Newport Harbor’s explosive victory over highly...

Newport Harbor’s explosive victory over highly regarded Marina

last week lends credibility to the notion the Sailors’ “slow” start

in a scrimmage with Mission Viejo and a 16-8 loss in the season

opener against Trabuco Hills speaks more to the quality of the

competition than the lack of savvy in the Sailors’ game. Dartagnan

Johnson ran for 206 yards and three TDs on 23 carries last year in

this game. Newport Harbor, despite its season-opening loss at Trabuco

Hills, is ranked No. 3 in CIF Division VI. Quarterback Michael

McDonald could hold the key to success for the Sailors. He completed

18 of 23 against Marina last week in the Tars’ coming out appearance.