NEWPORT HARBOR

1997 RECORD: 10-3 overall, 3-2 in league

COACH: Jeff Brinkley (98-46 at school)

RETURNING STARTERS: 5 on offense, 6 on defense

TOP RETURNERS

Lance Chavez, C, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Billy Clayton, DB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Oscar Garcia, DB/WR, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Steve Gorman, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Brant Hill, DE/OG, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Eddie Johnson, K/P, 6-4, 225, Sr.; Blair Jones, OT, 6-8, 250, Jr.; Lucas Kerr, LB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Lamar Lee, DB/WR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Shawn O’Donnell, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.

TOP NEWCOMERS

Robert Cole, OT, 6-4, 320, Jr.; Justin Jacobs, WR, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Robert Peredia, RB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Andre Stewart, DB/RB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Cooper Wise, DE/OG, 5-11, 205, Sr.

OUTLOOK

The Sailors have reached the semifinals three of the last four years, and the finals twice. The team, typically one of the best coached and physically strongest in the county, should again advance deep into the playoffs. Finishing at least second (instead of third) to favorite Santa Margarita in the Sea View League would be a boon because it would probably put the Sailors in a playoff bracket opposite the Eagles. Gorman (11 TDs, 10 interceptions), like all quarterbacks in the Sea View League, must be at the top of his game for the Sailors to make a run at the title. Garcia, who caught 36 passes (11.7 yards per catch), is representative of Newport Harbor’s strength at its skill positions. The offensive line is sturdy, anchored by Jones and Chavez. One surprising area of concern for a program that always produces great linebackers is inexperience there. The situation is similar at running back. The Sailors have a notable weapon in Johnson, who might be the county’s best kicker. The league’s game of the year comes in Week 8 when the Sailors host Santa Margarita.

SCHEDULE

Sept. 11 vs. Orange; 17 vs. Marina; 26 vs. National City Sweetwater.

Oct. 2 vs. Glendora; 9 vs. Magnolia at Glover Stadium; 16 vs. Corona del Mar; 23 vs. Woodbridge at Irvine HS; 29 vs. Santa Margarita.

Nov. 6 vs. El Toro; 13 at Irvine.