Pirates drop season opener to Panthers

RANCHO CUCAMONGA -- The Orange Coast College football team opened its 2015 season on the road and struggled, en route to a 41-16 nonconference loss to Chaffey College on Saturday night at Grigsby Field.

The opening-night jitters were out in force for both teams in the first quarter as the Panthers and Pirates combined for six turnovers, including an 87-yard interception return by OCC cornerback Derrick Worthy, putting the Pirates up 7-0 less than five minutes into the game.

Chaffey again had the ball and again, quarterback Levi Plante was picked off, this time by Joseph Jackson, giving the Pirates a chance to grab even more momentum.

But Coast struggled throughout the night on offense as the quarterback tandem of Kody Whitaker and Mason Dossey struggled to find any rhythm.

After both teams continued to trade turnovers in the first quarter, Coast grabbed a 9-0 lead early in the second when a botched snap on an end zone punt attempt was downed by the Panthers for a safety.

Following that poor drive by Chaffey, Plante found some success with the Panthers' offense and the hosts never looked back, scoring the next 41 points over the next three quarters.

Chaffey marched down the field and nine plays later, Plante (12-of-19, 156 yards, two TDs, two interceptions) connected with Marquis Wimberly on an 18-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 9-7.

The lead would evaporate for good when OCC punter Matt Stewart had his next kick blocked by John Mackesy and teammate Ryan Ricard picked up the free ball and scampered 12 yards into the end zone, putting Chaffey up 14-9.

Coast had a 10-play, 42-yard drive to open the third quarter, but the drive would stall and on Chaffey's first play of the second half, Quincey Ross (17-105, two TDs) dashed 70 yards for a touchdown, putting the Panthers ahead, 21-9.

That would be as close as it would get the rest of the night for the Pirates as the Panthers continued to make big play after big play. Coast ended the scoring for the night when an, eight-play, 63-yard drive was capped off with a 1-yard touchdown by Ian Pogue.

Running back Daniel Rodriguez led OCC's ground game with 80 yards on 20 carries. Dossey and Whitaker combined for 18-of-37 passing for 135 yards and two interceptions, while leading receiver Stefan Derrick had three catches for 51 yards.

On defense, Brandon Worthy was Coast's leading tackler with 10 (six solo) and one fumble recovery, while Mike Hayden and Cody Meddaugh each had eight tackles and a combined 3.5 tackles for loss.

Coast will look to regroup on Saturday against Cerritos College, beginning at 1 p.m. at LeBard Stadium.