Battle ofthe Unbeatens

Patrick Laverty

For the first time since 1977, Corona del Mar High and Newport Harbor

will enter the Battle of the Bay with unblemished records.

The 42nd edition of the Battle of the Bay will pair two 2-0

football teams that are both young, but have gained remarkable

experience over the first two weeks of the season.

But records, statistics and personnel matchups can be thrown out

when the Sea Kings and the Sailors meet on the gridiron, for it’s a

rivalry game.

“We get pretty excited around here,” Corona del Mar Coach Dick

Freeman said.

As do the Sailors. But the important thing for both teams is

remembering that this is a nonleague game that is supposed to prepare

the schools for their league schedule.

“It’s always an important game any time you play your crosstown

rival,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said. “But it’s still

preseason. Overemphasis on a week like this and it makes you suffer

down the line. We’re just trying to keep it as normal as possible.”

As normal as possible for a game that drew more than 6,000 fans

last year at Newport Harbor High. As the home team this season,

Corona del Mar, ranked No. 9 in CIF Southern Section Division IX,

will play host at Orange Coast College 7 p.m. on Friday.

On the field, both teams know what to expect.

“It’s Harbor, what can you say,” Freeman said.

The Sailors, ranked No. 4 in CIF Division VI, have done all the

talking in recent years in this matchup, winning four straight

against the Sea Kings by combined score of 134-7, and eight of the

last nine contests dating back to 1994.

Despite its recent success, Newport Harbor should enter this game

with a point to prove after playing poorly in last week’s 10-6

victory over Marina.

“Our guys were pretty much as disappointed as the Marina guys when

they left the field,” Brinkley said. “I was happy to see that.

They’re not just happy settling for a win. They know what the

expectations are and they know how we expect to play.”

Freeman knows how the Sailors expect to play too and he’s not

anticipating a repeat of the Sea Kings’ 314-yard rushing attack

against Troy in last week’s 22-7 victory.

“You have to be able to throw the ball against Harbor,” Freeman

said. “If you think you’re going to line up and run for 300 yards

against Harbor, you’re crazy.”

Quarterback Tom Welch provided a passing game in Corona del Mar’s

season-opening victory against Costa Mesa, with three touchdown

passes of 20 yards or longer, but he has just 10 completions in two

games.

“It’s nice to get the deep ones,” Freeman said. “But we need to

get in the range of 10 to 15 receptions per game. You have to have a

passing offense to beat good teams.”

Just as he wants balance on offense, Freeman is seeking the same

defensively. The Sailors are sure to run the ball with senior

tailback Matt Encinias and will find ways to get the ball into the

hands of junior wide receiver Spencer Link. Junior quarterback Kasey

Peters is 18 of 38 for 213 yards and three touchdowns, and has yet to

throw an interception.

“They’re not a team that’s going to throw the ball all over the

place,” Freeman said. “But I think they’re comfortable with their

passing game.”

The Sailors have yet to commit a turnover this season, while

recovering five fumbles and intercepting two passes, both by junior

cornerback Matt Erickson.

Since losing two fumbles in the first half against Costa Mesa, the

Sea Kings have also been turnover free. Their defense has also

recovered five fumbles and intercepted two passes.

“They’re solid defensively,” Brinkley said. “I was most impressed

with their athleticism. They might not be quite as big as in years

past, but they’re very athletic.”

Both defenses are likely to be short-handed. Newport Harbor senior

defensive end Peter Hoyt remains out with broken hand. Corona del Mar

sophomore linebacker Shaun Mohler is expected to miss the game after

suffering a concussion in last week’s victory.