Norton earns big award

Newport Harbor High senior Parker Norton earned the Sunset League Defensive Back of the Year award in football after intercepting four passes and returning one for a touchdown, and breaking up 12 pass plays.

Norton is joined on the first team by five Newport Harbor teammates, junior running back Buzzy Yokoyama, senior defensive lineman JB Salem, senior linebacker Blair Luchs and senior wide receiver Kellon Truxton.

Norton led the Sailors (6-5, 3-2 in league) to a third-place finish in league and the program’s second straight CIF Southern Section Pac-5 Division playoff appearance. Norton contributed in many facets of the game, starting at cornerback and wide receiver, returning punts and kickoffs, and he was the holder.

Norton, a repeat first-team selection, finished with 64 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns. The catches rank in the top five in Orange County.

Yokoyama rushed for 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns, even though he missed three games due to a dislocated kneecap. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry.

Yokoyama recorded 294 yards rushing in the Sailors’ 35-28 nonleague victory at Loyola of Los Angeles. The total on the ground tied Yokoyama for fourth all-time at Newport Harbor when it comes to single-game rushing performances.

Salem finished with 44 tackles, three sacks and one blocked kick. The 6-foot-4, 258-pound Salem is headed to Stanford to play football. Salem also started at offensive tackle.

Luchs led the Sailors with 110 tackles (63 solo). He had two interceptions and forced a fumble.

Truxton caught 21 passes for 348 yards and five touchdowns. Truxton also played safety and had three interceptions, including returning one 17 yards for a touchdown.

Making the second team from Newport Harbor were senior quarterback Austin Rios, senior offensive tackle Dillon Gillette, junior defensive end Steve Michaelsen, junior safety Titus Hasson, junior linebacker Ethan Cochran and senior defensive end Mutuvai Asi.

Kyle Zottneck of Los Alamitos was named the Sunset League MVP.

— From staff reports