Barry Faulkner
When was the last time you pumped your fist in public? Or hugged
someone not on your Christmas list?
I saw plenty of both taking place immediately following Newport Harbor
High's 35-16 CIF Southern Section Division VI football semifinal victory
over top-seeded La Mirada Saturday at the Sailors' field.
It was yet another example of how prep sports can lift human
existence, emotionally jar one from his/her daily grind, and leave a
lasting memory that should, upon reflection, prompt a satisfied smile.
Either Newport Harbor or Irvine will be similarly exultant after
Friday's Division VI title game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Orange Coast
College.
But both should thoroughly enjoy the experience, regardless of the
outcome, as should those rooters expected to exceed LeBard Stadium's
7,600 seating capacity.
Newport Coach Jeff Brinkley, who'll be gunning for his third section
crown in his fifth championship game since 1992, hopes to squeeze in
enough time to take in the surroundings Friday night.
After Harbor's 19-18 triumph over Irvine in last year's Division VI
title game, Brinkley said he regretted not having soaked in the euphoria
displayed by the celebrating Harbor fans as the final minutes ticked off
the clock.
"I tell myself I need to enjoy it a little more," Brinkley said.
"Watching myself on film toward the end of last year's game, I was still
focused on the game. I hope it's enjoyable for the kids and it should be
for us coaches, too."
Irvine Coach Terry Henigan, speaking at Monday's press conference
luncheon for all the Southern Section finalists, offered a surprising
take on last year's final. The Vaqueros led, 12-0 and 18-6, had another
touchdown nullified by penalty and had one of its running backs stumble
and fall after beating the last Harbor defender, only to see the Sailors
prevail.
"I was probably as ill as I've ever been with any loss, immediately
after the game," Henigan said. "But, 10 minutes later, I loved it. It was
such a great high school football game, between two classy programs that
don't know how to quit. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've
had in coaching."
Henigan, 132-90-5 in his 20th season as Irvine's head man, has had
many enjoyable experiences, including three straight section titles from
1991-93. But, he has never had an unbeaten campaign, something this
year's Sea View League champions hope to finish out Friday.
Henigan's work load has expanded this season. He continues to coach
