Lara leaving legacy in short stint with Tars

Lanky transfer from Arizona making big impact on foes, as three takeaways against Charter Oak show.Having grown up elsewhere, Fernando Lara lacks historical perspective when it comes to Newport Harbor High football. He also lacks the trademark thickness acquired by those who spend the better part of four years in the Sailors’ weight room.

But the 6-foot, 160-pound senior cornerback has never been consumed by what he doesn’t have. He chooses instead to focus on what he has to offer.

“I look at myself as someone who loves to excel in sports and most of the other things that I do,” said the Arizona transfer, who has proved to be an excellent addition to the Sailors this fall.

Lara’s impact has been amplified in the postseason, particularly in Friday’s 28-7 victory over visiting Charter Oak in the CIF Southern Section Division VI quarterfinals.

Lara recovered a fumble at the Sailors’ 4-yard line to stop Charter Oak’s opening possession. He intercepted two passes, broke up three passes in the end zone, and provided textbook coverage most of the night.

For good measure, Lara kicked four PATs in four attempts.

“He made a few big plays for us,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said. “He’s a confident guy who has been getting better and better.”

Lara played last season at Saguaro High in Scottsdale. He transferred to Newport Harbor late in the season and watched from the stands as the Sailors reached the 2004 CIF Division VI title game.

“I didn’t really know what to expect, but it has really been fun,” Lara said of joining the team.

“It’s a great program, the coaches are great, the players are great and the school is great.”

Lara said his favorite position is receiver, but he found his best opportunity to play was at cornerback. That opportunity faded somewhat after he struggled in the preseason scrimmage, temporarily losing his starting job.

“That just made me want to work harder,” said Lara, who quickly regained his spot in the lineup and has remained there since.

“Learning what we ask our corners to do was all new for him,” Brinkley said. “But he kept pecking away.”

Lara has collected three interceptions in the playoffs and has five this season.

Despite often giving away height and weight to opposing receivers, he has consistently been in position to break up would-be completions. Lara said the enjoyment he experienced catching passes as a receiver, helps motivate him in his defensive role.

“I love catching the ball so much,” he said. “If I can’t catch passes as a receiver, I might as well catch them on defense.”

Lara said confidence is a key to his success.

“When I see the guy I’m playing against is bigger, stronger and faster, I get really excited,” he said. “I get pumped up to play against those guys. I tell myself I’m going to ruin their night.”

Brinkley said that self-assuredness helps Lara shake off the inevitable missteps that can lead to big plays by the opposition.

“He’s perfect for that position, because he has a short memory,” Brinkley said.

Lara utilized the ability to put a bad play behind him against Charter Oak. It was Lara who was burned on the Chargers’ 60-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter.

“I have no excuse for what happened on that play,” Lara said. “But I knew I couldn’t let that play get me down. I knew I had to keep playing hard, because I didn’t want to let my team down.”

Lara, who also plays rugby, said he enjoys chasing down ballcarriers in run support.

“I love the hitting aspect of the game,” he said. “I love a good shaking up very once in a while.”

Brinkley praised Lara’s ability to assist in stopping the run.

“For not being a real big guy, he definitely makes tackles,” Brinkley said.

FERNANDO LARA

Born: July 11, 1988

Hometown: Corona del Mar

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 160

Sport: Football

Positions: Cornerback/kicker

Coach: Jeff Brinkley

Favorite food: “Whatever my mom makes”

Favorite movie: “Varsity Blues “

Favorite athletic moment: “I don’t have one. I just love playing sports and being out on the field in any sport.”

Week in review: He intercepted two passes, recovered a fumble, broke up three passes in the end zone, and kicked four PATs in the Sailors’ 28-7 victory over visiting Charter Oak in a CIF Southern Section Division VI quarterfinal victory Friday.

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