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.
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