DIVISION IV : Newport Harbor’s Defense Keeps Pressure On

Newport Harbor followed a familiar pattern in earning its fifth shutout of the season Friday night during the first round of the Southern Section Division IV playoffs.

The Sailors took an early lead, capitalized on a couple of turnovers, put together time-consuming third-quarter drive and then let its defense do the rest during a 31-0 victory over host La Verne Damien in front of 3,000 fans.

Free safety Chris Hunter had three interceptions in the first half that led to a field goal and two touchdowns as the Sailors breezed to a 24-0 lead at halftime. Damien crossed midfield only once.

The victory earned Newport Harbor (9-2) a home game in the second round against top-seeded Riverside Rubidoux (11-0).

Damien quarterback Jason Chavez had a forgettable start against Newport Harbor by throwing interceptions in his first three attempts. Hunter was the right man in the right place as Chavez underthrew his receivers each time.

“The guy couldn’t throw,” Hunter said, matter of factly. “He underthrew all three passes. It really hasn’t sunk in yet, but no, I’ve never intercepted three passes in a game before.”

Hunter’s heroics set up a 22-yard field goal by Doug Stuckey, a two-yard run by tailback Wade Tift and a 13-yard run by fullback Steve Gonzales that stunned the partisan crowd. What’s more, ground-oriented Damien had problems moving the ball against a Sailor defense that has allowed only two rushing touchdowns all season.

Damien (7-4) didn’t get its initial first down until four seconds remained in the first half and it earned 22 of its 27 yards rushing on two plays just before halftime. The Spartans’ frustration continued in the third quarter when their outstanding kicker, Armando Hernandez, was ejected for fighting on a special teams’ play.

“I was surprised by the score,” said Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley. “I thought we could beat them by two touchdowns at our place, but figured it was going to be a real dogfight here. We were flying on both sides of the ball and our quarterback (Greg Williams) played one of his best games of the season.”

Williams, often sporadic this year, completed nine of 13 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown. He teamed with wide receiver Chad LaBass on six pass plays for 68 yards and acknowledged that the game was his best of the season.

“When our offense scores early in a game, it gives our defense the incentive to go out and get the ball back again,” he said. “Chris got the three picks that made it easy for me. We had good field position three times after the turnovers.”