Northwood follows Bautista's lead

IRVINE – Ricky Bautista threw for 294 yards and three touchdowns, and Northwood thumped Valley Christian of Cerritos, 31-14, to wrap up nonleague play at Irvine High on Thursday night.

The Timberwolves open Pacific Coast League action playing host to Corona del Mar next Thursday.

Northwood (2-3) got another strong effort from Bautista, who completed 20 of 33 passes. All three of his touchdown passes came in the first half.

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OCVarsity Hot Shots from Thursday's football action

OCVarsity Fandemonium from Thursday's games

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He found Kevin Norman open for a 12-yard score to put Northwood on the board with 5:10 left in the first quarter. They hooked up again early in the second quarter for a 74-yard TD.

Special teams play helped Northwood put the game out of reach late in the first half.

After Northwood recovered a Valley Christian fumble on a punt return, Alex King caught a 22-yard TD pass from Bautista with 1:52 left in the half.

A minute later, Kyle Wakayama blocked a punt and Matt Blackburn scooped up the ball and ran in from the 9 to put Northwood up, 28-7.