Orange Coast College

Football: Pirates, Rustlers set for annual West-Coast Showdown

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

For the 42nd time, the Orange Coast College Pirates and the Golden West College Rustlers will clash on the LeBard Stadium football field for their annual “West-Coast Showdown”. GWC holds a 20-19-2 record in the series, but the Pirates have won the past two years, including a 16-13 comeback win in 2008.

BUCS RIDING THE HOLLEY TRAIN: After earning an all-conference spot last year, sophomore running back Ray Holley is picking up right where he left off in 2008. The 5-9, 195-pounder from El Modena High School has racked up 385 yards and five touchdowns in his first two games this year, leading all SCFA running backs in those categories. Benefiting from a bulked up offensive line, Holley rushed for 222 yards and three TDs in the season opener against Santa Monica and 163 with two scores against L.A. Southwest.

WHAT’S THE RUSH?: While Holley has been running up and down the field, the opposition hasn’t been so lucky through the first two games. Orange Coast leads the SCFA in rushing defense, holding its opponents to minus-44 yards rushing on 41 carries. The majority of that negativity came last week against L.A. Southwest, where the Cougars were held to a minus-32 yards on 21 carries in the Pirates 26-9 win.

RUSTLER REPORT: Golden West opened the 2009 season with a much tougher schedule through the first two games, taking on Saddleback and Mt. San Antonio (both teams were ranked in the top five in Southern California in 2008). While the Rustlers have come up on the short end in both games, GWC has managed to put up some impressive numbers, especially in the air. Led be returning quarterback Mike VanDeripe, the Rustlers are ranked ninth among SCFA teams, averaging 235.5 yards per game. VanDeripe has racked up 433 yards and four touchdowns on 42-of-71 passing with five interceptions. His main weapon, Bryce Blake, caught 15 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns against Saddleback in the season opener.

WEST-COAST THROUGH THE YEARS: The past three years – all decided by seven points or less -- have been a perfect reflection on just how close this rivalry has been over the past 41 games. In the history of the WCS, 18 games between the two teams have been won by a touchdown or less.

KEEP AN EYE ON … GWC’s passing vs. OCC’s rushing. Through the first two games, both of these departments have been very successful and both teams will need this important piece of their offense to remain effective in order to be successful tonight. If either is contained, look for the other team to bring home the prestigious “Victory Bell” trophy.

NEXT WEEK … The Pirates will return to LeBard Stadium on Saturday for a nonconference matchup with Glendale, beginning at 6 p.m. GWC will play at L.A. Harbor on Saturday, also at 6 p.m.