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Defense stars again for Northwood football in shutout of Pacifica

September 6, 2024

IRVINE — Northwood’s defense continued its streak of dominant play in a 24-0 win over Pacifica Thursday in a nonleague football game at Irvine High.

The Timberwolves (3-0) have allowed just one offensive touchdown this season through three games. Northwood’s starting defense held Pacifica (1-2) to 103 yards of total offense with four first downs.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Northwood coach JC Clarke said. “After 27 years of running ‘the bear’ defense, we switched it up this year and it’s working better than I thought.”

Northwood’s Joseph Harper (8), right, fends off Pacifica’s Armando Torres (8) to score touchdown in the third quarter in a game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pacifica quarterback Ethan McLaughlin passes in the second quarter of a game against Northwood at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Jack Schultz (11) catches a pass in the end zone over the defense of Pacifica’s Max Salas (14) for a touchdown in the third quarter in a game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Joseph Harper (8), center, breaks through the Pacifica defense in the first quarter in a game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pacifica’s Jakob Davis (6) catches a pass in the second quarter but fumbles the ball with Northwood recovering it during a football game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Joseph Harper (8), recovers the ball after Pacifica’s Jakob Davis fumbled the ball after a pass in the second quarter in a game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood head coach JC Clarke during a football game against Pacifica at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Jace Lin (83) breaks the tackle of Pacifica’s Tyler Alvarado (35) in the second quarter during a football game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Cole Hidalgo (1) catches a ball at the 8-yard line over the defense of Pacifica’s Max Salas (14) in the second quarter during a football game at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Pacifica head coach Kyle Murphy, left, during a football game against Northwood at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Northwood’s Joseph Harper (8) rushes back to the sideline after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter in a game against Pacifica at Irvine High School in Irvine on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Northwood forced three turnovers and allowed Pacifica to cross the 50-yard line only once.

“It’s been amazing. We have had hiccups on offense but the defense has always been there to have their backs,” Northwood senior Joseph Harper said. “When the offense clicks and we are firing on all cylinders, I think this team is going to be really great.”

Harper, who has been a two-way starter all four of his years at Northwood, ran for 66 yards with two touchdowns and recovered a fumble on defense.

“He’s a special player just like his older brother (Adam Harper) was,” Clarke said.

It took over 20 minutes of game time for Northwood to score its first points. The Timberwolves’ first three possessions of the game resulted in a missed field goal, a turnover on downs and a lost fumble.

After a fumble recovery by Harper, he capped a 60-yard scoring drive with a rushing touchdown to end the scoreless tie.

Harper said the play of the defense kept the team calm while the offense struggled early.

“A lot of that is the defense. We made mistakes and turned it over in the red zone, but the defense got a three-and-out and we were back,” Harper said. “I said, ‘you guys block and I’ll score,’ and once we get that first touchdown, the rest will come.”

Final: Northwood 24, Pacifica 0
Joseph Harper (below) had 2 touchdowns and recovered a fumble. Northwood’s starting defense has allowed just one touchdown this season. @SoCalVarsity @Northwood_FB @JosephHarper_8 @SteveFryer @latsondheimer @ocvarsityguy pic.twitter.com/zfFPcqZOc0

— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) September 6, 2024

Cole Hidalgo intercepted a Pacifica pass deep into Mariners territory. Gavin Lounsbury threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Donald Longo to give Northwood a 14-0 lead entering halftime.

Lounsbury threw for 149 yards with a touchdown. Hidalgo led all receivers with 93 yards on eight receptions.

Pacifica struggled offensively all game but particularly in the first half. The Mariners did not get a first down until there was one minute remaining in the second quarter and had just 67 yards of offense in the first half.

Running back Jack Brucker drove the Timberwolves down the field and Harper ran for a 2-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 21-0.

Brucker led Northwood in rushing with 109 yards on 18 carries.

After a fumble recovery by Quintin Lynch, Hidalgo made a 20-yard field goal for the Timberwolves.

Ryan Armenta had a fumble recovery for Pacifica and Jerad Verdure had a sack.

Ethan McLaughlin threw for 80 yards and Michael Lee ran for 55 yards.

Northwood won two consecutive CIF-SS championships in 2021-22 and will play in a tough Foxtrot League this season with teams that have been in higher playoff divisions than the Timberwolves.

“I think we can compete with anybody in our league,” Harper said. “It’s a tough league. There are a lot of great players and big teams in this league. I know we aren’t favored, but I think we can surprise some people.

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