OCVarsity’s season preview for 2016:
NORTHWOOD TIMBERWOLVES
Coach: Phil Roh
Last season: 2-8 overall, 1-4 league
Scouting report: The energetic Phil Roh, the offensive coordinator last season, takes the reins from Dean Toohey. Roh, 36, has already successfully recruited athletes from track, lacrosse and baseball to play football. In another coup for Roh, Toohey is the team’s defensive coordinator. Toohey’s son, Calvin, is a senior wide receiver. The Timberwolves return five starters for their spread offense, including three offensive linemen and all-league wide receiver Michael Bellas (6-3, 185). That’s a good foundation for first-year starting QB Cameron Kasey, who Roh praises for a “fearless” competitive spirit. The defense returns four starters. The secondary includes promising juniors Michael Chambers, Alex Aviles and Michael Coleman. Inside linebacker Jason Pontillas is a player to watch for this season. Roh said he is the first junior captain in school history. Pontillas also plays running back.
Bottom line: The Timberwolves struggled the most on offense last season, averaging a league-low 12.2 points per game in the regular season. If they can improve on offense and grow quickly on defense, the Wolverines could emerge as one of the most improved teams in the league.
Players to watch: Cameron Kasey, QB, Sr.; Jason Pontillas, RB/LB, Jr.; Michael Bellas, WR, Sr.; Brooks Blackburn, OT, Sr.; Alex Aviles, SS, Jr.
RELATED LINKS
- Pacific Coast League preview
- Beckman preview
- Corona del Mar preview
- Irvine preview
- Northwood preview
- University preview
- Woodbridge preview
Contact the writer: dalbano@scng.com
