Newport Harbor Stays on Ground, Beats University

IRVINE —  Newport Harbor capitalized on two turnovers and used a punishing ground attack in the second half to pull away from University, 21-7, in a Sea View League game Thursday night at Irvine High.

The teams were tied, 7-7, at halftime but Newport Harbor (5-3, 2-1 in league play) scored two quick touchdowns in the third quarter and University never recovered. Running back Brandon Finney set up the first score by gaining 34 of the Sailors’ 51 yards in the drive.

Finney’s yardage set up a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mike Ofer to tight end Jason Lawson. Finney finished with 118 yards in 32 carries and scored the game’s final touchdown on a three-yard run.

Newport Harbor’s defense was equally impressive. Justin Ketcham’s interception set up Finney’s touchdown and teammate Wade Tift recovered a fumble to end another University threat. University scored its only touchdown on three-yard run by Jerry Apana with 1 minute 3 seconds remaining in the first half.

“I asked our defense to try and get the ball back in our hands a little quicker in the second half and they responded,” said Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley. University (4-4, 1-2) gained 102 yards rushing with its Delaware Wing-T offense and quarterback Chris Peake added 115 yards passing, but two interceptions and a fumble were costly.

Peake completed 12 of 26 passes, but teamed with wide receiver Chad Valousky on six pass plays for 73 yards. University tailback Sammy Hunt, who entered the game with 497 yards rushing, finished with 36 yards in 10 carries.

“Since we lost to Saddleback, we’re playing for the championship every week,” Brinkley said. “We had to win tonight, or the game next week against (league leading) Tustin doesn’t have the same significance.”