Breakers, Timberwolves meet tonight

Two-time defending Northwood High is Laguna Beach’s High’s opponent

tonight in the second week of Pacific Coast League football action.

The teams collide at Guyer Field at 7 p.m.

Northwood has not lost a Pacific Coast League contest the past two

years and is off to a 1-0 start in the 2003 race -- thanks to last

week’s 20-14 victory over University.

The Timberwolves are 5-1 overall, their lone loss coming Sept. 29

to Los Amigos.

Tonight’s game is only the second road test for Northwood, which

is led by running back Jeff Keller with a 5.0 per carry average.

“They’ve built a solid tradition now over there,” Laguna Coach

Dave Holland said of Northwood. “They are unbeaten two years straight

and have another big, talented squad.

“We’ll have our hands full but if we avoid turning the ball over

and playing solidly all the way through, I think we’ll be all right.

We’ll be right there.”

Turnovers plagued Laguna in last week’s 36-21 league opening loss

to Corona del Mar.

Alex Wilson threw for 241 yards in the loss but also suffered a

first half knee sprain. He returned briefly to action but again was

sidelined.

His replacement, starting wide receiver/defensive back Jake

Wheeler, took over the quarterback reigns in the second half.

Wheeler, who took in a 30-yard pass from Wilson in the second

quarter for Laguna’s first score of the night, connected with Brett

O’Connor on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter.

Running back Brandon Hooper completed Laguna’s scoring on a

31-yard run.

As for tonight’s starting quarterback, Holland said there’s a

“strong possibility” that Wilson will start.

“He’s responding to treatment and he’ll wait for a doctor’s OK

Friday to let him know if he can play. If he’s not ready, then Jake’s

ready to go.”

Last year’s score: Northwood 40, Laguna 14

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Laguna Beach (3-3,0-1)

33 Palos Verdes 13

50 La Quinta 7

28 Bolsa Grande 20

13 Costa Mesa 41

28 Magnolia 36

21 *Corona del Mar 36

*Denotes Pacific Coast League game

*--*