don’t have any more games against Irvine teams this season. Beckman opens league play on the road Friday at Fullerton.

In the past, Irvine teams have been grouped in the same Pacific Coast conference or league. But with teams now in different leagues, the criteria for winning the trophy changed, according to Mark Cunningham, Irvine Unified Athletic Director. Cunningham confirmed Northwood was the Fence Post champion.

“Because all Irvine schools will not play each other it was agreed that the team with the most wins vs Irvine schools would be declared the winner of the Fence Post,” he said. “If two teams had identical records, head to head criteria would be the determining factor. If there was no head to head they would both be declared co-Fence Post champions.”

The Northwood players, including senior running back/linebacker Joseph Harper were excited about winning the trophy.

“We were very excited,” Harper said. “When we went into the Portola game, we were thinking if we win, we’re going to win the Fence Post back but we didn’t know if they were doing it because all of the leagues changed and not everyone is playing each other anymore.

“Winning it my sophomore year was real exciting, and it’s kind of a pride, you beat out all of the schools in Irvine. I would have liked to win it last year but definitely after not even close to winning it last year, it was real nice staying on top and winning it this year. Northwood is not on the Fence Post a lot, so it’s good to put one on there in 2024.”

The trophy is named after Dennis Toohey, the late former Irvine youth football coach, who had a big impact on local players. The Fence Post reflects Irvine’s ranch heritage.

Irvine captured the trophy in 2023.

Northwood opens Foxtrot League play Friday, hosting Laguna Beach (5-0) at Irvine Stadium.