Pirates roll to third straight win, 35-7, over L.A. Pierce

WOODLAND HILLS -- The Orange Coast College football team earned its third straight win on Saturday night by rolling past L.A. Pierce College, 35-7, in a nonconference matchup played at John Shepard Stadium.

After starting, 0-2, the Pirates (3-2) have picked up their level of play on both sides of the ball. Coast racked up 444 yards of total offense, while the defense held the Brahmas (3-2) to just seven points, while forcing five turnovers (three fumbles, two interceptions).

Quarterback Mason Dossey threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-29 passing. His favorite target of the night was sophomore wide receiver Stefan Derrick, who caught five passes for 110 yards and three touchdowns, one coming from running back Daniel Rodriguez, who also rushed for a team-best 45 yards on 11 carries.

Coast wasted no time and scored on its opening drive as Dossey scampered 49 yards for a Pirate touchdown just two minutes into the game.

Dossey used his arm on OCC's next possession as he connected with Derrick for a 27-yard touchdown, capping off a nine-play, 78-yard drive to make it 14-0 following a successful PAT by Dan Bjurman.

Pierce made it 14-7 on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Sean Smith to Jamere Austin late in the first quarter, but that would be it for the Brahmas for the rest of the night as the Pirate defense clamped down and made the big play when it was needed.

OCC's defense was led by Mark Cushing, who had a team-best 16 tackles (seven solo) with a forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Coast also benefited from a pair of interceptions by Brandon Worthy, who now has four pickoffs for the season.

Kyle White capped off an 11-play, 80-yard drive that put the Pirates up 21-7 early in the second quarter and it stayed that way for the rest of the first half.

Coast would tack on solo touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters to finish off the Brahmas. In the third quarter, Derrick again was on the receiving end of a Dossey touchdown pass and in the fourth quarter, Derrick caught a TD pass from Rodriguez to finish things off. 

The Pirates return to action on Saturday at home against Palomar, beginning at 6 p.m. At halftime, OCC will honor several members of the 1975 national championship team as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Coast's 11-0 football squad.