Fun only a field or court away

If you think about all the arguments over joint-use agreements and

lack of playing fields, it makes you wonder if Newport-Mesa residents

are thankful to be living in such a prep sports mecca.

Then, if you checked the attendance at the annual Battle of the

Bay, you’d see you don’t really need to worry.

There weren’t 3,000, or 4,000, or 5,000, but 6,000 screaming fans

in attendance at the annual showdown between Newport Harbor and

Corona del Mar’s high school football teams.

The Tars won again, but not before having to mount a 15-point,

fourth quarter comeback to post a victory in this year’s a 21-17

thriller.

Seriously, if prep sports is your bag, there isn’t a better time

of year. You’ll notice, even the relatively new Sage Hill High School

program is enjoying success.

You have football, cross country, volleyball and water polo going

strong. And basketball, tennis, wrestling and baseball aren’t far

off.

So, next time you’re searching for things to do, take a gander at

the prep schedule in the Sports section of your favorite community

paper, and catch a version of Newport-Mesa’s own “Friday Night

Lights.”