Woodbridge Can’t Move Against Newport Harbor

Woodbridge was in a hole before the Warriors even got out of the locker room, and things didn’t get much better once they took the field against visiting Newport Harbor.

The Sailors dominated, especially on defense, and won, 36-8, in a Sea View League game Thursday at Irvine High.

Woodbridge (3-5, 0-2 in league) was penalized for delay of game for not being on the field when the referee was ready to start, and the Warriors were then called for being offside on their first kickoff try.

The first half ended with Newport Harbor ahead, 16-0, and thanks to hard play by the Sailor defense, Woodbridge had 38 yards in total offense and one first down. Woodbridge also was penalized for 57 yards in the half.

“I was telling one of my assistants that there was a strange atmosphere at the start of the game,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley said. “Plus, we’re used to being at our place, where it’s a little louder on a Friday night.”

Newport Harbor (6-2, 2-1) already had been at Irvine High for one game this season, losing to Irvine, 19-14, two weeks ago. But that wasn’t the memory that defensive end Garrett Troncale wanted. “There was no way we were going to lose here again,” he said.

Troncale and the rest of the defense were too fast and strong for Woodbridge, which has been held to 10 points or less five times this season.

Troncale and Ian Banigan each had sacks and C.J. Collins and Nick Moghaddam shared one. Newport Harbor forced Woodbridge to punt 10 times and the ninth was blocked by David Sprenger.

Woodbridge finally scored with 1 minute 4 seconds left when Diego Torres ran in from 11 yards.

Woodbridge was also strong on defense, forcing seven punts, but just wore down from being on the field so much.

Newport Harbor’s Chris Manderino rushed for 106 yards in 24 carries and scored on runs of four and three yards.

The first touchdown was set up by a 43-yard pass from quarterback Morgan Craig to wide receiver Brian Gaeta, who finished with five receptions, including a six-yarder for a touchdown late in the first half.