Pirates look for a winning streak against West L.A.

COSTA MESA -- Fresh off a 40-30 Metro Division win over L.A. Harbor on Saturday, the Orange Coast College football looks to make it two straight with a road matchup at West L.A. College this coming Saturday at 1 p.m.

"That was the type of game we've been talking about all season and I'm so happy for the sophomores, we were able to get it done for their last home game," OCC head coach Bubba Gonzalez said. "I'm so proud of our sophomores for all they've gone through this year. With the COVID pandemic, we really didn't get the opportunity to teach this group how to be real leaders, but they've done a great job of learning as we've gone along this year. Our offense has been getting better week after week and our defense has been getting better, so it was great to finally see it all come together. The guys really wanted to win for the sophomore ... that game was for them."

With the season winding down and with the last-ever home game at LeBard Stadium, the Pirates (2-6, 1-3) put on an inspired performance to pick up the win against the Seahawks. "Sometimes, players don't realize that things come to and end, especially early in the season," Gonzalez said. "Our guys really gave it all they had for that last home game. They wanted to give that to the sophomores and as we continue to build our tradition here at OCC, hopefully the freshmen class will look towards next year as having that as special of a game for them as it was for these guys this year. We've struggled this year, but it's NOT from a lack of effort. These guys have been working hard every single week and like I said, as a group, we are getting better. Let's hope we continue that trend against a tough West L.A. team this Saturday."

For the Wildcats (2-6, 1-3), the offense has been led by quarterback Cassell Wiggins, who has thrown for 1,414 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 57.4% of his pass attempts along the way (148-of-258). The running back load has been shared by freshman Charles Mincy (72 carries, 313 yards, 3 TDs) and sophomore Keeshawn Johnson (35-243, 1 TD), while sophomore wide receiver Todd Ary (45 catches, 433 yards, 4 TDs) has been Wiggins' main passing target.

"They're a lot like L.A. Harbor, where they have guys who can make big plays at any time," Gonzalez said. "It's important to us that we play assignment football and stick to where we have to be and really be a disciplined football team. I've preached about doing our jobs all year and that doesn't change this week. The guys are excited and ready to get after it again. The practice on Tuesday was very energetic, especially after coming off of a win. They boys want to do that again. They're not comfortable with just winning last week. We've got two more opportunities to proved that our hard work all season will pay off for us."

Brandon Cannella, who threw for 234 yards and three touchdowns last week against LAHC, has 706 passing yards this season with five TDs on 65-of-128 passing. OCC's rushing trio of J.P. Segura-Queijeiro (85 carries, 490 yards, 3 TDs), David Hernandez (90-339, 1 TD) and Colin Gregg (60-284) has combined for 1,113 yards on the ground this year. Receivers to watch for the Pirates include tight ends Edwin LaCrosse (38 catches, 344 yards, 4 TDs) and Jacob Munro (21-240) as well as wide receiver Aaron Fletcher (20-378, 4 TDs).

On defense for the Wildcats, keep an eye on leading tacklers Kendall Hill (40 tackles) and Tommy Legardye (35 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss) as well as interception leader Kennedy Jones (3). For the Pirates, sophomore linebacker Marquise Alexander continues to lead the OCC defense with 48 tackles to go along with four sacks, while teammate Grant Conaway is close behing with 34 tackles and a team-best five sacks. Noah Skobis and Corey Sampson each lead the secondary with two interceptions each.