Newport Harbor running back Henry Slater (25) celebrates with his linemen after punching in a touchdown run for the Sailors, who took a 14-13 lead going into halftime. (Photos: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone).
Newport Harbor’s football team was down twice in the game, and twice it bounced back to capture a 20-19 victory over Dominguez Friday night in the CIF Division 6 semifinals at Davidson Field.
The Sailors (6-7) advance into the CIF championship game either next Friday or Saturday on the road against Temecula Valley. It’s the first time since 2013 that Newport Harbor has reached the CIF finals.
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“Our defense stepped up big in the second half,” said Coach Peter Lofthouse. “Offensively Kashton Henjum had a big night with two touchdowns.
“I’m very proud of how our team was able to overcome the early deficit and retake the lead late to get the win.”
Dominguez jumped out to a 13-0 lead when visiting quarterback Jordan Ford tossed a touchdown pass to Cieonta Davis and ran for another score, but Newport Harbor quarterback AJ Guitron-Moore connected with Henjum on a 35-yard TD pass to cut the lead to 13-7 with 5:46 left in the second quarter.
The Sailors then moved ahead 14-13 when Henry Slater scored on a TD run late in the second half.
Dominguez (10-3) moved ahead 19-14 with a score in the fourth quarter but Newport Harbor responded with a touchdown catch by Henjum to regain the lead 20-19 and held on for the win.
“I’m excited for our whole program and school,” Lofthouse said.
Newport Harbor’s last CIF title came in 2005 when the Sailors defeated Valencia in the CIF Division VI championship game.
—Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone
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