Sailors Ready to Defend the Bay: Newport Harbor Faces CdM in Rivalry Showdown
By TarFootball Staff | October 10, 2025
This Saturday night, the lights at Orange Coast College will burn a little brighter, the crowd a little louder, and every snap will carry the weight of pride, history, and heart. It’s the game that defines Newport Beach football — the Battle of the Bay — and your Newport Harbor Sailors are ready.
Rivals Since Childhood — Brothers Until Kickoff
For senior quarterback Jake Meer, this game is personal.
“We’ve been competing against CdM guys since we were in second grade,” Meer said. “It’s been fun — Mariners Elementary against Andersen kids, Ensign against CdM. We’ve been competing for a long time.”
Those familiar faces will meet again Saturday night — this time in front of thousands of fans, with city bragging rights and league momentum on the line.
The Sailors lead the all-time series 40–23, and after snapping Corona del Mar’s 10-game streak two years ago, Harbor has won the last two meetings — including last year’s unforgettable 21-20 finish, sealed by Glenn Baranoski’s go-ahead touchdown in the final minute.
Battle-Tested and Fearless
Don’t let the 2–4 record fool you — this Newport Harbor squad has been in every fight this season. Each loss has been decided by a touchdown or less, including last week’s 17–14 heartbreaker at Tesoro.
Head coach Matt Burns, a proud Harbor alum (‘94) and former linebacker on the 1992 CIF semifinal team, has this group believing that grit, discipline, and effort will carry the night.
“These kids fight every down,” Burns said. “They’re relentless. They don’t quit. And they play for each other.”
Behind center, Jake Meer continues to command the offense with poise, spreading the ball to junior standouts Shane McKibbin, Jackson Stremick, and Ryan Palmer — a trio that’s combined for more than 60 receptions this season. On defense, Baranoski, now committed to University of San Diego, anchors a hard-hitting unit that’s forced turnovers and limited opponents in red-zone situations week after week.
Are the Sailors Ready to Defend the Bay? The Challenge Ahead
Corona del Mar enters at 6–0 (1–0 Bravo League), led by senior quarterback Brady Annett and a deep receiving corps. But the Sea Kings haven’t faced a team with Harbor’s combination of physicality, toughness, and unity.
Harbor’s defensive front, led by Jaken Meyer and Owen Baldikoski, has proven disruptive against the run, while the Sailor secondary continues to tighten coverage and capitalize on mistakes.
The Sailors know the path to victory will be simple — win the turnover battle, control the tempo, and match CdM’s early energy with four quarters of relentless football.
More Than a Game
This rivalry extends far beyond the field — it’s a celebration of community. At this week’s Tackling Sports Forum, both programs shared mutual respect, but everyone in the room knew that Saturday’s kickoff would ignite the kind of passion that only this city can produce.
Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith summed it up best:
“They’re going to be warriors on Saturday, but today they’re friends. They play hard, and they do so in an honorable way. That’s what this community looks like.”
Still, when the whistle blows, there’s no question who Sailor Nation will be cheering for.
Game Info
Event: Battle of the Bay — Newport Harbor vs. Corona del Mar
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Orange Coast College
Series: Newport Harbor leads 40–23
Last Meeting: Newport Harbor 21, CdM 20 (2024)
The Final Word
For Newport Harbor, this game isn’t about records — it’s about heart. It’s about representing every alum, every student, every fan who’s ever shouted Go Sailors! from the bleachers.
The Sailors have shown they can stand toe-to-toe with anyone. On Saturday night, they’ll have the chance to remind the city — and the league — that the Bay still belongs to Newport Harbor.
Kickoff at 7:30. Be loud. Be proud. Go Sailors!