Newport Harbor (4-1) vs. No. 5 Irvine (5-0)

7 TONIGHT IRVINE HIGH

Two stellar defenses face outstanding offenses. Newport Harbor has averaged 32 points per game since Chris Manderino made the switch from quarterback to tailback, and Irvine has averaged 43 for the season. Newport Harbor defeated the Vaqueros in last year’s Southern Section Division VI championship, 19-18, and won the regular-season game, 12-10. A knee injury creates a question about the status of Irvine quarterback Travis Otott (10 TDs, 1 interception), but receiver Josh Short proved to be a competent backup, completing 14 of 20 passes for 178 yards, with a touchdown and an interception, in a 24-0 victory over Loara.

KEY PLAYERS

Newport Beach

QB Morgan Craig

69%, 3 TDs, 0 int.

RB Chris Manderino

6.2 yds. per carry, 9 TDs

WR Brian Gaeta

16 rec., 15.1 yds., 2 TDs

Irvine

RB David Doomey

5.5 yds. per carry, 5 TDs

RB Peter Abe

5.8 yds. per carry, 5 TDs

RB Godfrey Young

9.2 yds. per carry, 6 TDs