Newport Harbor Barely Holds Off University

In a game that nearly became the worst nightmare of Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley, his undefeated Sailors barely held off winless University, 20-14, in the Sea View League opener for both teams at Newport Harbor Friday.

“We were lucky to get out of there alive,” said Brinkley.

Although the Sailors outgained University, 209 to 125 yards, they could never shake the determined Trojans. Newport Harbor’s leading rusher, Steve Gonzales, was limited to eight yards and had three fumbles in his eight carries.

With the Sailors leading, 20-8, with less than seven minutes to play, a fumble by Newport Harbor’s Wade Tift set up a 24-yard touchdown pass from Chris Peake to Ryan Smith to pull University to within six, 20-14.

University (0-4) got the ball back one more time, but Peake’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete with 38 seconds to left.

Newport Harbor (4-0) scored first on a 50-yard run by Colin Morris. Quarterback Gregg Williams hit Sky Harris for 25 yards and Chad LaBass for 38 yards for the Sailors’ other scores.

Peake connected with Dove Herbstman on a 33-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter for University’s first offensive touchdown this season.