Orange Coast College

Football: Pirates look for 4-0 start against Glendale

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

KICKING OFF: The Orange Coast College football team (3-0) will go for its fourth win in a row tonight against the visiting Glendale College Vaqueros (3-0). Last year, the Pirates improved to 4-0 with a 31-24 win at Glendale.

VICTORY BELL STAYS PUT: For the first time in Orange Coast College football history, the Pirates extended the residence of the coveted "Victory Bell" for a third straight season thanks to a 24-21 West-Coast Showdown win over rival Golden West before a rowdy homecoming crowd at LeBard Stadium. It was another gritty performance by the Pirates (3-0) and once again, the effort was led by sophomore running back Ray Holley, who pounded the Rustlers (0-3) for 152 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries.

NO RUSH DELIVERY: Once again, it was another impressive effort by the Pirates’ rushing defense. With a little help from a yard-eating bad snap, Coast held Golden West to just two yards of offense on the ground, which was the most that OCC has allowed all season. Through the first three weeks, the Pirates still hold the stingiest rush defense among SCFA teams, holding the opposition to a MINUS-14 yards per game.

VAQUERO REPORT: It’s been a good start to the 2009 season for the Vaqueros as they, like the Pirates, have won their first three games. Glendale opened things with a 51-29 home win over West L.A., then, followed that up with a 31-28 road win at East L.A. and last week, topped Riverside at home, 10-7. Also like OCC, the Vaqueros are led by a strong ground game, led by running back Jorge Chaidez, who has racked up 450 yards and two touchdowns on 69 carries, second to OCC’s Holley (537 yards) among all SCFA running backs. Through the air, quarterback Steve Miller has thrown for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 35-of-70 passing with three interceptions. Primary receivers for Glendale include Brian Williams (seven catches, 109 yards, two TDs), Euedell Clayton (five catches, 80 yards, two TDs) and Joe Wiggan (four catches, 66 yards, two TDs).

OCC HONORS HALL OF FAMERS: Prior to tonight’s game, the OCC Athletic Hall of Fame inducted four new members – Al Irwin (coach), Jim Carnett (administration), Zoila Gomez (athlete) and the late Dan Quisenberry (athlete). At halftime, Coast will acknowledge these standout individuals with a ceremony on the football field.

KEEP AN EYE ON … Glendale’s rushing vs. OCC’s rushing defense. Chaidez has been impressive through the first three games, but the Coast defense will be his biggest test thus far. If the Pirates can keep Chaidez in check, look for positive results for the hosts.

NEXT WEEK … The Pirates will open Southern Conference action on Saturday at Fullerton College, beginning at 6 p.m. Coast will return home on Oct. 10 against Santa Ana, also at 6 p.m.