Manderino Runs Amok as Newport Rips Westminster

Chris Manderino rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns and Brian Gaeta added two scores as Newport Harbor began defense of its Division VI championship with a 41-7 first-round victory over Westminster Friday at Newport Harbor High.

The Sailors (9-2) dominated throughout, scoring on their first three possessions and taking a 21-0 lead with just under three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Manderino scored on runs of 16 and 13 yards and Gaeta caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Morgan Craig.

The Sailors built a 35-0 halftime lead on the strength of Manderino’s 68-yard touchdown run and an 18-yard interception return for a score by Gaeta.

Newport Harbor outgained Westminster, 228-42, for the half.

“We were focused in practice this week,” Newport Harbor Coach Jeff Brinkley. “We didn’t want to come out and stumble.”

Westminster got on the board late in the third quarter on a five-yard run by Tony Tran. The touchdown capped a 10-play, 88-yard drive and was set up when backup quarterback Corey Riggins hit tailback Jared Jenkins with a 38-yard pass to the Newport Harbor five.

“I’m proud of our kids,” Lion Coach Ted McMillen said. “We got back to the playoffs and built momentum for next season.”

Newport Harbor will take on Kennedy, a 45-14 winner over Villa Park, in the second round.

“If we practice like we did this week, good things should happen,” Brinkley said.