Return of Adam Harper helped Northwood make a run at Portola

Adam Harper of Northwood gains yards in a game against Crean Lutheran. (File photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood’s football team got a big lift from junior running back Adam Harper in Friday’s non-league game against Portola.

The Timberwolves started out strong, but weren’t able to complete the effort in a 28-24 loss to Portola at Irvine Stadium.

Harper, who had been out injured, returned to the lineup and scored two touchdowns, rushing for 144 yards with several long kick-off returns, including a 50-yard scamper to set up the Timberwolves first score. Harper also had a 42-yard kick-off return late in the game trying to help Northwood get in a position to tie the game.

“Adam Harper had an amazing game,” said Northwood Coach JC Clarke. “He makes us way better as an offensive team. We are happy to have him back. He makes us dangerous on kickoff return and punt return.”

Clarke expects that Harper will be able to play defense again.

“As he gets back in game shape he will play a little more defense,” the first-year head coach said.

Harper started the year with a big game, rushing for 202 yards, scoring two touchdowns on offense and recording 15 tackles and an interception in the Timberwolves’ 17-14 victory over Crean Lutheran.

Northwood’s starting quarterback Andrew Penrod is still out with injury, Clarke said. He’s being evaluated before being released to play, Clarke said.

Northwood had trouble containing Portola’s Nova Kebeli, who scored three touchdowns and rushed for a career best and school record 268 yards. Kebeli opened the season rushing for 258 yards in a victory over Woodbridge. Clarke credited Kebeli for his performance.

“Except for multiple big plays we thought we played well on defense,” Clarke said. “We were excited to see our offense move the ball against a very very good Portola defense. Esmar Walkmen was good on both sides of the ball along with Ahmad Kazi and Jan Abeulsad.”

Northwood, 2-3 overall, faces Irvine (5-0) Friday night at 7 at Irvine Stadium. It will be Irvine’s home game.

“Looking forward to another tough game against a tough Irvine team this week,” Clarke said.

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