Newport Harbor edges Los Alamitos

CERRITOS- Newport Harbor stayed afloat in the playoff chase Thursday by stunning Los Alamitos, 24-23, on a 22-yard field goal by Dillan Freiberg with 13 seconds left at Gahr High.

In a Sunset League finale that featured four lead changes, the No. 10 Sailors (7-3, 3-2) got the chance for the winning kick after an interception by Michael Helfrich in his end zone with 4:19 left. (Full game stats.)

Helfrich also rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown.

The senior's interception came moments after No. 6 Los Alamitos (8-2, 3-2) intercepted a deflected pass at the Sailors' 20 and had moved to the 3. But on second-and-goal, the Griffins were called for holding at the 2. After an incompletion, Los Alamitos was penalized another five yards before Helfrich grabbed a third-and-goal pass by Clark Evans from the 17.

The Sailors lost their first two league games but can qualify for the Pac-5 Division playoffs if Edison (3-1 in league) defeats Esperanza (2-2) tonight.

"They fight. They fight," Newport Harbor coach Jeff Brinkley said of his squad. "I'm so proud of these guys for battling back after two tough losses."

An Edison victory would create a three-way tie for second among Fountain Valley, Newport Harbor and Los Alamitos, all 3-2. But since the Barons beat the Sailors and Griffins, they would get second place. The Sailors would take third.

If Esperanza (2-2) pulls the upset tonight, it would create a five-way tie for first. Newport Harbor boys athletic director Eric Tweit said league rules don't address breaking a five-way tie but said some type of coin-flip scenario would likely be used.

Los Alamitos took a 23-21 lead on Cody Perez's 2-yard touchdown run with 8:11 left.

Cecil Whiteside's spectacular 17-yard touchdown reception with 10:24 gave the Sailors a 21-17 lead. Whiteside caught the pass from Andrew McDonald in front of the end zone but reached the ball over the goal line. Freiberg added the extra point.

Newport Harbor overcame four turnovers, including fumbles at the Griffins' 5- and 9-yard lines.

• Click here for full game stats and links to season totals and team rosters.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com