NEWPORT BEACH — The El Modena football team stayed unbeaten thanks to a masterful performance by quarterback Xzavior Guess in the Vanguards’ 55-35 win over Newport Harbor Friday night at Newport Harbor High.
El Modena coach Matt Mitchell was all smiles as he did his best to describe what it’s like coaching Guess, who is a legitimate threat to produce a touchdown on nearly every play.
“It’s exciting for sure,” Mitchell said. “You never know when he’s going to take off and go the distance or scramble around and find somebody open, it’s super exciting.”
Guess threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns and also ran for 214 yards and three touchdowns.
“I want to thank my O-line and my coaches,” Guess said. “Without the play calls I get, I wouldn’t be able to get those six touchdowns and I have the line to protect me throughout the game.”
My interview with Xzavior Guess. Phenomenal talent!! @ocvarsity @elmodenafb @XzaviorQB1 pic.twitter.com/JRlEwZHGcw
— David Delgado (@DavidDelgado_OC) September 7, 2024
The Vanguards (3-0) wasted no time in taking control of the game as Samuel Jackett picked off Sailors quarterback Bode Stefano on the first play of the game.
Guess found a wide-open Connor Smith for a 30-yard TD pass that came from a flea-flicker on El Modena’s first offensive play.
Guess added two touchdown runs in the first quarter, a 52-yarder and another that went for 71 yards, to give the Vanguards a 21-7 lead.
“We came out and got them on their heels a little bit in the beginning there, we executed on both sides of the ball,” Mitchell said.
Newport Harbor (0-3) was able to respond on offense when Stefano connected with Cade Fegel on a 47-yard TD pass midway through the first.
After El Modena began the second quarter with a 19-yard field goal by Ethan Sorenson, the Sailors answered back as Fegel returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to cut into their deficit 24-14.
But the Vanguards scored the next three touchdowns as Guess continued to shine.
He evaded a couple of Newport Harbor defenders before rolling to his left and throwing a pinpoint pass to Logan Honikel, who made a great move to beat the final defender and score on a 58-yard catch.
Smith added his second touchdown catch of the night on a 44-yard pass from Guess and then Guess added an 82-yard touchdown run that gave El Modena a 45-14 lead.
Brodie Hitchens rushed for 78 yards and scored a touchdown in the third quarter for the Vanguards.
Newport Harbor will try and get its first win of the season, and first win under new coach Matt Burns, next week when it plays Cajon on the road. El Modena hosts Segerstrom on Thursday, Sept. 12.
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