Pirates open 2023 season at Allan Hancock

COSTA MESA -- The wheels of progress continue to roll in the right direction for the Orange Coast College football team as the Pirates open the 2023 season on the road against Allan Hancock College on Saturday, beginning at 2 p.m.

"The days of our program not having strength and speed and athleticism are over," OCC head coach Bubba Gonzalez said. "This group is excited to get started. They believe them themselves and in each other and our leadership has really done a great job of putting the pieces in place for us to begin this season. I'm excited and anxious to get started, but it's up to the kids and how much they're willing to do to be successful."

Playing one of their toughest schedules in recent memory, the 2023 Pirates will need to rise to the occasion against some of the top programs in the area, beginning with a daunting road game up in Santa Maria against the AHC Bulldogs.'

"They're a very big and strong program with an offensive line similar to what we faced against Palomar (preseason scrimmage)," Gonzalez said. "It's going to crucial that we play with proper technique and aggressiveness right from the opening whistle. It's opening week and we need to come out flying right from the first whistle."

The quarterback position has a pair of front-runners, including returning sophomore Baylor Ayers and Zach Congalton. In 2022, Ayers threw for 869 yards on 62-of-108 passing with nine touchdowns and five interceptions over seven games. Included in those numbers was a solid performance against Glendale where Ayres threw for 281 yards and three TDs on 16-of-31 passing and a 205-yard, three-TD showing in OCC's 41-7 win over Santa Monica College.

"Baylor has a bit of an edge because he was here last year and knows our system and what we expect from him," Gonzalez said. But both QBs do good things for us. Baylor is more of a 'prototypical' QB that is in the pocket, where as Zach is more of a mobile QB with excellent athletic ability and speed. We will most likely use both early on in the season and see who rises to the occasion."

OCC's biggest departure from the 2022 squad was pint-sized running back J.P. Segura, who rushed for 1,121 yards and 9 TDs for Coast as a sophomore, but this year's RB core will be deeper and offer plenty of ways to find yards from the backfield. "We will have 3-4 guys rotating in and out of the game and all will give us something special," Gonzalez said. 

Included in that mix are sophomores Kyle Corrigan and Jackson Trerotola, who both return to the Pirate sidelines after their time at Woodbridge HS. Also in the mix will be bruising fullback, Paul Mendoza. "All three bring toughness and all three will be able to get those 'tough' yards when we need them," Gonzalez said. "They are workhorses and if we can get them just enough room, they can be successful."

A potential "X-factor" for the Pirates come from this year's group of wide receivers. Sophomores Kaden Baptista, Blake Willey, and Zyun McGee found the field last year and all three found success for the Pirates in 2022. Newcomer Trevor Thomas brings a 6'4, 220-pound frame as a receiver or as a tight end, giving the Pirates some size at the position. Also keep an eye on 6'3 receiver Marcus Royster, who comes to OCC after attending Utah Tech out of high school.

"There is a ton of potential with this group," Gonzalez said. "We've got some experienced guys who come into this year with a better understanding of our offense. And, we've got some downfield threats in the mix too. Guys like Trevor, who is a great route runner and a smart player for us. Marcus is very business-like on the field and he's a guy who, when we throw it up, he can go up and get the ball."

The OCC offensive line continues to work hard and will fight to keep its quarterback and running backs on the highlight reel throughout the season. Sophomore returner Harry Podell anchors a young, but talented group in the trenches that include Nathan Caracheo, Adam Nova, Anekelea Shibuya and several others. "We've got the depth this year and there is a toughness with this group that's great to see," Gonzalez said. "They understand that every play is a battle and our basic fundamentals on the line are very solid."

On the other side of the ball, Gonzalez is extremely pleased with the size and athleticism of his defensive line. Sophomores Tavon Shippen, Jose Garcia, T.J. Afamasaga and Andres Sanchez know the Pirate system and all three will be asked to lead the way for the OCC defense. "It's going to be hard to establish a running game against this group," Gonzalez said. "They know what is expected of them and they are ready for the challenge. Garcia has been a beast in the weight room, squatting 600 pounds."

Another guy to watch is former U.S. Marine, Anthony Carothers, who brings a fire and a determination that is infectious throughout the entire Pirate squad. "His strong military background comes through on the football field," Gonzalez said. "He is good at overcoming adversity and his intensity is off the charts."

Coast brings four returners back at linebacker, including Mason Lambooy, Johnny Brigandi, Charlie Iafeta and Joseph Neer. "All of these guys have experience and all are athletic and dependable for us," Gonzalez said. "They've done a great job of not only doing what's asked of them, but also getting our new guys on the same page. I'm confident this group will handle our second level of defense well for us."

The Pirate secondary possesses speed AND size around the field which will be beneficial to stopping the opponent's passing attack. Returning sophomores Nate Prader (20 tackles in 2022) and Treyvon Lee (27 tackles, two interceptions) have shown the way and freshmen Shane Shiel and Ethan Castillo each bring an athletic 6'3 frame to the defensive secondary that hasn't been seen around these parts in quite some time. "The talent is there," Gonzalez said. "We've now got some long, tall, good athletes who can get after it for us and our veteran guys are strong and steady as well."

Safety Nathaniel Lyken had a solid year for Coast last year with 49 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery and a 57-yard interception in 2022. "We expect a BIG year out of Nathaniel this year after what we saw last year," Gonzalez said. "He can not only cover the field well, but when he gets to his man, he'll come down and hit hard ... an outstanding leader for us."

Kickers Leo Ogawa and Calvin Kirchoff bring experience to the Pirate special teams. Last year, Ogawa came to OCC from Japan and was steady with extra points, but Gonzalez expects more in 2023. "Leo has been working hard and he's really kicking the ball well for us," Gonzalez said. "Calvin continues to improve as well and hopefully we can see more consistency from both of them for this year."

Overall, Gonzalez sees the hard work and the talent ... but will it translate to success in 2023? Only time will tell. "This group will have to work hard and do all the little things right in order to be successful," Gonzalez said. "They have to practice hard and do all of those things well when we aren't playing so that will lead to success when the whistle blows for real. This group is willing to put in the work and we will be a group that never quits on themselves or each other."