What They’re Saying

When Irvine and Newport Harbor meet on the football field, picking a winner is always difficult. Even though Irvine defeated Newport Harbor, 19-14, this season, a poll of coaches and players from common opponents this week still ended up in a split decision. Some of their comments:

“If there is an edge, it goes to Newport because they’re bigger. But there’s also the intangible--Irvine’s senior class. It seems like they’re on a crusade. If I had to go out on a limb, I’d say it’s Newport by a field goal. That revenge factor has a lot to do with who wins that second game, but it will come down to who makes the big mistake.”

--Coach Bruce Ingalls, whose Laguna Hills team lost to Irvine, 42-7, and to Newport Harbor, 23-7.

“Irvine is going to win. They lost last year, they’re all seniors this year and they want it more. Newport is bigger, but Irvine is mentally tough . . . It’ll be close, probably within one or two touchdowns.”

--Junior Chris Johnson, Laguna Hills quarterback.

“Based on what Irvine has done, until Newport plays differently, I’d have to go with Irvine. Both teams play great defense. If Newport can be efficient and effective throwing the football, that will put a lot of pressure on Irvine’s defense, and then it’s advantage Newport. [Chris] Manderino can be the difference, but he’s playing against a great defense.”

--Coach Joe Wood, whose Aliso Niguel team lost to Irvine, 28-7, and to Newport Harbor, 42-7.

“Newport is really tough and they have some big kids. Manderino is a great running back and they can throw well too. Irvine is fast. They’re not as big, but they’re very talented. I’d have to say Newport. The size will help Newport pull it out. It’s going to be really close, within three to seven points.”

--Senior Mike Mudge, Aliso Niguel defensive back.

“Irvine has a great defense. They’re as quick a team as I’ve seen. Offensively, they do things that champions do. They capitalize on turnovers and don’t turn the ball over themselves. Irvine’s special teams are the best I’ve ever seen. On the other side, Newport Harbor probably has the best front seven I’ve seen in a few years. Their offense is also opportunistic. It’s as even as last year’s game. It’s going to be the team that makes the big play or the mistake. If I had to pick somebody, I’d pick Newport. Not because they’re a whole lot better, but because Manderino is a difference maker. [He] just gets the job done and he’s a step above everybody else.

--Coach Rick Gibson, whose Woodbridge team lost to Irvine, 48-13, and to Newport Harbor, 36-8.

“Irvine will win because they’re a better overall team on offense and defense, especially with their team speed. The game will be close, within 10 points.”

--Senior Rex Peterson, Woodbridge wide receiver.

“It will come down to some unforeseen play or break. Both teams are great. There’s more size on Newport Harbor and more speed on Irvine. I thought Irvine’s secondary was just incredible. Irvine was exceptionally fast. The one edge is the speed that Irvine has. Having played them both, and with the changes that Newport has made, it’s too tough to call. Irvine is the most physical team, pound for pound, I’ve seen in a long time. But Newport is a way better team now than before. Whoever wins, it will be within three points.”

--Coach Jim Kunau, whose Orange Lutheran team lost to Irvine, 55-14, and to Newport Harbor, 14-7.

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--Compiled by VINCENT DICANZIO