NEWPORT BEACH – Upon making his first varsity start at quarterback Friday night, Chase Garbers’ demeanor was devoid of doubt.
“I told myself it’s just another game,” the sophomore said. “I knew I had to step up and be a leader.”
Two quarters later, Garbers was piloting the Corona del Mar offense in cruise control.
Starting for the injured Peter Bush, Garbers threw for two touchdowns, ran for two scores and Corona del Mar pushed across all of its points in the first half to breeze past Woodbridge, 41-3, in a Pacific Coast League game at Newport Harbor High.
Garbers completed 15 of 20 passes for 198 yards, including two tosses that went 50 or more yards. His efficiency behind center was complimented seamlessly by running back Barrett Barbato, who had eight carries for 114 yards and two rushing touchdowns – all in the first half.
Corona del Mar (6-1, 2-0) scored all 41 of its points unanswered en route to its fourteenth consecutive win against a Pacific Coast League opponent.
“We just had a total, complete offensive game,” Garbers said. “We knew we had a good offense going in, and we just put points on the board like we practiced all week.”
Corona del Mar piled up 34 points in the second quarter. The offensive barrage was highlighted by Garber’s pass to Billy Shaw down the left sideline on a reverse flea-flicker for a 70-yard score.
