Northwood Rallies Past Fountain Valley to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive, Score 20-7 (2025)

Huntington Beach – ‘Cap’ Sheue Field (HBHS)

Northwood picked up a crucial road win Thursday night, defeating Fountain Valley 20-7 at Huntington Beach High to keep its CIF playoff hopes alive heading into the final week of the regular season.

The Timberwolves (4-5, 1-3) had dropped three straight games, including a narrow 34-28 loss to Orange last week, but bounced back behind sophomore quarterback Dylan D’Epifanio, who delivered one of his best performances of the season. D’Epifanio completed 16 of 26 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise and accuracy against a spirited Barons defense.

Northwood jumped ahead in the first half when D’Epifanio connected with Isaac Kwon for a 17-yard touchdown, but Fountain Valley quickly responded. The Barons (1-8, 0-4) tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter after sophomore quarterback Isaac Combs found Drake Robinson for a 9-yard scoring pass. Combs finished 17 of 29 for 176 yards, though the Timberwolves defense forced two key interceptions.

With the score tied late in the first half, Northwood regained control when running back Isaiah Arriola powered in from a yard out with 13 seconds left, sending the Timberwolves into halftime with a 14-7 advantage. Arriola also had a first-quarter interception that stopped a promising FV drive.

The defining play of the game came midway through the third quarter when D’Epifanio hit Jack Schultz on a 68-yard touchdown strike down the right sideline to extend the lead to 20-7. Schultz was outstanding all night, hauling in six receptions for 142 yards and inspiring teammates with his energy on both sides of the ball.

Fountain Valley pushed deep into Timberwolves territory in the closing minutes, but Northwood’s Elliot Kwon came up with a game-sealing interception at the 24-yard line.

“This win kind of gives us hope,” Schultz said postgame. “We’ve battled some tough teams, but this one lifts the spirits heading into next week.”

Northwood now faces a must-win matchup against unbeaten Dana Hills (8-0, 3-0) at Irvine Stadium, while Fountain Valley concludes its season seeking to end on a high note after several close Foxtrot League battles.