Perfect storm fuels Sailors’ upset

A torrential downpour that began just prior to kickoff Friday night was only one of the factors that contributed to the perfect storm that allowed host Newport Harbor High to upset Esperanza, 21-13, in the Sunset League football opener for both teams.

The rain-soaked field, which led to a slippery ball, helped contribute to five fumbles by the Aztecs, four of which were recovered by Sailors.

The muddy conditions, arguably, contributed to some special teams breakdowns by the Aztecs, ranked No. 5 in the CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division. The miscues included a blocked punt that Newport Harbor turned into a touchdown to open the scoring, and a failed Esperanza conversion kick that helped the Sailors retain a 14-13 lead with 8:02 left in the game.

But there were several other factors, as well.

Among those: a spirited homecoming crowd; a confident underdog in the Sailors, who had regained their self-esteem after two tumultuous losses by blanking Mira Costa on the road in their final nonleague tuneup; a turnover-free performance for the Tars, who recovered all three of their own fumbles; and, perhaps, at least a subconscious superiority felt by the Aztecs, who reached the CIF Division I title game a year ago and had carved through their first five opponents by averaging more than 44 points per contest.

Regardless of the subtext, Newport Harbor’s accomplishment should not be diminished. The Sailors matched the Aztecs collision for collision and managed a handful of big plays of their own.

Though some might call it one of the program’s biggest victories ever, it could hardly be considered a fluke.

“I think our kids believed they could compete and the game just reinforced some of those thoughts,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley.

Corona del Mar and Sage Hill also bolstered their collective self-esteem with league-opening victories, while Estancia was defeated and Costa Mesa enjoyed a bye.

Regardless of the mindset of each Newport-Mesa program, all enter this week comforted by knowing they are all at least tied for first place in their respective leagues (Costa Mesa and Estancia don’t begin Orange Coast League play until the last weekend of October).

Here’s a school-by-school breakdown of last week’s action:

Sailor rooters would argue it was not the only time lightning struck in one of the school’s biggest regular-season victories in recent memory.

Brinkley said there were a number of big plays, a few of which might have been overlooked in a parade of big plays made by both teams.

One, Brinkley said, was a two-point conversion that upped Newport Harbor’s lead from 12-0 to 14-0, late in the first half.

Brinkley called timeout after Ben Frazier ran 23 yards for a touchdown with 2:31 left before intermission.

Quarterback Kevin Williams rolled right on the play and delivered the ball just before being popped squarely by an oncoming pass rusher.

Junior tight end Dustin Campbell stretched to field the pass at around his knee level near the goal line, but was latched onto by two tacklers, before he had a chance to advance the ball. Undaunted, Campbell merely bent both knees, drove off his back foot and propelled himself past the plane of the goal line.

“It was an unbelievable effort,” Brinkley said.

In addition to his continued strong play at middle linebacker, Nick Frazier drew special praise from Brinkley for his punting performance.

Nick Frazier punted six times for an average of 34.5 yards, which might not seem special. But Frazier’s ability to direct his kicks away from the lone returner, helped Newport Harbor preserve valuable field position.

Additionally, Nick Frazier made an athletic play to field a high snap and get off a punt that pinned the Aztecs at their own 16-yard line midway through the third quarter.

Nick Frazier also drove two of his three kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.

Brinkley said the injury to the right ankle of Ben Frazier does not appear serious.

The Sailors (4-2, 1-0 in league), who have been unranked all season in the Pac-5 poll, could make their debut when the rankings are released today.

Newport Harbor hits the road for another Sunset League duel, when it meets Los Alamitos (5-1, 1-0), Thursday at 7 p.m. at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

In addition to continued standout play by his defense, Coach Dick Freeman said a rejuvenated rushing attack, with junior Erik Rask starting at tailback, was a highlight.

Rask, who opened the season as the starter, but had seen limited action on offense in recent weeks due to a bruised thigh and a sprained ankle, produced 121 yards on 20 strong carries.

The Sea Kings (5-2), ranked No. 2 in the CIF Southern Section Southern Division, also benefited from the return of senior quarterback Taylor Hughes.

Hughes, who had missed the two previous games with an injury to his throwing shoulder, threw for 146 yards and two touchdowns.

The Sea Kings meet preseason league title favorite Laguna Hills (5-1), Friday at 7 p.m. at Mission Viejo High.

The winner could have the inside track on the league crown.

“Really, it’s the only game we’ve been healthy as a unit all year,” Monarch said.

The depth chart, however, sustained a fresh hit, when two-way standout Michael Higgins suffered a broken collarbone that will sideline him a minimum of four weeks.

Another positive in the victory was the joy displayed by the Lightning players, Monarch said.

“We told our kids to show more emotion and that they need to have fun,” Monarch said. “We’d been playing a little lackluster lately. It was almost like the kids had forgotten how to have fun. But they had a blast Friday.”

Junior quarterback Jamie McGee returned from a shoulder injury to throw for 191 yards. He completed 11 of 16 passes.

Don Ayres and Max Torres each surpassed the 100-yard mark to anchor a running game that amassed 246 rushing yards.

Monarch said it was the best run-pass balance the offense has displayed this season.

“When [Linfield Christian] put eight defenders in the box, we threw over them,” Monarch said.

Monarch praised the continued development of his offensive line.

The Lightning (3-3) meet Brethren Christian (2-4) in an Academy League clash Saturday at 7 p.m. at Ocean View High.

“I told the kids it was not a big deal,” Barnes said of a game in which, he said, his team did not play up to par.

“We were 2-8 in the regular season last year and we can still be 8-2 this year, which would be a 180-degree turnaround,” Barnes said.

“The bottom line is, our three team goals are still ahead of us. We can still win the city championship, the [Orange Coast] league championship and the CIF [Southern Division] championship. But we’re still a long way from being a championship team.”

The Eagles (5-2) have a bye this week.

“I think the bye week came at the right time for us,” said Osso, whose team is 1-5.