team roster fall 2025
Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator
A graduate of NHHS in 1994, Coach Burns has always had a passion for sports and education. Pursuing this passion further, completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Wagner University while playing football. He followed that up by earning a Master’s degree in Educational Technology. In 1998, Coach Burns returned to NHHS to begin a distinguished coaching career. Over the years, Coach Burns has contributed significantly to the athletic department, coaching various sports with dedication and expertise.
– Baseball: Coached for 8 years, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.
– Surf Team: Led the team for 15 years, promoting skill development and mental toughness.
– Strength & Conditioning Coach for Boys/Girls Volleyball: Dedicated 8 years to enhancing athletes’ physical performance with olympic weightlifting.
– Football: An impressive 23-year tenure, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes through mentorship and strategic guidance.
Coach Burns has been happily married to Erin Burns (NHHS Alum ’94) for 25 years. Together, they have built a loving family and raised three wonderful children who are 4th generation Sailors:
– Megan: 21 years old, currently attending Boise State University. NHHS Alumni 2022
– Molly: 19 years old, pursuing her studies at the University of Utah. NHHS Alumni 2023
– Wyatt: 17 years old, a junior at NHHS, following in the footsteps of his parents. Class of 2026
Coach Burns’ commitment to family, education, and athletics continues to inspire those around them, leaving a lasting impact on the NHHS community.
Offensive Coordinator
“Coach Garrett Govaars returns to Newport Harbor this season as the team’s Offensive Coordinator. Coach Govaars began his coaching his career at Newport Harbor first coaching WRs and DBs for the Freshmen Team (1999-2004) and then for the Varsity Team (2005-2017). After leaving Newport Harbor, Coach Govaars served as the WR Coach at Huntington Beach HS (2018), as the Offensive Coordinator at Fountain Valley HS for 3 years (2019-2021) and most recently as the Offensive Coordinator at Esperanza HS for the last 2 years (2022-2023).
Coach Govaars played football at Newport Harbor before attending UC Davis, earning a Psychology and History degree. He also has his Masters in Education Technology that he has used in his career as a social science teacher at Newport Harbor since 2006.
Coach Govaars is married to his wife, Erin, and they have a son, Jackson. “
Varsity Special Teams / Freshmen QB's & WR's
Coach Jax Hudson is entering his 1st season coaching at Newport Harbor, his 4th season overall (previously at Perrysburg High School in Ohio). Coach Hudson will be working primarily with Special Teams and assisting with the Quarterbacks.
Coach Hudson attended Perrysburg High School in Perrysburg, Ohio. He was an All-State, All-District, and All-Conference kicker during his time playing for the Yellowjackets. Coach Hudson currently attends Chapman University, continuing his playing career while pursuing a degree in Education with a minor in Leadership Studies.
Quarterbacks
Coach Raymond Huizar is entering his 4th season coaching at Newport Harbor, and his 7th year overall (previously at Esperanza High School). Coach Huizar coaches the Quarterbacks for both JV and Varsity.
Coach Huizar attended high school at Pacifica High School in Garden Grove, CA. He was a 4-year letterman, two-time All-Empire League, and two-time All-CIF Quarterback for the Mariners. After high school, Coach Huizar attended Goldenwest Community College where he was a two-time All-Conference Quarterback. Lastly, Coach Huizar finished his collegiate career at Chapman University where he helped the Panthers earn their first SCIAC Championship in school history.
Coach Huizar graduated from Chapman University with a major in Health Science. He also graduated from USC with his Masters Degree in Single Subject Teaching-Mathematics.
Strength Coach
“10 Years of CrossFit and Olympic Weightlifting Coaching
3 Years Physical Therapy Assistant at Gateway Rehab Center “
DB's & LB's
I have been coaching for 27 years. I started my coaching career in 1998 after graduating from Marina High School. I was a position coach at Marina for 7 seasons. In 2005 I made the move to Ocean View for 2 seasons as a position coach. 2007 I moved to Long Beach Wilson where I coached there for 3 seasons and was the Defensive Coordinator for the final 2 years of my time there. In 2010 I moved to Huntington Beach High School where I was the Defensive Coordinator for the last 15 seasons. In 2013 I helped lead the Defense to a CIF Championship in Angel Stadium against Newport Harbor. I graduated from Long Beach State with a Degree in Business Administration. I currently own Eat at Joe’s, A Family Friendly Sports Bar in Huntington Beach, with my wife Allie. We have been married 5 years with year 6 coming up this June. We are blessed to have a son named Kane who is 5 and a daughter named Kendall who is 3. We are a big sports family and can’t wait to kick off this new opportunity with the Newport Harbor Sailors Family!
OL and Player Development
“Andy Baker, a Newport Harbor alumni (2011) and successful local realtor with Arbor Real Estate, returns to his alma mater in his first year as the Director of Player Development and Assistant Offensive Line Coach. A graduate of Auburn University, Andy served in various capacities within the athletic department during and after his academic years, showcasing his commitment to sports leadership.
In addition to his accomplishments in real estate, Andy’s deep roots in Newport Beach and connection to the local community make him an invaluable asset to the football program. As Director of Player Development, he brings a visionary approach to holistic athlete growth, emphasizing character development, academic excellence, and community engagement.
On the field, Andy’s role as Assistant Offensive Line Coach leverages his understanding of the game and leadership skills to guide the team. His coaching style emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, creating an environment where players can thrive individually and as a unit.
Andy possesses a commitment to giving back to the community that helped to shape him, and a focus on developing well-rounded athletes.”
Linebackers
This will be my 6 years coaching. I started my coaching career at Orange High School doing Freshman and JV. This upcoming season will be my third year here at Harbor. After High School Football, I played at Santa Ana College for 3 years. I continued my education by transferring over to Cal State Fullerton where I got my undergraduate degree in General Studies in Kinesiology. I have over 20 years of playing and coaching experience. I come from a family of 4 and have a twin brother. I look forward to another great season, go Sailors.
Offensive Coach
First season coaching with Newport Harbor and second season coaching overall (Newport Beach Seahawks). Played Wide Receiver and Cornerback at Asotin High School (WA) and lettered all four years.
Received his Bachelors Degree from Vanguard University of Southern California in Elementary Education. His love for football, the development of student athletes and culture building has led him to coaching.
Happily married to his wife, Melanie, who is a video editor for a production company.
Go Sailors!
Linebackers
Coach Urban comes to us with 13+ years of coaching experience. He spent 9 years coaching the Newport Harbor Freshman Team with his father from 2004 – 2012 and 4 years as the head coach of the Newport Mesa Patriots Pop Warner program. In 2023 his Patriots went 10-0 and were Orange Bowl Champions of the 12 U Division.
Joe is a Newport Harbor Graduate (97) who was an All CIF Linebacker, All League and CIF Champion at Newport Harbor. He Played on the only 14 – 0 team at Newport Harbor. He is also an All CIF Baseball, All County & All Sea View League Baseball Player.
Joe Played baseball in college at Santa Ana College and Iowa State University where he was a draft pick of the Detroit Tigers. He played 2 seasons of Minor League baseball.
Joe is married to his wife Jillian of 18 years and has a daughter (Jazzy) who is a Varsity Cheerleader At Newport Harbor and son ( Joey ) who plays for our Freshman Football Team.
Defensive Line
6th year coaching at Newport Harbor. Coached at Costa Mesa High School 2009-2017. Mater Dei graduate class of 2004. Played football at Santa Ana College and Minot State University.
Offensive Line
Lance Chavez is an experienced football coach with a long history of success in developing offensive lines and running game strategies. With over two decades of coaching experience, Lance has worked at several prestigious high schools, specializing in offensive line coaching, run game coordination, and player development.
Lance began his coaching career in 2001 at Newport Harbor High School as the Freshman Offensive Line Coach before moving into an Assistant Offensive Line Coach role from 2004 to 2006. During this time, he contributed to the team’s CIF Championship in 2005. From 2007 to 2016, Lance served at Estancia High School, where he coached the offensive line, became the JV Head Coach, and in 2016, took on the role of Offensive Coordinator. His leadership at Estancia helped develop a competitive and dynamic program.
In 2018, Lance became the Offensive Coordinator at Sacred Heart of Mary, where he continued to expand his coaching expertise. He then moved to Fountain Valley High School from 2019 to 2020 as the Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, further honing his skills in offensive strategy. Lance returned to Newport Harbor in 2024 as the Offensive Line Coach and Run Game Coordinator, where he continues to make an impact on the team’s success.
Lance holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from New Mexico Highlands University. His extensive experience and commitment to excellence in coaching have made him a respected figure in the Southern California high school football community.
Defensive Backs
“I’m coach Huynh and this will be my 9th season coaching football. I started my coaching journey right after high school. I spent seven years at Bolsa Grande where I started out as the frosh teams offensive coordinator for two years, before taking on the role as the frosh head coach for three seasons. After that, I moved up to varsity as the teams defensive coordinator, while being an individual coach for running backs, defensive backs, and linebackers. I also helped break the County record for longest playoff drought, making playoffs in both seasons.
Following my time at Bolsa Grande, I spent one season at Fountain Valley as the wide receiver coach and jv offensive coordinator. Now I’m excited to be in my first year at Newport Harbor.
Beyond coaching, I’m currently in my last year at Cal State Long Beach, where I’m pursuing my Bachelors degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Physical Education. My goal is to become a physical education teacher.
Off the field, I’m currently engaged to my fiancée for just a little over a year. “
Equipment Manager
Ryan O’Donnell is a cornerstone of Newport Harbor High School (NHHS), known for his unwavering dedication and positive demeanor. With a smile perpetually gracing his face, Ryan embodies kindness and generosity, never hesitating to offer assistance to those in need. His commitment to the school community is evident in his role as the equipment manager, a position he has held with distinction for over 30 years.
Throughout his tenure, Ryan has been instrumental in ensuring that all sporting and educational events run smoothly, thanks to his meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills. His deep understanding of the school’s needs and his proactive approach in addressing them have made him an invaluable asset to both staff and students alike.
In recognition of his contributions, Ryan has received numerous accolades and expressions of gratitude from colleagues, students, and parents. His legacy at NHHS is one of compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of the school and its community.
Running Backs
Entering his second season with the Newport Harbor Sailors, Sutter Choisser brings a wealth of experience to the football program as the Running Back Coach and Assistant Strength Coach. Known for his commitment to player development, Choisser has a proven track record, having previously coached at both Trabuco Hills and Folsom High School, where he helped elevate the performance of athletes and strengthen team dynamics.
A former college football player at Linfield University in Oregon, Choisser’s playing experience provides a unique perspective and deep understanding of the game, particularly in the running back position. His ability to mentor athletes, improve their technique, and maximize their physical potential has made him a valuable asset to the Sailors’ coaching staff.
In addition to his coaching duties, Choisser works in sales for Modern Football Technology, further expanding his expertise in the evolving landscape of football innovation. With a passion for the game, a commitment to his athletes, and a strong background in both coaching and sports technology, Sutter Choisser is dedicated to helping Newport Harbor High School’s football program reach new heights.
