Theriot expected to return

Rick Devereux

After weeks of a seemingly endless line of players headed to the

bench with injuries, the Newport Harbor High football team is finally

getting people healthy.

Defensive end Sean Rowe is expected to play in Friday’s Sea View

League opener against Foothill after sitting out last week with what

was reported as a mild concussion.

Defensive tackle Ryan Uhl, nursing an ankle injury, was also

sidelined for the Sailors’ game against Mira Costa last week, but is

expected to play against the Knights.

Senior tight end and outside linebacker Greg Miner dislocated his

shoulder in a practice and didn’t play against the Mustangs. He will

resume his starting roles on offense and defense.

But the biggest boost may be the return of Trevor Theriot, slated

to start at running back and outside linebacker for the first time

since dislocating his left elbow Sept. 23 in the Battle of the Bay

against Corona del Mar.

“Having [Theriot] back will help with Thomas [Martin],” Coach Jeff

Brinkley said.

Martin has filled in nicely at running back in Theriot’s absence,

rushing for 226 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries in two games.

But Brinkley said he would rather sit Martin on offense so the senior

will be rested at inside linebacker.

The Sailors’ defense has been phenomenal this year, and the

linebacking corps of Theriot-Martin-Miner will only make it better.

The Tars have allowed a league-low 58 points this season, including a

35-0 win over Marina in the second game of the year. That is the lone

shutout by a Sea View team this fall.

“The defense is very adaptable,” Brinkley said. “It can adjust to

different sets easily.”

Newport’s four-four defense will face a wide-open Foothill (2-3)

offense. Quarterback Dan Kirkpatrick has passed for more than 700

yards with five touchdowns. Three receivers have more than 10 catches

this year, with Matt Fosberg leading the team with 18 receptions for

close to 210 yards.

“We need to put pressure on the quarterback,” Brinkley said. “Our

secondary will be challenged this week. It will be similar to the

Dana Hills week.”

The Dolphins ran a five-wide receiver set dedicated to passing the

ball. Newport beat Dana Hills, 35-20, and allowed 142 passing yards.

Brinkley believes the Sea View League teams run complicated

offenses.

“It’s going to get tougher each week,” he said. “The passing will

be more and more sophisticated.”

The defense intercepted five passes in last week’s 28-14, win over

Mira Costa, and Brinkley said that gave the team assurance heading

into a contest against a pass-oriented offense.

“We did a good job in secondary,” Brinkley said. “We positioned

ourselves to make plays. I think we’re confident in secondary.”