Sailors’ Rush Is Too Much for University

With eight different players rushing for a total of 218 yards and quarterback Steve Walker passing for two touchdowns, Newport Harbor defeated University, 21-7, in a Sea View League game Friday night at Davidson Field.

The Sailors (5-2, 1-1) took the opening kickoff and drove 63 yards in 11 plays to take a 6-0 lead on a seven-yard touchdown pass from Walker to Branon Coluccio.

Walker threw only eight passes, completing six for 72 yards.

Walker didn’t have to throw much considering the damage the Sailors did on the ground. Newport Harbor averaged more than five yards per rush, led by Russell Olshefski’s 84 yards on 16 carries, and Marc Tagliaeferri’s 77 yards in 10 carries.

“This season, teams haven’t been able to run much against us,” University Coach Mark Cunningham said, “but for some reason, we couldn’t stop Newport Harbor tonight.”

University’s lone offensive highlight came in the third quarter when the Trojans (2-5, 0-2) marched 80 yards in 13 plays to score on a Marc Walker one-yard run.

“We were fortunate to get a win tonight,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said. “We got sloppy in the second half and we can’t make mistakes and still expect to win because we face Tustin next week.”