Prep football: Show and tell

Barry Faulkner

A Chris Manderino run from scrimmage usually lasts longer than the

answers he gives to interview questions. And, for anyone who has seen him

play, it’s not difficult to guess which situation more frequently ends in

an exclamation point.

But the Newport Harbor High graduate, lured to UC Berkeley with an

invitation to walk on after all but a few smaller schools failed to show

interest, hopes to have plenty to talk about Friday night.

That’s when the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder will represent the South in the

Orange County All-Star Football Game at Orange Coast College. Kickoff is

7:30 p.m.

Regardless of his performance against the top standouts from the

North, people will talk about Manderino’s multifaceted contributions to

Newport Harbor for years to come.

As a junior, he started 12 games at quarterback and all 14 at outside

linebacker. The Sailors won every game with him triggering the offense,

including the CIF Southern Section Division VI title game, which gave the

program its second section crown.

Last year, after starting the season under center, Manderino was

shifted to tailback at halftime of a Week 2 loss to Marina. Beginning in

Week 3, the Sailors won 10 of their next 11 to earn a return visit to the

CIF Division VI championship game.

During that stretch, Manderino’s punishing running style produced 11

straight 100-yard games, including a season-high 271 in a 35-16 semifinal

upset of top-seeded and previously unbeaten La Mirada.

He finished with 2,141 rushing yards on 353 carries and his 31

touchdowns set a Newport-Mesa District single-season record.

In addition to his offensive production, he was the team’s

second-leading tackler with 75. He also had three sacks and two

interceptions.

For his efforts, he was named Offensive Player of the Year in Division

VI, as well as the Sea View League, and was also selected Newport-Mesa

District Most Valuable Player.

His performance also led to a two-year varsity record of 24-3-1, the

most victories in back-to-back seasons in the program’s 70-year varsity

history.

South Coach Dave White from Edison High knew of Manderino’s talents,

having seen him on videotape against future Charger opponents.

“I knew he was a stud,” White said. “What surprised me a little was

how quiet he is. I’d say he’s both a parent’s dream and a coach’s dream.

He’s a complete gentleman off the field, but he can be a little surly on

the field. Some guys can’t balance those two very well.”

Balance is the essence of Manderino’s game, whether he’s trudging

through tacklers or bouncing between blockers en route to the ball

carrier.

Despite less-than imposing size, White has witnessed during South

practices how formidable Manderino can be on the field.

“He doesn’t send shivers down your spine looking at him.” White said.

“But when he runs the ball, he drives hard and has very good balance.

Whether he’s blocking, running or tackling, he gets his pads underneath

the other guy and he sinks his hips really well.”

White said he plans to use Manderino on both sides of the ball, but he

is likely to see more time at tailback.

That’s the initial plan at Cal, according to Manderino, though

defense, either outside ‘backer or safety, would be another option if his

supposed lack of speed proves problematic on offense.

Manderino said he is working out with fitness guru Marv Marinovich to

improve that speed, but he is willing to play offense or defense in order

to work his way up the Golden Bear depth charts.

White, who played quarterback at Oregon State after leading OCC to a

national championship in 1975, is certain Manderino will be heard from at

Cal.

“There’s no doubt he’ll earn a scholarship and I’d be surprised if he

wasn’t starting by the time he was a senior,” White said.

Manderino, who admits the lack of Division I recruiting interest has

motivated him to work toward a productive collegiate career, realizes

some doubters may be in the stands Friday.

“I want to show people I’m one of the top players in the county,” he

said. “It’s hard not to be excited about this game.”