INTs sink Sea Kings

NEWPORT BEACH - The 46th edition of the Battle of the Bay turned into the game of a lifetime for Newport Harbor junior J.B. Green.

Green returned two interceptions for touchdowns and caught a 61-yard touchdown pass, as the Sailors (2-1) decisively defeated Corona del Mar, 40-7, Thursday night at Newport Harbor High.

After a nice punt return by Green on the second play of the second quarter, the Sailors were able to cash in as running back Michael Helfrich powered his way into the end zone from 10 yards out to give the Sailors a 6-0 advantage.

The Sailors stopped the Sea Kings’ next drive, and after another short punt, increased their lead to 9-0 on a 37-yard field goal by Dillian Freiberg.

The game then took a turn over the next three minutes. On the ensuing Corona del Mar drive, Green stepped in front of an errant Hunter Alder pass and went 18 yards into the end zone to give the Sailors a 15-0 lead.

The Sailors made it 21-0 less than a minute later when Alder’s next pass was returned 25 yards for a touchdown by Danny Miller, who had three of the Sailors’ five interceptions.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com