Newport Harbor delivered a thrilling finish in its 2026 home opener Friday night, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Murrieta Mesa, 29–24, at Davidson Field.
The victory improved the Sailors to 2–0 following their season-opening 41–0 win over Nanakuli in Hawaii.
Newport Harbor opened the scoring midway through the first quarter after a high snap created trouble for the Murrieta Mesa punt team. The Rams’ punter kicked the loose ball backward, and Luke Garrido recovered it in the end zone to give the Sailors an early 7–0 lead.
Murrieta Mesa answered and eventually took control during the first half. A 40-yard field goal by Julian Nunez on the final play before halftime sent the Rams into the locker room with a 17–14 advantage.
The Rams extended their lead to 24–14 and appeared to be in control with just over six minutes remaining—but Newport Harbor wasn’t finished.
Senior quarterback Jordan Spigarelli connected with Ryan Palmer for a 30-yard touchdown with 6:23 left in the fourth quarter, cutting the Murrieta Mesa lead to three.
The Sailors then caught another break on special teams when a second mishandled snap forced the Rams’ punter to kick the ball through the end zone. The resulting safety made the score 24–23 and returned possession to Newport Harbor.
With the home crowd behind them and time running out, Spigarelli and Palmer delivered again.
The duo connected for their second touchdown of the quarter with just 1:08 remaining, giving Newport Harbor its first lead since the opening half and completing the dramatic comeback.
The Sailors’ defense held Murrieta Mesa on its final possession to secure the 29–24 victory.
Spigarelli continued his impressive start to the season after throwing for 253 yards and four touchdowns in Newport Harbor’s victory over Nanakuli. Against Murrieta Mesa, he once again came through when the Sailors needed him most.
Palmer also delivered in the biggest moments, hauling in both of Newport Harbor’s fourth-quarter touchdown passes—including the game-winning score.
With two victories to begin the season, the Sailors will look to carry their early momentum into the next challenge on their schedule.