Section Sports - GOTW (SS): Edison (HB) versus Newpot Harbor

October 22, 2009

Kevin Scarpati
Section Sports Staff Writer

Who:

No. 1 Edison (6-0) at Newport Harbor (4-2)

Where:

Newport Harbor High School, Newport Beach

When:

Friday Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

Why to Watch:

Edison continues its quest for section-wide (and statewide) domination this Friday at Newport Harbor, an emerging team with a very good defense. The high-powered Charger spread offense hasn't scored fewer than 23 points this season, while the Sailors' defense has allowed more than 24 points in just one game this season. Something's got to give.

When the Chargers have the ball:

Edison is so effective on offense partly because of its balance. Quarterback Matt Viles doesn't have the strongest arm, but he's smart and accurate and consistently moves the chains. On the ground, running back Wade Houston has been quietly one of the section's better runners despite being slowed by Esperanza last week. Houston isn't a big back but he makes tacklers miss and he runs hard. The Chargers will see a different look on defense this week, as Newport runs a 3-4 defense. The Sailors' inside linebackers Ryan Andrews and Cecil Whiteside are both 230 pounders who can run. If Houston has another tough week running the ball, Newport can unleash its set of pass-rushing linebackers on Viles, who could be forced into some uncharacteristic mistakes.

When the Sailors have the ball:

Newport boasts a young but talented offense. Junior quarterback Austin Rios has been efficient in moving his team up and down the field in just his first year starting. Fellow junior Cedric Whitaker is the key, however. In the Sailors' two losses this season, Whitaker was held under 100 yards rushing. Newport's offense can't be forced to be one-dimensional against a very good Charger defense. Middle linebacker Jordan Zumwalt is healthy and flying around the ball for Edison, leading a defense that has allowed just 71 points all season long.

Matchups to Watch:

Chargers' running back Wade Houston vs. Sailors' middle linebackers

Wade Houston can't afford another poor performance this week against Newport Harbor, but the reality of it is he could be in for another week of tough sledding. The Sailors have two of the better linebackers in the section in Cecil Whiteside and Ryan Andrews. Both players are big enough to take on offensive linemen at the point of attack and shed and make the tackle, and both can run. Houston has to be smart about when picking his holes, because he's unlikely to get too many big-play opportunities against Newport. If the Sailors can completely take Houston out of the game and make Edison one-dimensional, they'll have a chance at the upset.

Sailors' running back Cedric Whitaker vs. Chargers' linebacker Jordan Zumwalt

Newport is going to have to be able to run the ball to have a chance at winning this game, as quarterback Austin Rios can't do it alone. Whitaker is small (5-foot-8, 170 pounds) but very fast, as he's averaging almost 7 yards per carry this season. Zumwalt is big (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) and runs like a deer, so Whitaker's usual speed advantage won't be as big of a factor as it usually is. If Whitaker can make a few plays and at least keep the threat of a running attack going, the Sailors win this matchup.

Prediction:

Edison is too balanced and Newport Harbor is too young at the skill positions to pull the upset. The Sailors' defense will keep them in the game early, but offensive miscues will cost them the upset.

Edison 20, Newport 13

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