Two players led the way for their teams in Laguna Hills vs. Northwood showdown

Ryan McKevitt of Laguna Hills (left) and Joseph Harper from Northwood had big games Friday night. (Photos and Illustration: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).

Ryan McKevitt of Laguna Hills and Northwood’s Joseph Harper provided inspiration for their football teams Friday night with outstanding individual performances and leadership in a Pacific Coast League showdown at Irvine Stadium.

Players from both sides left it all out on the field; Laguna Hills won 31-28 in overtime.

Both players have had to battle injuries: McKevitt with a shoulder injury and Harper with a fractured wrist. He’s been playing with a soft cast.

Ryan McKevitt

Laguna Hills Coach John Lester said McKevitt provided a big lift when he returned after a seven-game absence due to a shoulder injury. He rushed for more than 100 yards, scoring the game-tying touchdown late in regulation.

The junior running back said he had a broken shoulder but showed no signs of the injury bothering him Friday night.

“That’s just what we do, we work hard for those runs,” he said of his rushing performance.

Laguna Hills is hoping to win a share of the league title with a victory next week vs. Portola.

“Hard work, grind in practice, that’s what it takes,” he said of what it will take to do that.

Joseph Harper

Harper, a junior tight end and lineman, had a great offensive game with two touchdowns and 11 catches for 134 yards and was a force on defense, with a number of hurries and sacks. He also inspired his Northwood teammates from start to finish with his positive attitude.

“They got three people on him and he’s catching the ball and running over them,” said Northwood Coach JC Clarke.

Harper is hoping his squad can defeat Dana Hills next week and clinch a share of the league title.

He responded to the loss Saturday on X:

“Left it all on the field last night with a heart-breaker against a good Laguna Hills squad. Was a force on both sides of the ball, looking to take it to Dana Hills and make it three-way tie for first in the PCL.”

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