Epic Showdowns at the Battle of the Bay Games

By: Kym Whitney

Newport Harbor High School Boys' Football Stuns Corona del Mar

On October 21st, the Newport Harbor High Boys' football team ended a 10-game losing streak to its rival in a nail-biter that ended with a 21-20 score. The game came down to a game-winning fourth-and-1 stop by the Sailors. They took the final possession with just a minute remaining left and ran out the clock. Hundreds of fans stormed the field at Newport Harbor High to join the Sailors in celebrating.

Newport Harbor quarterback Jaden O’Neal threw three touchdown passes. His third went for 19 yards to receiver CadeFegel, who had a total of two touchdown catches. The Sailors went up 21-20 with just under six minutes left in the game and held on until then end.

Corona del Mar High School Girls' Volleyball Sweeps Newport Harbor High School 

Libero Kirsten Dauderman was mobbed by her teammates after her match-winning service ace at the Battle of the Bay game on October 13, 2023. It was the perfect ending for the senior-laden team in their final match-up against Habor. The girls fended off match point, eking out a 25-14, 22-25, 25-20, 22-25, 16-14 win to complete a sweep over their hometown rival. 

Kirsten Dauderman - Senior Libero - 29 digs and four aces
Eva Link - Senior Setter - 61 assists and 10 digs
Hailey Shaw -Senior Middle Blocker - 5 kills and 2½ blocks
Sofia Dajnowiec - Freshman Outside Hitter - 24 kills
Paige Carrillo - Senior - 3 aces off the bench

Until this season, the seniors have not experienced a win against Harbor. Their first win was September 7th, when the girls earned another five-set victory.