Newport Harbor spoils Fountain Valley Homecoming (2021)

Huntington Beach – ‘Cap’ Sheue Field

Newport Harbor took advantage of four Fountain Valley turnovers, a shutout defensive effort and an impressive performance by quarterback AJ Guitron-Moore making his first varsity start as the Sailors spoiled the Barons’ homecoming 49-0 Friday night at Cap Sheue Field in Huntington Beach.

The victory snaps a four game losing streak as Harbor improves to 1-1 in Sunset League play, 2-5 overall. It’s the sixth straight loss for Fountain Valley after a season-opening win; the Barons drop to 0-2 in the league standings.

“It felt like we were getting our rhythm and hitting our stride,” reflected Harbor head coach Peter Lofthouse. “I think there’s a lot of kids with a lot of confidence after tonight.”

Guitron-Moore made the most of his first starting opportunity, hitting on 19 of 23 pass attempts for 271 yards and four touchdowns. After the teams traded turnovers on each of their first possessions, Harbor struck quickly on a three-play drive, all Guitron-Moore completions including a 37-yard touchdown to junior Kashton Henjum for the first score of the game.

The Sailors were steady on a second quarter 12-play drive covering 74 yards with senior Payton Irving punching it in from three yards out for a 14-0 Harbor lead. Guitron-Moore completed five passes on the possession including a clutch 11-yard reception by Henjum for a 4th down & 8 conversion.

Senior middle linebacker Robby Crowell spearheaded the NHHS defense on the next two Fountain Valley possessions. His crushing sack on Barons senior quarterback Tyler Nowicki forced a fumble that sophomore lineman Cameron Denoon returned 16 yards to the end zone. Crowell then intercepted a pass with a nifty 30 yard return on the Barons next possession. The Sailors led 21-0 at half.

“The defense was flying around, they really dialed in on their pass attack,” Lofthouse said. “As the game began to run away, they were forced to throw the ball against us and that’s why those turnovers happened. When we began to score off those turnovers, it was just a snowball affect.”

Third quarter scores on pass plays of 52 yards to Henjum, 24 yards to senior Duke Starnes and five yards to senior runningback Hayden Farley put the game out of reach. Sophomore runningback Henry Slater added a tough 3-yard touchdown run late to produce the 49-0 final score.

Worth mentioning, the Barons did have an impressive highlight tonight as  QB Owen Tomko connected with Drew Reyes for a 39-yard reception. Tomko was battling fierce pressure all night and showed he’s one tough kid. Reyes is also tough and hard to bring down.

“I think they played well,” commented Barons head coach David Gutierrez, “and I also think we’ve got to get out of our own way, stop making our own mistakes. We’re still playing for each other, we’re playing for our community and we’re excited to be here.”