Pirates rally comes up just short at Moorpark

MOORPARK -- The gap is closing and the numbers are improving for the Orange Coast College football team, but the Pirates are still looking to get over that hump after a tough 28-26 nonconference loss to host Moorpark on Saturday night.

The Pirates (0-2) led in just about every offensive category against the Raiders (2-0), but it was Moorpark who escaped with the win.

The host Raiders carried a 20-6 lead midway through the third quarter before Coast began its comeback effort.

After a 50-yard kickoff return by Jeremiah Espitia brought the Pirates inside of Moorpark territory, Coast capped off an 8-play, 36-yard drive with a 3-yard quarterback run into the end zone from Zach Congalton, cutting the deficit to 20-12 after the blocked PAT.

Moorpark did nothing on its next possession and a 19-yard punt gave the Pirates excellent field position on the MC side of the field. Eleven plays later, Congalton found Mike Callens in the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown strike, bringing the Pirates two within two point at 20-18. OCC's 2-point conversion failed, leaving the Pirates trailing early in the fourth quarter.

The Raiders found the end zone with 2:26 remaining to push the lead up to 10 at 28-18 after a made 2-point attempt, but, Coast refused to give up.

Congalton again used his legs and scampered in from 11-yards out with 17 seconds left and after a Congalton-to-Espitia 2-point attempt, Coast trailed, 28-26, with a potential onside kick attempt, but the Raiders gained possession and ran out the clock to secure the win.

It was a balanced attack from Congalton, who threw for 125 yards and a touchdown on 15-of-26 passing, and also rushed for 126 yards and a pair of scores on 17 attempts. Running back Paul Mendoza was the workhorse on the ground, carrying the ball 23 times for 67 yards, while Isaiah Esquibel caught a team-best six passes for 67 yards. 

The Pirate defense, led by seven tackles each from Jayden Niumata and Rocky Jack, held the Raider running game to just 61 total yards, while the Pirate ground game racked up 229 yards.

Coast will return to action on Saturday at Santa Barbara City College, beginning at 6 p.m. OCC's next home game will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 against Cerritos, also at 6 p.m.