Northwood Successfully Blocks Tesoro’s Title Try -- Twice

Two big plays on special teams helped lead Irvine Northwood to its third consecutive Pacific Coast League football title with a 14-13 victory over host Rancho Santa Margarita Tesoro on Friday night.

With Northwood trailing, 13-7, Erik Bosshart blocked an extra-point attempt by Tesoro’s Todd Sciacqua midway through the third quarter.

After Northwood (9-1, 5-0) failed to get off a punt to open the fourth quarter, Tesoro took over at the Timberwolves’ seven-yard line. However, the Titans had to settle for Sciacqua’s 27-yard field goal attempt, which was also blocked, this time by Dylan Tasher. Mike Stone picked up the loose ball and returned it to the Tesoro 43.

Seven plays later, Northwood scored on a 17-yard pass from backup quarterback Dan Selway to Bosshart. Brian Klucsar’s extra-point gave the Timberwolves a 14-13 lead.

Tesoro (8-2, 4-1), which led at halftime, 7-0, scored on its first possession of the game. Quarterback Nick Nelson connected with Erik Hamren on a 73-yard pass play, keying a four-play drive that ended in a three-yard run by Nelson.

Hamren also scored on a 12-yard pass from Nelson in the third quarter.