MANHATTAN BEACH – Both teams entered Friday’s contest looking to build momentum going into the start of league play next week.
But it was Mira Costa which gained the upper hand quickly, and then ran away from Newport Harbor for a 42-0 nonleague romp at Mira Costa High.
Mira Costa (3-2) scored twice in the first four minutes and never looked back against the Sailors (2-3).
“Momentum is so key,” Mira Costa coach Don Morrow said. “We’ve been stressed this week. They have some giants up front, and (running back Cole Kinder) ran for about 300 yards last week. We were worried about getting ground up.”
Mira Costa never had to worry as it scored its first touchdown just over a minute into the game.
Quarterback Reed Vabrey connected with Alec Oshita for a 25-yard scoring pass on the next play.
On Mira Costa’s next drive, running back Justin Goring reeled off an 81-yard scoring run.
Goring finished with 207 yards on just 10 carries. He added a 65-yard score in the second quarter for a 21-0 lead.
Goring said he was took it as a challenge when he watched tape of Kinder.
“Watching (Kinder) really motivated me,” Goring said. “I told myself I had to rush for more than him. Not to disrespect, just a competition.”
Vabrey, a sophomore making his second start, finished with 117 yards and completed 11 of 17 attempts.
In addition to the scoring strike to Oshita, he connected on a 26-yard scoring pass to Sean Walker and on a 3-yard touchdown to Casey Bonner.
“Reed did a very nice job,” Morrow said. “He is not bothered by the Friday night lights.”
Kinder carried the ball 23 times for 102 yards. Newport Harbor quarterback Sam Barela completed 7 of 17 attempts for 34 yards.