Tesoro Finally Breaks Through, Beats Newport Harbor by Three, Score 17-14 (2025)

Rancho Santa Margarita – Titan Stadium (THS)

In a game that lived up to the growing rivalry between Newport Harbor and Tesoro, the Titans delivered late-game redemption on their homecoming night, edging the Sailors 17-14 in a Bravo League opener that came down to the wire once again.

It was the third consecutive meeting between these two programs decided by a field goal — and the first time Tesoro came out on top.

Both defenses dominated early, forcing a scoreless first quarter before Newport Harbor quarterback Jake Meer led a methodical second-quarter drive capped by a 6-yard rushing touchdown to put the Sailors ahead 7-0. Tesoro answered just before halftime when kicker Ryan Noya nailed a 35-yard field goal to make it 7-3 at the break.

In the third quarter, Tesoro’s offense found momentum behind running back Noah Davis, who powered in from two yards out to give the Titans their first lead at 10-7. But Newport Harbor responded immediately — once again leaning on the ground game. Ryan Palmer punched in a 2-yard touchdown to reclaim a 14-10 advantage heading into the final quarter.

Tesoro, however, saved its best drive for last. Quarterback Gavin Graham led the Titans 65 yards downfield, capped by another 2-yard touchdown run from Davis with just over seven minutes remaining. The Tesoro defense held strong the rest of the way, stalling Newport Harbor’s comeback bid near midfield to secure the win.

Meer, who entered the game averaging 235 passing yards per outing, was efficient but faced constant pressure from Tesoro’s front seven. Linebacker Wyatt Owens, one of the county’s top tacklers, anchored the Titans’ defensive stand in the closing minutes.

Palmer and Shane McKibbin each provided steady play for the Sailors, while the defense kept Tesoro’s passing game in check. Despite the loss, Newport Harbor has now played in four one-score games this season, continuing a trend of tight finishes that has tested their resilience and poise.

Newport Harbor (2-4, 0-1) will look to rebound at home next week, while Tesoro (3-3, 1-0) builds confidence with its first Bravo League victory.