In one of the most electric matchups of the season, the Cajon Cowboys narrowly defeated the Newport Harbor Sailors 38-35 in a high-octane showdown that saw explosive plays, momentum-shifting turnovers, and relentless offensive performances from both teams.
The game opened with Cajon marching downfield quickly, capitalizing on a 4-yard touchdown pass and a successful two-point conversion to take an early 8-0 lead. Newport Harbor, however, responded in dramatic fashion. After punting on their first drive, their defense struck back when Cruz Marsella returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 8-7.
Cajon continued to push the tempo. Taylor Johnson connected with Uziah Todd on a 20-yard touchdown pass, although the 2-point try failed, giving them a 14-7 advantage. But Newport Harbor’s offense started to click in the second quarter, sparked by the dynamic duo of quarterback Jake Meer and running back Jonah Takamori. Takamori’s 5-yard rushing TD tied the game at 14.
After a quick Cajon punt, Meer led a surgical drive capped by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Palmer, putting Newport Harbor ahead 21-14. But Cajon struck back immediately, with Landon White taking a pass 80 yards to the house, leveling the score at 21-21.
A fumble by Newport Harbor late in the half gave Cajon a golden opportunity, which they cashed in with Johnson’s 10-yard TD pass to White. Cajon entered halftime up 28-21.
The third quarter started with Newport Harbor controlling possession and tempo. Takamori remained unstoppable on the ground, eventually punching in a 5-yard rushing TD to tie the game at 28-28. The Sailors’ defense then recovered back-to-back Cajon fumbles, setting up another short field. Takamori again capitalized, and with the PAT, Newport Harbor claimed a 35-28 lead.
But Cajon wasn’t done. A critical fumble by the Sailors late in the quarter allowed Cajon to strike back with a short touchdown pass to Jackson Murray, tying the game 35-35 heading into the fourth.
In the final frame, Newport Harbor continued to ride Takamori’s legs, marching deep into Cajon territory. Despite reaching the red zone, the Sailors came up short on a critical fourth down.
With the game tied and time winding down, Cajon launched a balanced drive, led by Johnson’s passing and scrambling ability. With less than a minute left, Cajon found themselves at the Newport Harbor 1-yard line. After being stuffed on second down, they settled for a 17-yard field goal—good.
That kick, in the dying seconds, was the difference. The final Score was Cajon 38, Newport Harbor 35
