Tars set to defend title

Newport Harbor grid pre vs. WoodbridgeNewport Harbor aims to break rare two-game losing streak when it squares off against visiting Woodbridge. The Newport Harbor High football team is hoping to halt one trend by continuing another when the Sailors meet visiting Woodbridge in the Sea View League opener Friday at 7 p.m.

The former refers to two straight losses by the Sailors (3-2), the first such occurrence in preleague play since 1995.

But the latter is a five-game winning streak against Woodbridge (0-5), against which the Sailors hold a 14-3 series advantage.

“It all starts over now,” said Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley, whose team has won seven straight league contests and is the defending Sea View champion.

“We told the kids league is what is critical as to whether they’re going to make the playoffs. You’ve got to win the games from here on out and the more you win, the better your seed is going to be [in the CIF Southern Section Division VI playoffs].”

The Sailors, however, had struggled from the Sea View League gate more often than not in recent years. They are 3-6-1 in their last 10 league openers.

“It’s critical we get out of the chute with a win,” Brinkley said. “It’s not very often we’ve strung together a couple of losses around here [Friday’s 23-20 overtime setback to Mira Costa and a 39-13 defeat at Dana Hills Sept. 30]. I think we’re all in need of a win, including myself. We need to get something going this week.”

The Warriors figure to provide an ideal opportunity for the Sailors to generate some momentum. Coach Rick Gibson’s squad has been outscored, 151-47, this fall.

The Sailors should be at full strength for the first time this season, with senior tailback Ryan Rippon set to make his first start and senior guard Billy Munce set to return from a two-game absence with an arm injury.

Rippon, who missed most of last season with a torn knee ligament, tore another ligament in the off-season, prompting reconstructive surgery.

He came off the bench to collect 102 yards on 17 carries against Mira Costa, as Brinkley said he wanted to give Rippon a tuneup heading into league play.

Rippon’s return at tailback allows senior Jack Tracy, who has 481 yards and three touchdowns on 63 carries, to return to fullback.

Munce rejoins an offensive line that includes tackles Charles Schultz and Matt McCullough, guard Alex Flores and center Lou Truxton.

“Rippon gives us one more weapon offensively,” Brinkley said. “We’ve shown signs of throwing the ball effectively.”

Senior quarterback Tom Jackson has thrown for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. He has completed 55 of 109 with five interceptions.

Senior James Coder (17 catches for 194 yards and two TDs) and junior Jarrett Daniel (16 catches for 180 yards and four TDs) have been Jackson’s primary targets.

NEWPORT HARBOR STARTERS