Collision course to come

Rick Devereux

Spring football can make it difficult for a coach to properly

evaluate his team because the practices, unlike those in the regular

season, lack contact. This dilemma is especially difficult if those

comprising the offensive and defensive lines are fairly new.

Such is the case for Newport Harbor High Coach Jeff Brinkley, who

led the Sailors to a 7-4 finish, 2-3 in the Sea View League, and a

CIF Southern Section Division VI at-large playoff berth last fall.

“Our O-line is young and inexperienced,” Brinkley said. “And as

goes the line, so goes the team.”

Brinkley will rely on soon-to-be senior Steve Joslin to anchor the

line by moving from guard, his position last year, to the

all-important left tackle spot that protects the blindside of the

quarterback.

That quarterback is scheduled to be Kasey Peters. Peters was the

starter last year as a junior, but a broken collarbone in Week 7

forced him to the sideline. His backup will be Tom Jackson, who

gained valuable playing time as a sophomore.

Whoever will be throwing the ball, Spencer Link will be catching

it. Link was a first-team All-Sea View League pick and the

Newport-Mesa Player of the Year last season as a junior, after

finishing with 53 receptions for 945 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“Our offensive philosophy will be to throw for a high completion

percentage with a low interception ratio,” said Brinkley as his team

neared the completion of spring drills. “We’re going to take care of

the ball.”

The Tars will line up with four linemen and three linebackers on

defense again next year. Brinkley, entering his 19th season at the

helm, likes the four-three because it can match up well with most

offensive alignments.

“The four-three defense is very adaptable to different offensive

formations,” he said.

The secondary is working out fine, according to Brinkley. He said

the linebackers are developing nicely, as well.

But with a four-three, the linemen need to be aggressive,

something hard to accomplish in the spring.

“When you’re not in pads, it’s tough,” he said. “But I think

everyone is making progress.”

Even without full contact, Brinkley is pleased with the direction

his team is headed.

“We’re practicing like we’re in the middle of season,” he said.

“Everyone’s right on pace.”