Prep football: Ciarelli back in fold

Barry Faulkner

NEWPORT BEACH - In the ever cyclical world of high school football,

news faces are just part of the landscape. A familiar face, however, is

among the “new” participants this spring for Newport Harbor High’s

Sailors.

Assistant coach Tony Ciarelli, a key ingredient to the onset of

extended Sailor postseason runs in the early 1990s, is back in the fold

for Coach Jeff Brinkley, coordinating the defense after five seasons as

head coach at Huntington Beach High.

Ciarelli, also a key figure in establishing Newport’s heralded

offseason weight training program, had been a favorite among Sailor

players for his use of historic quotations for motivational purposes.

“He brings a different personality,” Brinkley said of his longtime

friend and colleague, who left the Harbor program after the 1996 season

to take the reins of his alma mater. His first tenure at Newport lasted

eight years, including the final three as defensive coordinator. His

first year running the defense, the Sailors went 14-0 and claimed the CIF

Southern Section Division V championship.

“He was a motivating factor when he was here before,” Brinkley

continued. “When you put together a staff, you want some different

personalities. The more diversity you have on your staff, the better

chance you have of having someone that every kid can relate to. Between

all of us (coaches), hopefully someone will find each kid’s hot button

and be able to get them going.”

With Ciarelli back running the defense, Evan Chalmers will focus

solely on working with the secondary.

Another change in the staff involves Mike Bargas, who will shift from

coaching the defensive line to the offensive line, replacing former

O-line coach Zach Biehl, now an assistant at Santa Ana College.

In terms of personnel, Brinkley said the constant evolution brought on

by graduation is, once again, underway.

“There are some new faces, but that’s high school football,” Brinkley

said. “We still have a lot of positions up for grabs.”

Brinkley said players are encouraged to choose their positions at the

beginning of spring and changes will be made from there.

“We have Chase Brawner working at fullback and he played offensive

line last year,” Brinkley said. “If a guy is at a position he really

loves, he may be more productive.”

Another newcomer making a big impression is Paul Toman, who will be a

senior tight end.

“He’s back in the program after not playing for a couple years,”

Brinkley said. “He is as fast as anyone on the team and he could really

give us a vertical threat at that position.”

Offensive lineman Nick Watkins, who will be a junior, has also caught

Brinkley’s eye for his work at guard.

“He’s a big kid, who is having a great spring,” Brinkley said. “We’ve

been very pleased with his progress.”

Brinkley said returning tailback Dartangan Johnson, who will be a

senior, has shown increased explosiveness.

Quarterback Mike McDonald, who will assume the reins after a two-year

apprenticeship behind Morgan Craig (who plans to walk on at USC), has

also been impressive, thus far, Brinkley said.

Dave Erickson, who started the final seven games of his junior season

at fullback and also three more at outside linebacker, is battling a back

injury that may prevent his return.

“There’s a very good chance he won’t be back,” Brinkley said. “Right

now, it’s about 50-50, if that much.”

The Sailors’ 91 players, who began drills May 28, will continue

through next week. They do not play a spring game.