Newport runs past Marina

WESTMINSTER Newport Harbor coach Jeff Brinkley came into Friday night’s game against Marina with a game plan that included a number of passing plays. 

He didn’t need them. 

The Sailors rushed for 299 yards en route to a 42-7 triumph over the Vikings in a Sunset League game at Westminster High.

“I had my script ready for some passing plays, but obviously we were pretty efficient running the ball,”  Brinkley said. 

The victory kept Newport Harbor (7-2, 3-1) tied for first place in the league standings with Esperanza and Edison, who both won Friday night. The Sailors play Edison next week, with the winner assured a berth in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs. 

Linemen Peter Kinney, Nathan Talbott, Jerry Whitney, Nathan Castillo and Scott Ward opened huge holes for a number of Sailors running backs, including Ben Frazier, who finished with a game-high 92 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. Woody Yokoyama added 81 yards and two touchdowns.

Sailors quarterback Andrew McDonald connected on all three of his passes,  including a TD apiece to J.B. Green and Dustin Campbell, and added a 1-yard touchdown run. 

Newport Harbor led 21-0 at halftime. It put the game away in the third by scoring on three consecutive possessions. 

The Vikings (3-6, 0-4) were held scoreless until midway through the fourth quarter before quarterback Zach Couey scored on a 1-yard run.

Couey, in his first career start, completed 14 of 27  for 160 yards.

Contact the writer: preps@ocregister.com