OCVarsity’s preview for the 2015 season:
NEWPORT HARBOR SAILORS
Coach: Jeff Brinkley
Last season: 5-6 overall, 3-2 league
Scouting report: The Sailors feature another solid team as they push to make the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season under Coach Jeff Brinkley. They return five starters on offense, including four linemen. Tackles Max Spruill (6-3, 265) and Mike Jarboe (6-3, 281) lead the group. Spruill is a returning first-team all-league pick while Jarboe is part of a talented junior class that includes quarterback Michael Bonds (6-2, 170) and running back Cole Kinder (6-1, 190). Bonds’ father, Tom, and uncle, Jimmy, played quarterback at Hart of Newhall. Bonds replaces standout Cole Norris (Northern Arizona), so look for the Sailors to ease in the first-year starter early, especially with Kinder (779 yards last season) and a strong offensive line in place. Newport Harbor also returns five starters on defense but as usual, the Sailors will have several players going both ways. All-league safety Dalton Rosene moves to linebacker while Jack Rapillo, another all-leaguer, anchors the secondary at corner.
Bottom line: The Sailors return their share of all-league players and an exciting talent in Bonds. If they stay healthy, they’ll be tough in league. Newport Harbor will be playing home games at Orange Coast College and Estancia while its stadium is refurbished.
Players to watch: Michael Bonds, QB, Jr.; Mike Jarboe, OL/DL, Jr.; Cole Kinder, RB, Jr.; Jack Rapillo, WR/S, Sr.; Dalton Rosene, LB, Sr.; Max Spruill, OL/DL, Sr.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
