On Target

NEWPORT BEACH - Newport Harbor High’s football team obviously got off

on the right foot Thursday night with a 55-6 thrashing of Orange, the

Sailors’ ninth straight victory in the opener at the expense of the

Panthers, and 11th straight win in season openers overall.

Considering the scope of the score, as well as last year’s 70-8 rout

of the Panthers, one must wonder how long can Orange accept this annual

beating?

Apparently at least one more year - Orange accepted a one-and-one

arrangement with the Sailors after last year’s rout.

Newport Harbor rolled up 502 yards overall to Orange’s 98, and led at

halftime, 35-0, with almost all of the damage done on the ground (34

carries for 301 yards).

In the passing game it was Chris Manderino pulling the trigger with

two touchdown passes, one to Billy Clayton on a 30-yard strike, and the

other a 31-yard play with receiver Justin Jacobs.

Friday’s account of the game credited Manderino with just one

touchdown pass.

The Sailors are back in action with another Thursday game, again on

the road, with Marina hosting the game at Westminster High. Marina

handled Corona del Mar in Thursday’s nonleague opener, 28-7, behind the

bull-like rushes of Ray Mietkiewicz.

Corona del Mar will try to turn things around on Friday at Newport

when the Sea Kings host Pomona.

A week later the Sea Kings will be hosting their nonleague game at

Newport Harbor, against Newport in the 38th renewal of the Battle of the

Bay. Newport leads the series, 25-12, and will be trying to bounce back

after last year’s 28-12 loss to Corona del Mar snapped a four-year reign.