Northwood to Play Varsity Football Schedule in Pacific Coast League

Northwood High, which had hoped to play a freelance football schedule next fall, will instead play a full varsity schedule in the Pacific Coast League.

Rick Curtis, athletic director and football coach, said the decision was made after the league sought clarification on Northwood being affiliated with the PCL but having a freelance varsity schedule.

The Southern Section ruled that the league had final determination in the matter, and league principals, according to Curtis, “gave us a choice--we could be a JV team, or a varsity team” in the PCL.

“Ideally, like in football, we would have been able to freelance and try to play more teams . . . that are similar to us in enrollment and makeup because we will not have any seniors next year,” Curtis said.

Curtis said the options included playing a varsity freelance nonleague schedule but playing a junior varsity league schedule, an option rejected by coaches, students and parents.