Northwood meets Irvine Friday with a lot on the line in Pacific Coast League match-up

Northwood Coach JC Clarke talks to his players after a game earlier this season. (File photo: OC Sports Zone, Tim Burt).

Northwood High School’s football team will be out to take another major step toward a Pacific Coast League title when it hosts defending league champion Irvine Friday night at 7 at Portola High School.

The Timberwolves improved their record to 7-1 overall with a 21-17 victory over Laguna Hills Friday night at Laguna Hills.

“I’m so proud of our kids and coaches, the offense was fantastic,” said Northwood Coach JC Clarke on Tuesday. “We had to go to the air to have a chance against their great defense and we had three passing touchdowns.”

The offense was led by quarterback Eugene Miyata while the defense was led by Adam Harper, who also contributed on offense as a runnning back.

“Eugene Miyata was terrific,” Clarke said. “Our O-line with five kids who did not play varsity ball last year gave us a brave and gritty performance. Our defense came alive in the second half and shut them out. Adam Harper alone had five tackles for losses along with a sack. He never came off for offense or defense. He’s a big-time player, I’m very happy with the team.”

Miyata has passed for 1,279 yards and 16 touchdowns while Harper has rushed for 1,279 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns and also has two passing touchdowns.

“He’s the leading tackler on the team by a lot, and one of OC’s best two-way players,” Clarke said.

Clarke expects a battle from Irvine. Coach Tom Ricci’s Vaqueros, with a victory, could also put themselves in the running for the league title. It’s also a big game to determine seedings for the CIF playoffs and to determine who wins the Dennis Toohey Fence Trophy. Two teams from the league are guaranteed playoff berths.

Irvine (4-4, 0-1) is coming off a 50-49 loss in overtime to Dana Hills Friday night.

“Irvine will be fired up this week,” Clarke said. “They play hard on defense, (they’re) very good up front and their offense runs, passes, motions and scores a lot of points. We’re looking forward to another tough game.”

The game is scheduled for Portola since Woodbridge and Portola will be playing at Irvine Stadium.

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