Sailors’ 11-Point Lead Slips as El Modena Completes Comeback Win, Score 21-17 (2025)

Orange – Fred Kelly Stadium (EMHS)

El Modena pulled off a dramatic comeback Friday night, rallying from an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat Newport Harbor 21-17 at Fred Kelly Stadium. The Vanguards (1-2) earned their first win of the season behind the dual-threat play of sophomore quarterback Ethan Sorenson, who scored twice in the final six minutes.

The Sailors (1-2) seemed in control after three quarters. Quarterback Jake Meer threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns, including a 4-yard strike to Owen Baldikowski in the first quarter and a 40-yard bomb to Shane McKibbin late in the third. Kicker Daniel Rico added a 25-yard field goal as the half expired, giving Newport Harbor a 17-6 lead heading into the fourth.

El Modena’s defense kept them alive, limiting the Sailors’ rushing attack and forcing a key punt early in the final quarter. Sorenson then sparked the comeback. He connected with Sam Jackett on a 35-yard pass and Jason Ramos on a 24-yard gain to set up a 1-yard keeper. Sorenson powered across the goal line and added a two-point conversion pass to cut the deficit to 17-14 with 6:17 left.

After another defensive stand, Sorenson went back to his legs. He ripped off a 22-yard run, then followed it with a 40-yard touchdown sprint that gave the Vanguards their first lead of the night, 21-17, with just over two minutes remaining.

The game wasn’t over. Meer guided Newport Harbor from its own 10-yard line into El Modena territory in the final seconds, reaching the 29-yard line with one last chance at the end zone. But the Vanguards’ secondary held firm, knocking down the final heave to seal the comeback.

“They were explosive at receiver, but our kids kept playing and stuck it out,” El Modena coach Matt Mitchell said. “We made some adjustments and we put pressure on the quarterback when we needed to. The defense played hard all night.”

Mitchell praised Sorenson’s poise as a young starter. “That’s what he did last year in the JV a lot. We’ve kind of been trying to figure out what’s good for him and what’s not. It was exciting. We grew up a little bit.”

Newport Harbor dropped to 1-2 despite another strong night through the air for Meer and his receivers. El Modena, meanwhile, showed resilience in erasing a late deficit for a much-needed first win. Next up, Newport Harbor will return home to face Cajon on Wednesday, September 11.