NORTHWOOD NOTES: Timberwolves get a big sendoff for state bowl football final

Northwood players, coaches and team personnel headed to Escalon Friday for Saturday’s state bowl game. (Photo courtesy Northwood High School, Ernie Medina).

Northwood High School football players and coaches and supporters received an enthusiastic send-off from hundreds of students and faculty Friday morning as they headed to the San Joaquin Valley for Saturday’s CIF 4AA state bowl final.

An Irvine police car provided the lead for Northwood and a fire truck was in back of the two buses as they headed off for Saturday’s game.

Northwood, coached by JC Clarke, will play at Escalon Saturday at 6 p.m. for the 4AA championship. Northwood is seeking its first state title after winning the CIF Division 8 crown and the CIF Regional Bowl Game over Kennedy of Delano last weekend.

T’Wolves facing three-time champ

Northwood’s opponent on Saturday night is a three-time state champion, noted Northwood Coach JC Clarke.

“They are very well coached on offense and defense ….. three to four players bigger than us, then they look a lot like us with multiple two-way players. They play on a old grass field and we are expecting rain. I expect a clean, hard played game with the team who plays the best Saturday Night winning. We are as healthy as we have been all year and ready to compete.”

More honors for Adam Harper

Northwood’s Adam Harper is known for his dominating running skills. But last week, Harper also stepped up on defense and was named the Cal-HI Sports Southern Calfiornia defensive player of the week. Harper had 19 tackles (14 solo), the publication noted.

“Adam had another great night on both sides of the ball as did Danial Kamel who matched him in tackles,” Clarke said. “Ahmed Kazi, all 155 pounds of him, was a close third in tackles. Very happy we won another very close game. The kids are winners.”

College offer for Miyata

Northwood quarterback Eugene Miyata has had a big year for Northwood, making key completions and scrambling for first downs.

Clarke confirmed thatr Miyata received an offer from McPherson College in Kansas.

Football season too long?

Clarke, the Northwood coach, has had reservations about the football season being too long. Both Escalon (12-3) and Northwood (14-1) will be playing their 16th game this season.

“Sixteen games? Too long, .no way young high school kids should be playing three to four more games than the colleges play.”

But Clarke and his players seem excited about another challenge, and another long road trip.

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