The next battle

Joseph Boo

NEWPORT BEACH - “The Battle of the Bay” is what the locals call it.

Newport Harbor High’s Sailors vs. the Corona del Mar Sea Kings. Two

schools separated by a natural inlet of water. Like siblings, proximity

spawned a healthy rivalry. On Thursday at Corona del Mar High, the

freshman football teams will square off in the latest battle.

“(The players) love it,” Corona del Mar Coach Gary Almquist said.” “This

is their Super Bowl. This should be the last game of the season. It’s

passionate. It’s emotional. That’s why we keep score during football

games.”

Almquist’s passion for the matchup will inevitably trickle down to his

players. For many participants on both teams, this will be their first

taste of the rivalry. This is where one side learns to bleed blue while

the other side bleeds, well, a different shade of blue.

“I’m not sure they understand the rivalry about the Bay,” Newport Harbor

Coach Joe Urban said about his players. “They see the CdM guys in other

sports and social events, so they are aware of it. It’s important for

them to set a tone for four years.”

“Right now, they look at it like the next game,” Almquist said about his

team. “The fact that it’s Harbor, and they’re across the bay, will get

them excited about it. They’re aware of the rivalry. Friday night at

Pomona, they were talking to some of Newport’s players after the game.”

To make the battle more enticing, both sides will field strong teams. The

2-0 Sailors will field a squad of 72, full of skill players and big

linemen.

“Some of our kids were too big to play youth football,” Urban said. “Some

of our linemen are over 230 pounds.”

Working behind them will be quarterback Mike McDonald, son of former USC

quarterback Paul McDonald. Joining him in the backfield are tailbacks

Lamar Williams and DeDe Johnson. Williams is the younger brother of

Newport Harbor varsity tailback Andre Stewart.

Although it has two tailbacks, Newport Harbor is expected to run and pass

evenly. On defense, the Sailors will depend on numbers, with constant

substitutions to give everyone a chance to contribute.

A physical CdM crew is entering the game 1-0-1 after a tie with Marina.

“They’re hitters,” is how Almquist described his team. The Sea Kings will

keep the ball on the ground with running back Keith Long. Chris Bello

will also see action in the CdM backfield. If they have to throw,

quarterback Jonathan Hubbard’s primary target will be tight end Ken Ito.

CdM will be trying to avenge last year’s loss to Newport Harbor. “Our

boys will be ready to play,” Almquist said. Motivating factors won’t be

hard to find for CdM in a rivalry like the Hatfields and McCoys, except

with more teeth. Despite the heated rivalry, there is mutual admiration.

“We respect all and fear none,” Almquist said. “And we definitely respect

Harbor.”

“CdM will be a great opponent,” Urban said. “We really respect their kids

and program. It’s a privilege to play them.”

Niceties aside, the battle is forthcoming.