Prep football Bravehearts: Newport Harbor secondary

Barry Faulkner

NEWPORT BEACH - The Newport Harbor High secondary knew much more

about its two-deep zone than a comfort zone when this season began.

And, mere moments into the opening game against Orange Lutheran, the

unit’s security blanket, senior cornerback-turned-safety Brian Gaeta,

took the totality of the group’s varsity starting experience out of the

equation by tearing ankle ligaments that sidelined him for more than a

month.

But seniors Adam Kerns and Nick Iverson, junior Mike McDonald and

sophomore Warren Junowich quickly came together to forge a reliable

backdrop to what has become Orange County’s stingiest defense. And, with

Gaeta now back in the lineup, the Sailors bring 19 interceptions, fifth

most in single-season school history, into Friday’s CIF Southern Section

Division VI quarterfinal clash against visiting Cerritos.

“They’ve played very well all year, especially for guys who were kind

of thrust into action without a lot of experience,” Sailors Coach Jeff

Brinkley said.

Kerns, who sat out last season, has shown no signs of rust at one

cornerback spot. His five interceptions lead the team and he has also

earned a reputation as a big hitter.

“(Kerns) has played like he never missed a beat,” Brinkley said.

McDonald, expected to succeed Morgan Craig at quarterback next fall,

has been a steady performer at free safety. He has five interceptions,

including one that set up a short touchdown drive in the Tars’ 49-0

first-round romp over Ocean View.

“He’s such an athlete and he’s an intelligent guy back there,”

Brinkley said. “And for not being a real big guy (6-foot, 160 pounds),

he’s a pretty good tackler as well.”

Gaeta, who had six interceptions as a junior, was shifted back to

cornerback upon his return, taking over for Iverson, whom Brinkley

credits with admirably holding the fort.

“With Brian back, it gives us a guy who is physical (6-3, 195) and can

still cover,” Brinkley said.

“And (Iverson) is a guy who deserves a lot of credit for the job he

did. He’s also one of our most valuable special teams guys.”

Gaeta and Iverson have one interception apiece this season.

When Gaeta went down, sophomore Warren Junowich, who had impressed

coaches with his aggressiveness in practice, emerged at strong safety.

The 5-9, 145-pounder belies his small stature by providing run support

with abandon.

“He’s really a tough nut and he’ll hit you as hard as anybody,”

Brinkley said of Junowich, who returned his first interception of the

season 24 yards against Ocean View. “He has also worked hard to improve

his coverage skills.”

Senior safety Jon Vandersloot (two interceptions) also sees action,

spelling McDonald, who also starts at wide receiver.

In addition, cornerbacks Lu Castillo and Bryce Sawyer, as well as

safety Ben Soza, contributed to the Ocean View win, during which the

Seahawks completed 7 of 14 for a mere 36 passing yards and never

penetrated deeper than the Sailors’ 42-yard line.

Soza and Sawyer also have interceptions this fall.