McDonald a lead in this act

NEWPORT BEACH — At Newport Harbor High, tradition is almost as essential as the players themselves.

The school instills its athletes with a reverence for it that practically rivals Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof.

So it’s no surprise that the front-runner for the job of quarterback comes from a family of play-callers. Junior quarterback Andrew McDonald is the son of former USC All-American Paul McDonald, who was the starting quarterback for the 1984 Cleveland Browns. Andrew McDonald’s brother Mike, is a former Harbor quarterback who is in his senior season as a backup quarterback for the Trojans.

Paul McDonald is now USC color analyst for KMPC-AM 1540’s “The Ticket.”

Andrew McDonald will do his best to become the starter when the Sailors open their season at home against Aliso Niguel on Sept. 6.

After a lackluster 6-4, 3-2 Sunset League finish in 2006, it will be up to this year’s crop of Sailors to restore Newport Harbor’s high-flying tradition of dominating football. As it prepares for Aliso Niguel, the three-time CIF champion has a scrimmage against Foothill Friday at 7 p.m. in Tustin.

Here’s a position-by-position look at the Sailors:

QUARTERBACK

McDonald (6-foot-1, 160 pounds) has the most promising hold on the starting position for the Sailors. He’s had the most experience in Coach Jeff Brinkley’s system, and has been getting the most repetitions in practice. That leaves Mater Dei transfer Hayden Green (6-2, 210), a junior, and senior Justin Jones (6-foot, 184) battling for the No. 2 spot. According to Brinkley, all three quarterbacks put up similar numbers this summer.

“I would say Andrew’s got the advantage in terms of knowledge of the system, but physically, they’re all pretty equal throwing the ball,” Brinkley said.

Green is just learning the system this year, and Jones is back after missing last season because he moved.

It’s a fresh start for the Sailors, who lost both Kevin Williams and backup Stephen Peterson to graduation. Williams helped lead Newport Harbor to a 6-4 overall 3-2 Sunset League record, finishing the year 67 of 116 for 842 yards and seven touchdowns.

RUNNING BACK

With two strong, healthy veteran running backs returning, Brinkley is hoping to have a powerful offensive tandem this year.

Last season, senior Ben Frazier (5-9, 186) rushed for 695 yards on 148 attempts for six touchdowns, and junior Michael Helfrich (6-foot, 178) contributed 444 yards on 70 attempts for four touchdowns.

“I would like to see us able to use both Helfrich and Frazier in the backfield at the same time, so I’ve got some schemes that we’re working on that are going to get both of those in the game at the same time,” Brinkley said. Frazier’s highlight last year was a 119-yard performance in a 21-13 victory over Esperanza, where he averaged 6.3 yards per carry. Senior Woody Yokoyama (5-10, 163), who saw playing time last year, and junior Danny Miller (5-10, 173) should also see the field this season.

Junior Brandon Kula (6-1, 205) plans to contribute at fullback, as does junior Nick Svendsen (6-2, 200).

“Right now, they’re the two leaders at that spot,” Brinkley said.

RECEIVERS

Sophomore Cecil Whiteside (6-3, 205), who played varsity tight end and linebacker last year, returns as a wide receiver.

He was a regular starter on defense last year, but will now play both ways, Brinkley said. Junior JB Green (6-1, 182) was a starter last year and is expected to bring some athleticism and speed to the position. Green caught nine passes for 111 yards, and was second on the team in kickoff returns last year, amassing 138 yards on six returns. Senior Henry Pyle (6-4, 202), senior Rob Joslin (6-foot, 177), junior Jason Jacobi (6-2, 173), and senior Adam Venegas (5-6, 158) round out the receiving corps. Jacobi returned after only playing basketball last year.

TIGHT END

Senior Dustin Campbell (6-1, 221) was starting tight end last year and finished the season with nine catches for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Ned Lyon (6-1, 183) will be the backup.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Brinkley anticipates having seven athletes who are capable of starting on the offensive line, something he hopes will be an advantage when circumstances call for fresh legs. Senior Jerry Whitney (6-2, 227) is fighting for a starting spot even though he started last year, Brinkley said. Senior Chase Obenauer (6-6, 276) returns at guard, and senior Kenny Vick (6-4, 215) will play center. Senior tackle Nathan Castillo (6-5, 264) is another returning starter, andjuniors Peter Kinney (5-10, 200) and Scott Ward (6-6, 233) are in the mix as well.

“I think we’ve got seven guys that can probably play up front, and there’s going to be five spots, so they’re all battling,” Brinkley said.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Obenauer and senior Matt Kruse (6-foot, 210) will play inside at defensive tackle.

Aaron Labrano (6-1, 230), Campbell, Castillo, and senior Brandon Davis (6-foot, 198) will rotate at defensive end.

LINEBACKERS

Kula and Whiteside are both returning defensive starters, and Kula was second on the team in tackles last season with 40 solos and 21 assists for a loss of 33 yards. Whiteside, who also excelled in the throws for the track and field team, finished with 13 tackles and 13 assists. Svendsen (6-2, 200) will be the main backup, while Frazier and Campbell will contribute as well.

SECONDARY

Pyle, who had 17 tackles and 21 assists in 2006 will return at safety. Helfrich will occupy the other safety position while junior Adrian Luchs (6-1, 181) is expected to play back-up with Jacobi.

Green, who had 11 tackles, five assists, and two fumble recoveries last season, and Miller will lead at cornerback. Senior Juan Guzman (5-8, 158) and Yokoyama will also see time at cornerback.