




















12th Tar Ad




Dear Newport Harbor Families and Friends,
As I enter my second year as head coach of Newport Harbor Football, I am filled with pride and excitement for the direction of our program. Last season was a tremendous step forward in building upon the rich history and deep-rooted traditions that make Tar Football so special. Our athletes, coaches, and community worked together to establish a strong foundation, and I believe our program is now in a really good place—poised for continued growth and success.
My journey with Newport Harbor has always been personal. As a former player under legendary Coach Jeff Brinkley, and later as his assistant for 20 years, the values of integrity, hard work, honesty, and honor have shaped both my coaching and my life. Now, as only the second alumnus to lead this program, I am humbled to continue that legacy while preparing our players for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The competitive landscape is evolving, with CIF alignments shifting us into the Bravo Division.
We will be tested against excellent programs, and I am confident that our athletes are prepared to meet those challenges with toughness, resilience, and heart. Most importantly, our program remains
committed to developing young men who are not only successful on the field but also responsible, respectful, and resilient individuals in life.
Our community has always been the backbone of Newport Harbor Football. Your presence in the stands, your encouragement to our athletes, and your unwavering support make all the difference. Together, we will continue to cultivate an environment where every player feels valued, every fan feels connected, and every game day reflects the pride of the Long Grey Line.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in this program. I look forward to another year of building memories, creating lasting bonds, and carrying forward the proud tradition of Newport Football. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at mburns@tarfootball.com with your questions, comments, or thoughts. of building memories, creating lasting bonds, and carrying forward the proud tradition of Newport Football. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at mburns@tarfootball. com with your questions, comments, or thoughts.
Sincerely,
Matthew Burns Head Coach, Newport Harbor Football
Dear Fans, Families, and Community,
Welcome to the start of another exciting season of Newport Harbor High School Football! The energy around our program this year is undeniable.
With coach Burns leading the way, a team full of determination, and traditions being renewed, there’s a fresh sense of pride and purpose in everything we do.
Our players have worked tirelessly throughout the offseason—on the field, in the weight room, and in the classroom—to prepare for this moment. They are committed to representing our school and community with passion, discipline, and heart.
High school football is about more than the scoreboard. It’s about the lifelong lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and character. It’s about bringing together students, families, and the community under the Friday night lights to cheer, celebrate, and support one another.
We are grateful to the parents, booster club, and volunteers whose hard work makes this season possible, and to the fans who fill the stands and create an atmosphere that inspires our team to give their very best.
Thank you for being here, thank you for your unwavering support, and thank you for helping us continue the proud tradition of Newport Harbor Football.
Together, let’s make this a season to remember.
Sam Stremick,
Booster Club President 2025 sstremick@tarfootball.com
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As we prepare for another exciting season of Newport Harbor High School football, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound impact our program has on our school and the wider community. For generations, since our first high school football game in 1930, Sailor football has been more than just a sport at NHHS; it has been a rallying point for our school spirit, a lesson in teamwork and resilience, and a proud tradition passed down from one class to the next. Tarball!
At the helm of this storied program is Coach Burns, a true Sailor himself, who not only leads our team but also represents the legacy of those who have played on Davidson Field. We are fortunate to have a head coach who is an alumnus, a testament to the history and traditions he so passionately works to restore. Coach Burns has brought back cherished rituals and, most importantly, has instilled a renewed sense of SAILOR PRIDE and discipline that is deeply appreciated by our students, staff, and families.
Football games at Newport Harbor are community events. They are evenings where the stadium lights glow not just on the players, but on the
tireless efforts of our Newport Harbor High School Cheerleaders, the spirited rhythms of our Sailor Marching Band, and the enthusiastic energy of the TarPit. It is in these moments that we see the true meaning of what it means to be “Sailor”—a shared purpose and a collective belief in the power of a well-disciplined crew.
On behalf of the entire Newport Harbor High School family, I extend my heartfelt thanks to Coach Burns for his dedication and leadership and for continuing to build a program that makes us all proud. To our parents, the community at large, too, for their monetary commitment to developing not only great athletes but also great young men, and what truly defines the success of our program.
We look forward to a season filled with sportsmanship, hard work, and the unwavering support of our community.
—Go Sailors!
Sean Boulton, Principal
Reed Johns, Danny Pulido, Dan Otting, Pete Hogan, Eric Freeman, Jason Deer, Coach Ciarelli, Greg Wertman, Eddie Clark, Phil Balthazar, Eric Shader, Derrick Fox
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