Newport Harbor High quarterback ‘Comeback Cole’ tops Dream Team list
The day after Christmas, Cole Norris rose out of bed early. He had a flight to catch with his Newport Harbor High boys’ basketball team out of John Wayne Airport.
The trip was to Arizona for a holiday tournament, and it wasn’t Norris’ first or last to that state. His future is in Arizona, in a different sport of course. The senior is going to play football at Northern Arizona University. He’s six months away from graduating from Newport Harbor, where he put up numbers he never fathomed as a quarterback.
Norris made a plethora of plays for the Sailors, completing 524 of 866 passes for 6,955 yards and 73 touchdowns, with only 21 interceptions, during his remarkable three-year career. The play that Norris said he will never forget was the first snap he took as the Sailors’ signal-caller two years ago.
“I got sacked,” said Norris, who came in for the injured starting quarterback right before halftime against Los Angeles Loyola. “It wasn’t the best way to start my career.”
Norris got back up, and he went on to start the next 35 games as Newport Harbor’s quarterback. The stretch included many big games, including a CIF Southern Section Southwest Division finals appearance as a junior, and eight come-from-behind wins Norris engineered late.
Sailors Coach Jeff Brinkley knew he had a special player in Norris, and he proved it time after time. Norris earned the Daily Pilot Newport-Mesa Football Dream Team Player of the Year for his ability to perform at a high level under constant pressure and for breaking every imaginable Newport Harbor passing record.
The Sailors relied on Norris to air the ball out 299 times this year. He completed 188 passes for 2,517 yards and 30 touchdowns, while throwing only seven picks, earning him Dream Team honors for the third time and the Sunset League Offensive Player of the Year award.
As for Norris’ protection, that changed almost every week. Norris lost left tackle Joey Stukonis to a fractured ankle, center Elliott Frye to a broken hand and right guard Mike Jarboe to a concussion.
Three games into the season, Norris saw tailback Chance Siemonsma tear up his knee. Gone was a first-team all-league performer who rushed for 1,073 yards and eight touchdowns the year before.
While injuries plagued the Sailors, Norris never panicked. He stuck to what made him successful, playing with poise, the same demeanor he displayed when an injury at quarterback gave Norris his chance with the Sailors as a sophomore.
At 15, was Norris ready back then? Brinkley and his staff believed in Norris, and he made everyone else believers after his first start in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,000 at Davidson Field in the Battle of the Bay rivalry game against Corona del Mar.
With less than three minutes left and the Sailors down by five points, Norris drove the offense 95 yards in 17 plays. He capped the game-winning drive by throwing a 22-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-goal situation to stun CdM, 27-26, in the waning seconds. The win marked the first of 20 for Norris, who earned the nickname “Comeback Cole” for always rallying the Sailors.
While Norris holds Newport Harbor passing records for career yards (6,955) and career touchdowns (73), which rank No. 8 and No. 7, respectively, in the history of Orange County, as well as career completions (524), career attempts (866), single-season touchdowns (30), single-game touchdowns (six), single-game yards (474), single-game attempts (63) and single-game completions (36), what stands out the most to Brinkley are the dramatic game-winning drives Norris pulled off.
There were three wild finishes in Norris’ sophomore year, the 27-26 win against CdM, and the two in league play, beating Huntington Beach, 20-17, and prevailing against Los Alamitos, 31-28, in overtime.
As a junior, Norris helped Brinkley to his 250th career win as the Sailors edged Palos Verdes, 34-33, in nonleague action. Then came a 27-24 overtime triumph against Los Alamitos in league, followed up with a 49-48 upset of top-seeded La Habra in the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
Norris’ senior year featured two crazy endings. At the start of league, Newport Harbor topped Huntington Beach, 52-48, making Brinkley only one of 22 high school football coaches in California to win 260 career games.
In the league finale, the Sailors knocked off Fountain Valley, 34-33. The win was the most memorable for Norris. The Sailors scored on the game’s final play, Norris handing the ball off to fullback Trevor Shaw, who rammed into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown to clinch third place in league and a berth into the CIF Southern Section West Valley Division playoffs.
“That win just showed the character of the group of kids we had this year,” said Brinkley, whose Sailors (5-6, 3-2 in league) qualified for the postseason for the 23rd time during his 29 years, before losing in the opening round at No. 4-seeded Tesoro, 52-14. “They were extremely competitive individuals and they never gave up. They battled through injuries and kept fighting to keep the season alive and make the postseason.
“Cole led the way for us. He had a great career, won a lot of games, and he always seemed to do it in dramatic fashion. After the first couple of times he led us to comeback wins as a sophomore, everyone began to expect him to do it every time. He was one of those guys that seemed to make the right decisions when the game was on the line.”
Below are the rest of the players on this year’s Dream Team:
All-Purpose Player of the Year
Riley Gaddis
WR-RB-LB-KR | Newport Harbor
The senior performed at a high level wherever the Sailors played Gaddis, at wide receiver, at running back, at outside linebacker, or on special teams. He finished with 43 receptions for 681 yards and eight touchdowns, and rushed for five touchdowns.
Gaddis made 77 tackles, three of them for sacks, and intercepted two passes. Gaddis’ top game came in the Sunset League finale with the league’s final CIF Southern Section West Valley Division playoff berth on the line.
In the second half, Gaddis caught a 70-yard touchdown pass, returned a kickoff 72 yards for a touchdown, and set up the game-winning touchdown with a 34-yard grab, allowing the Sailors to score from the one and rally past Fountain Valley, 34-33, on the final play of the game.
Gaddis earned second-team All-Orange County and first-team All-Sunset League accolades. Gaddis is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Offensive Player of the Year
Keaton Cablay
WR | Newport Harbor
The senior wide receiver was the third Cablay to play for legendary coach Jeff Brinkley, who has won 262 career games, making him only one of 22 coaches in California to reach 260-plus wins.
The Cablay brothers have been a part of 37 of those victories, and Keaton turned out to be the biggest playmaker from his family. Cablay led the area in receptions (69), receiving yards (914) and receiving touchdowns (13), stats that rank eighth, 13th and fifth, respectively, in Orange County.
Cablay tied the Newport Harbor single-game records for catches (14) and receiving touchdowns (four) during a wild 52-48 come-from-behind win against Huntington Beach in a Sunset League opener at Davidson Field. Cablay also stood out in the game at outside linebacker. With no time on the clock, Cablay intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal Brinkley’s 260th win.
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Defensive Player of the Year
Parker Chase
DE | Corona del Mar
The senior defensive end was a sack machine, setting the Sea Kings’ single-season record for sacks with 22. Chase registered 38.5 sacks in four seasons to become CdM’s all-time sack leader.
Twice during his career, he sacked the quarterback five times in a game, tying the school record. Chase is also the school’s career leader in tackles (213). Chase earned All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division and first-team All-Orange County laurels, as well as the Pacific Coast League MVP award.
Chase led the Sea Kings with 103 tackles, batted four passes down and recovered a fumble. During Chase’s two years as a starter, CdM went 26-2, claimed two undefeated Pacific Coast League titles, a CIF Southern Section Southern Division title and a CIF State Division III title.
The Sea Kings posted eight shutouts during the stretch and only allowed 9.7 points per game. Chase is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Chase Garbers
QB | Corona del Mar
The sophomore emerged as the Sea Kings’ signal-caller after starter Peter Bush went down with an ankle injury in a Pacific Coast League opener.
Garbers provided CdM a dual threat, completing 108 of 154 passes for 1,356 yards and 11 touchdowns, with only two interceptions, and rushing 77 times for 236 yards and nine touchdowns. Garbers earned the Pacific Coast League Offensive MVP award.
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Cole Kinder
RB | Newport Harbor
The sophomore filled in admirably at running back after starter Chance Siemonsma tore his anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his knee in the third game.
Kinder, a 6-foot-1, 195-pounder, was a bruising back, tough to bring down. In only nine games, he rushed 130 times for 872 yards and four touchdowns. Kinder made the All-Sunset League second team.
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Cameron Curet
RB | Costa Mesa
The junior led the area with 937 rushing yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry, and produced five touchdowns, three rushing and two receiving. Curet also excelled at outside linebacker and on special teams.
He finished with 92 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles, while averaging 40.7 yards per punt and converting three field goals. Curet garnered first-team All-Orange Coast League laurels.
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Bo St. Geme
WR | Corona del Mar
The senior wide receiver is the Sea Kings’ career leader in receptions (154) and receiving yards (2,113), and No. 2 in receiving touchdowns (17). St. Geme finished with 56 catches for 837 yards and six touchdowns this season.
He earned All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division, third-team All-Orange County and first-team All-Pacific Coast League honors. St. Geme is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Cole Collins
WR | Corona del Mar
The senior wide receiver gave the Sea Kings two pass-catching threats. Collins hauled in 48 passes for 599 yards and six touchdowns.
He made the All-Pacific Coast League first team. His best two games came in consecutive weeks, going for 129 yards and a touchdown against Tesoro and 121 yards and a touchdown against Irvine. Collins is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Ronnie Urquiza
TE | Estancia
The senior tight end led the Eagles to an undefeated Orange Coast League championship. Urquiza played the H-back position, showing off his ability to block, as well as run and catch the ball.
He rushed 62 times for 303 yards and three touchdowns, and caught 10 passes for 79 yards. Urquiza earned All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division and first-team All-Orange Coast League honors.
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Jack Pagliassotti
OL | Corona del Mar
The senior left tackle anchored the Sea Kings’ offensive line with his 6-foot-3, 275-pound frame and experience. Pagliassotti protected quarterback Chase Garbers’ blindside and gave CdM a balanced offensive attack.
Pagliassotti received first-team All-Pacific Coast League recognition.
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Max Spruill
OL | Newport Harbor
The junior right tackle was one of the Sailors’ few offensive linemen to stay healthy.
Spruill, a 6-foot-3, 245-pound first-team All-Sunset League pick, kept quarterback Cole Norris on his feet, allowing him to break Newport Harbor passing records.
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Mike Jarboe
OL | Newport Harbor
The sophomore right guard was the youngest starter on the Sailors’ offensive line, but the 6-foot-3, 277-pounder held his own.
Jarboe, who made the All-Sunset League second team, helped Newport Harbor average an area-best 31 points per game.
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Dorian Navarrete
OL | Estancia
The senior center lifted the Eagles to their third undefeated Orange Coast League title since 2010.
Navarrete, a 5-foot-10, 240-pounder, was named the Orange Coast League Lineman of the Year and made the All-CIF Southern Section Southern Division.
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Mitch Dean
OL | Corona del Mar
The junior right tackle paved the way to the Sea Kings’ success through the air and on the ground.
Dean, a first-team All-Pacific Coast League pick, helped CdM average 199.9 passing yards and 143 rushing yards per game.
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Harrison Carter
DL | Corona del Mar
The senior defensive end recorded 10.5 sacks, three against Tustin in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division playoffs.
Carter, who earned third-team All-Orange County and first-team All-Pacific Coast League honors, finished with 46 tackles, four passes batted down, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble. Carter is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Brett Beaudette
DL | Newport Harbor
The senior defensive end created havoc for quarterbacks, holding the title of the Sailors’ best pass rusher. Beaudette recorded nine sacks, five coming against Manhattan Beach Mira Costa.
He garnered first-team All-Sunset League honors after finishing with 48 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Beaudette is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Justin Hess
DL | Corona del Mar
The senior defensive tackle played the run as good as the pass for the Sea Kings. Hess, a first-team All-Pacific Coast League member, finished with 58 tackles, 6.5 sacks, three passes batted down and a blocked punt.
Hess had 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the Battle of the Bay win against rival Newport Harbor.
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Trevor Shaw
DL | Newport Harbor
The senior defensive tackle was a first-team All-Sunset League performer, finishing with 36 tackles and two sacks.
Shaw also lifted the Sailors to a 34-33 win against Fountain Valley, ramming into the end zone from one yard out as time expired to clinch a berth into the CIF Southern Section West Valley Division playoffs.
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Hoyt Crance
LB | Corona del Mar
The senior middle linebacker led the Sea Kings’ vaunted defense, which produced four shutouts and allowed only 9.8 points per game. Crance totaled 84 tackles and two sacks.
He received All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division and third-team All-Orange County accolades, and was named the Pacific Coast League Defensive MVP. Crance is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Hugh Crance
LB | Corona del Mar
The senior outside linebacker teamed up with his twin brother, Hoyt, giving the Sea Kings’ defense two sure tacklers.
Crance, a first-team All-Pacific Coast League pick, finished with 54 tackles, two interceptions and a sack. Crance’s best performance came in the season opener against Carlsbad La Costa Canyon in San Diego, where he intercepted two passes.
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Tyler Thomas
LB | Estancia
The senior linebacker ranked No. 1 in the area with 114 tackles. Thomas, who shared the Orange Coast League Defensive Player of the Year award, had an interception, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
Thomas racked up 26 tackles in a win against Costa Mesa in the Battle for the Bell rivalry game.
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Brett Greenlee
DB | Corona del Mar
The senior cornerback had a pick-six in each of the Sea Kings’ games in the CIF Southern Section Southwest Division playoffs, returning one 30 yards and another 43 yards.
Greenlee, who had four interceptions, 23 tackles, two blocked field goals and a blocked PAT, made the All-CIF Southern Section Southwest Division. Greenlee is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Dylan Laurent
DB | Estancia
The sophomore cornerback intercepted an area-best seven passes, to go with 77 tackles.
Laurent, the Orange Coast League MVP, also played running back and wide receiver, combining for 1,158 yards. He rushed for 13 touchdowns, caught two touchdowns, and returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. Laurent is a two-time Dream Team selection.
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Barrett Barbato
DB | Corona del Mar
The senior strong safety rarely allowed offenses to beat the Sea Kings over the top. Barbato, a first-team All-Pacific Coast League pick, made his presence felt with his speed. He made 42 tackles.
Barbato also started at running back once because of injuries to CdM’s backfield, and rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns.
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Dalton Rosene
DB | Newport Harbor
The junior moved from linebacker to safety this year and the switch suited him well. Rosene gained added responsibilities when the Sailors lost starting safety Chance Siemonsma to a season-ending knee injury early in the season.
Rosene finished with 54 tackles and one forced fumble, earning him All-Sunset League second team honors.
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Michael Schultz
K-P | Newport Harbor
The senior kicker converted an area-best seven of 10 field-goal attempts, including a 47-yarder, and 40 of 43 extra-point kicks.
Schultz, who shared the Sunset League Kicker of the Year award, averaged 34.5 yards per punt and pinned five opponents inside their 20-yard line. Schultz is a two-time Dream Team selection.