Mira Costa concluded a perfect non-league schedule for its best start since 2005, but its toughest challenge so far this season will come Friday when Bay League action begins.
The Mustangs are ranked No. 2 in the CIF Southern Section Western Division and begin their quest for a league title when the boys from the beach will try to dethrone four-time Bay League champion Palos Verdes in a 3 p.m. road game.
Mira Costa (5-0) remained undefeated with a 35-14 win at Newport Harbor Friday evening continuing to utilize a balanced offensive attack and a stiff defense that includes a tenacious pass rush.
Mustang quarterback David Arredondo connected with seven different receivers finishing the game with 13 completions on 25 attempts for 165 yards and four touchdowns.
Mira Costa’s defense was stellar in the first half, keeping Newport Harbor off the scoreboard while forcing the Sailors to punt on all five of its possessions not allowing the home team to get past the Mira Costa 41-yard line.
Meanwhile, the Mustangs were rolling to a 21-0 lead with Arredondo going 8 for 10 through the air for 127 yards and three touchdowns.
Mira Costa opened the second half with a 69-yard drive capped off by Ta’utino Sione’s second touchdown reception of the game, a 19-yard strike from Arredondo. Sione finished with three catches for 49 yards.
Newport Harbor cut the lead in half after Sailor quarterback Michael Bonds tossed two touchdowns passes, the first coming on a 20-yard strike to Reed Rutter on fourth-and-goal. The play was set up by a 65-yard run by Cole Kinder.
After Newport Harbor recovered a mishandled punt at the Mira Costa 26-yard line, Bonds hit Kinder with a 31-yard touchdown pass cutting the lead to 28-14 with 11:09 left in the game.
Mira Costa quickly responded when Omar Morrison raced 65 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage. Morrison finished the game with 146 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
Mira Costa hopes the momentum carries over into its game at Palos Verdes. The Mustangs have outscored their opponents 171-76 this season.
“Anybody who expects to have success in the Bay League has to play well against PV,” Mira Costa head coach Don Morrow said. “They are the team to beat until anyone proves otherwise. They’ve won a couple CIF titles (2014, 2012) and their kids are chomping at the bit to become the next one while trying not to be the team that stops the roll. The strength of those two forces is pretty compelling so it’s going to be a real challenge for us.”
The Sea Kings had a bye week but have momentum of their own. After losing its first three games, Palos Verdes (2-3) had impressive wins against Foothill and Carson.
Two of the Sea King’s losses were to ranked teams Corona del Mar (No. 4, Southwest Div.) and Narbonne (No. 1 in the LA City Section and 23rd in the state).
Sophomore quarterback Jake Nolls is 18 of 44 passing for 218 yards and has thrown five touchdown passes with no interceptions.
Junior running back Adison Umrarong has rushed for 279 yards and one touchdown on 63 carries while junior receiver Shane Irwin has seven receptions for 51 yards and three touchdowns.
Sea Hawks regroup
Redondo (4-1) is coming off a bye week after looking impressive during its non-league schedule. The Sea Hawks are ranked No. 3 in the CIF-SS Western Division, their only blemish a 35-16 loss to Mission Viejo (No. 1 in the West Valley Division and No. 7 in state)
Jacob Silvera has completed 59 of 86 passes for 824 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions. He also has two rushing touchdowns.
Warren Jackson has been the big playmaker for the Sea Hawks this season. The 6-foot-5 receiver has 486 yards and six touchdowns on 31 receptions. Jermar Jefferson has added 11 catches for 103 yards and one touchdown
Jefferson is also Redondo’s leading running back, rushing for 294 yards and one touchdown on 57 carries. Malik Spencer has contributed 145 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.
Redondo’s defense has had a relentless pass rush recording 20 sacks. Cedric Muzik has nine sacks in five games while Cole LeBlanc has added four sacks.
Redondo opens Bay League competition Friday with a 7 p.m. road game at Inglewood (1-4).
The Sentinels suffered their second straight shutout Friday with a 42-0 loss to visiting Notre Dame of Riverside..
Inglewood is led by sophomore quarterback Austrell Williams and junior running back EJ Jolla who averaged more than 100 yards per game in the first four games.
Redondo and Inglewood have had two common opponents. Redondo defeated North 26-21 and West 14-3. Inglewood was routed by both teams losing to North 43-0 and West 48-8. ER
