PCL: Portola gets major test Friday hosting Beckman; Northwood meets University

Kaveh Wojtowich leads the Portola defensive unit. (Photo Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Portola High’s football team, in its second varsity season, is looking to be in the mix for the CIF playoffs and possibly a Pacific Coast League title.

The Bulldogs host Beckman Friday night in the Pacific Coast League opener.

“As one would expect, the PCL looks like a tight race that I’d assume will come down to the final week or two of the season,” said Coach Peter Abe.   “Teams are as balanced as I’ve seen in a while, which should make for some exciting competition.

“The Bulldogs are 4-1 going into Pacific Coast League play having done some travelling this pre-season, getting better each week along the way.  This week against Beckman will be a good gauge as to where we stand physically, as while we have seen increased success this season, the Bulldogs are still hard at work every day to establish and reinforce championship habits for our growing program. 

“Our first class of seniors has done a fantastic job creating an exciting and dynamic culture at practice and in the weightroom, while fully investing into the Bulldog Pedigree values in their community.

“The Bulldogs are excited to be a part of the PCL conversation, as we’ve worked for almost four years years now to prove we belong, and earn a seat at the table.”

Portola is led by dual threat quarterback Brandon Yue, who Abe said “has led the offense, providing the consistency, poise, and burning desire to win that has fueled our program through some rough patches, fostering a renewed confidence in 2019 that we can get the job done each week.

“Complimenting Brandon is the dynamic duo of leading rusher sophomore Nova Kebeli and junior Trevor Yue. Those two have put in some tough work behind our Big Dawgs on the O-Line clearing the way.”

The defense is led by senior Kaveh Wojtowich who Abe said “has been solid in the secondary at free safety with leading tacklers Adrian Valerin (senior linebacker) and junior linebacker Max Gatti shoring up the box. 

“Partner that with the dynamic pass rush of senior defensive end Jared Van Haeren, and the Bulldogs have plenty of reason to get fired up for each and every Friday night. Win, lose, or draw expect the Bulldogs to play hard for 48 minutes, to play with passion and pride in their game, school, and community, and always to Protect the Bulldog Pedigree.”

Beckman comes in 3-2 and has been ranked as high as number one in the CIF Division 14 poll. Beckman is fifth in this week’s poll and Portola seventh.

“So far the season has provided a lot of learning opportunities both in regards to the game and character,” said Beckman Coach Marcello Giuliano. “Clearly, it’s good to have a winning record at this point in the season, especially playing against some good competition, but it just doesn’t mean very much when it comes to league play and making the playoffs.

“PCL looks like any of the six teams could win it. All the teams have solid cores of talented players, so weekly preparation and mindset are going to be critical in bringing your A-game every Friday night.  Like I said pre-season, for us it’s about making the daily commitment to do the things that create success rather than focusing on the end-results or goals.”

Beckman is led by quarterback Jason Cheng, who has 800 total yards and nine total touchdowns; running back Jett Daviss, who has 380 yards and five touchdowns; linebacker Jarel Coleman, who has 78 tackles, two sacks and five total take-aways; strong safety Josh Carter, who has 40 tackles and two sacks and offensive and defensive lineman Jake Oswald, who Giuliano said “never comes off the field.”

Northwood (4-1) hopes to take the initial step toward a league title when it hosts University (0-5) Friday night at Irvine Stadium.

“Northwood football has had a pretty good season so far  with our only loss in overtime  to Dana Hills,” said Coach Paige Nobles. “I feel confident going into league this Friday night against Uni High School. We have had our share of bumps and bruises along the way and needed reserve players to step up and fill in the void which they did an amazing job.

“Jaden Piazza has had a pretty good pre-season so far throwing. Jaden has completed 66 passes out of 123 attempts, throwing for over 645 yards, 11 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Jaden has also rushed for 105 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown.”

The defense is led by lineman Xavier Cousar.

“Xavier Cousar has been a wrecking ball making a lot of offense’s wish they had him on their team.” Nobles said. “Xavier has logged in over 30 1/2 total tackles with 23 of them solo tackles, eight sacks on the on the year and eight tackles for loss so far.”

Travis Arena is also having a great season with 38 catches for 444 yards and seven touchdowns. Defensively, he has 13 1/2 tackles with 12 solo tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and three tackles for a loss.

“Travis Arena has to be the best Division 12 receiver out there and I would also say he is probably one of the best receivers in all of the Southern Section,” Nobles said.

Max Tait, Trey Littlejohn and Jackson Baker have all stepped up too, Nobles said.

“Max Tait, my middle linebacker, might not be as big as some of those we have played or will play but you won’t find another player who hits harder than Max does,” Nobles said. “So far he has over 22 1/2 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, three sacks and 6 1/2 tackles for losses with one interception for a touchdown.

“Trey Littlejohn is another crafty receiver that is hard to bring down or catch once he gets the ball in his hands. So far Trey has over 164 yards on 13 receptions and three touchdowns. Jackson Baker is proving every game why so many teams want to run away from him. Jackson has logged in so far 20 1/2 total tackles, 15 solo tackles and two interceptions.”

University, led by first year Coach Chris Hernandez, is hoping to get untracked after watching his team lose to Segerstrom last week 57-0.

Hernandez has remained positive despite the setbacks. Three starting linemen were out of last week’s game and the coach is hoping that one of his top offensive and defensive players Branton Lucas is healthy and able to play in league games.

CLOSER LOOK AT PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

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