GAME RECAP: Spigarelli-to-Palmer Connection Fuels Newport Harbor’s Thrilling Comeback Over Murrieta Mesa

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — Newport Harbor refused to let its home opener slip away Friday night at Davidson Field.

Trailing late, senior quarterback Jordan Spigarelli found Ryan Palmer for the second time in the fourth quarter, delivering the game-winning touchdown pass with 1:08 remaining as the Sailors edged Murrieta Mesa 29-24 in a nonleague thriller. The win improved Newport Harbor to 2-0 after last week’s 41-0 statement victory over Nanakuli in Hawaii.

The Sailors struck first in bizarre fashion. Early in the opening quarter, a high snap forced the Murrieta Mesa punter to kick the ball backward. Luke Garrido recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown, giving Newport Harbor a 7-0 lead with 6:10 left in the first.

Murrieta Mesa answered and controlled stretches of the first half. The Rams took a 17-14 lead into the locker room after Julian Nunez drilled a 40-yard field goal on the final play of the second quarter. They would receive the ball to open the second half.

The fourth quarter belonged to Spigarelli and Palmer. With Murrieta Mesa ahead 24-14 and 6:23 remaining, Spigarelli hit Palmer on a 30-yard touchdown strike to pull the Sailors within three. Moments later, another botched snap plagued the visitors. Murrieta Mesa’s punter kicked the ball into the end zone for a safety, and Newport Harbor got the ball back with the momentum fully on its side.

Then, with time winding down and the home crowd roaring, Spigarelli found Palmer again for the decisive score with 1:08 left. Newport Harbor held on from there.

Spigarelli, who started for the second straight week under head coach Matt Burns, continued his strong start to the season after throwing for 253 yards and four touchdowns in the Hawaii opener. Palmer, a reliable target in the passing game, came up huge when it mattered most with the two late touchdown receptions.

The victory marked a successful home debut for a Newport Harbor squad looking to build momentum after opening the year across the Pacific. Murrieta Mesa dropped to 0-1 in a competitive early-season matchup between the two programs.

Next up for the Sailors is a road trip to Lancaster next Friday.