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Laguna Hills football players and coaches celebrate after winning the CIF Division 8 title. The Hawks rallied for a 28-27 victory over Golden Valley Saturday. (Photo courtesy Laguna Hills Athletics).
Two of the teams are in the bowl games; five from Orange County advance.
The Pacific Coast League, the higher division of the Pacific Coast Conference, has earned some respect during the post season.
Laguna Hills, coached by John Lester and league champion Northwood, led by JC Clarke, both won CIF football titles in their divisions.
Both teams are headed to the CIF Regional Championship Bowl Games. Northwood, 13-1, takes on Kennedy of Delano Friday night at 7:30 p.m. while Laguna Hills. 13-1 as well, is also on the road to face Birmingham in the 3A bowl game Saturday at 6 p.m.
Northwood players and coaches were scheduled to leave at 9 a.m. Friday after a team breakfast, according to offensive coordinator Phil Roh.
If the teams win their openers, both will also be on the road next week for the finals.
Two running backs stand out
Two senior running backs have been outstanding for Laguna Hills and Northwood. Troy Leigber, the leading rusher in the county for much of the year, has led Laguna Hills, while Adam Harper, the leading rusher in OC, has been a workhouse and standout back for Northwood.
Calling all Breaker football fans
Laguna Beach officials sent out a note on Twitter Friday encouraging football fans to show up in big numbers for the 4A bowl game Saturday at 6 p.m. vs. Granada Hills. They noted it will be the last home game of the season for Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach, coached by John Shanahan, won its first CIF title since 1946 last weekend and now the Breakers hope to extend their historic season. OC Sports Zone will have full coverage of Saturday’s game.
Big weekend for county football teams
Yorba Linda (1A) and Whittier Christian (7A) also have regional bowl games Saturday. Yorba Linda, with a victory, would advance into the 1A final next weekend at Saddleback College. Whittier College, with a win, would be on the road for the final.
Future plans for Northwood’s Adam Harper
A number of people have asked about whether Northwood’s star running back Adam Harper will play college football next season.
Harper addressed it after scoring three touchdowns in the Timberwolves 35-14 victory over Lakewood in the CIF Division 8 title game last week.
“I would love to play at the next level,” Harper said. “I want to go to BYU, so maybe I can go to play at BYU.”
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—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
