Orange Coast College

Pirates show many positives at scrimmage

Friday, August 25, 2006

SANTA MONICA -- With the first opportunity to hit a different colored uniform now out of the way, Orange Coast College football coach Mike Taylor saw more positives that negatives following Friday's scrimmage with Santa Monica College.
"Overall, I was pleased with how the day turned out," Taylor said. "Obviously, there's still a ton of work to do, but we were able to get going at a high pace and we got out of here without anyone getting hurt and that's always a good thing."
On a team dominated by freshman, it was somewhat expected for the Pirates to start the scrimmage tentatively. "I think some of them may have been in a bit of awe," Taylor said. "But once things got going, I liked the intensity out there."
The Pirates' best chunk of play came in the timed half at the end of the scrimmage, where they scored on three of their four possessions and outscored the Corsairs 21-3.
On offense, sophomore quarterback Kekoa Crowell showed his experience with some well-timed and well-executed plays, while freshman running back Andrew Banks gave the Bucs' players, coaches and fans some reason to be excited about the 2006 season with some quick and evasive moves.
On defense, several big hits were executed, plus two nice interceptions from freshman defensive back Benjamin Soza.
The Pirates will open the season at LeBard Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2 against Santa Barbara. Game time is set for 6 p.m.