SUMMER FOOTBALL UPDATE: First-year Northwood head coach sees progress

Adam Harper, shown scoring a TD against University in March, is one of Northwood’s key returning players. (File photo courtesy Mark Bausman, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High School’s football team completed it summer camp this week and first-year head coach JC Clarke said the Timberwolves made some progress.

“We were happy to see the players who came and showed up with great attitudes and enthusiasm,” said Clarke, a long-time assistant coach at Northwood. “Through camp and our 7 vs. 7 competitions we were pleased with our improvement and dedication the players showed.

“New defensive coordinator Dean Toohey and new offensive coordinator Mike Stewart have done great jobs getting their units ready to play and compete. We are going to be simple and rely on great technique this year.”

A number of players are expected to lead the Timberwolves.

“Coming back for us are two juniors, Adam Harper and Andrew Penrod, who started for us as freshmen which is a first in my 46 years of coaching,” Clarke said.”We are expecting a lot from them. Going both ways, we are expecting a lot of leadership from senior linemen Ace Jacobs. Because of many injuries last spring our junior class got a lot of playing time last year as sophomores. Two of the best of them are wide receiver/defensive back Dominic Cotton and offensive lineman/defensive lineman Jan Abuelsad.

“We know we have good players. We are hoping to get a great turnout in August so we have the depth and talent to have a great season.”

Clarke was named the new head football coach earlier this month.

2021 NORTHWOOD SCHEDULE

Friday, Aug. 27, vs. Crean Lutheran, home

Friday, Sept. 3, Laguna Beach, home

Friday, Sept. 10, at Loara

Thursday, Sept. 16, Laguna Hills, home

Friday, Sept. 24, Portola, home

Friday, Oct. 1, at Irvine

Friday, Oct. 8, at Dana Hills

Friday, Oct. 15, University, home

Friday, Oct. 22, vs. Woodbridge at University

Thursday, Oct. 28, Beckman home

(Home games at Irvine Stadium)

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