Football: Youthful Pirates counting down to Sept. 11

Tony Altobelli

With opening day quickly approaching, Orange Coast College heads

into the 1999 football season the best way possible; healthy.

“We’ve had some of the usual scrapes, scratches, bumps and bruises,

but fortunately, nothing severe,” said first-year skipper, Mike Taylor.

“We’ve been pretty lucky in that department.”

Despite the heavy influence of freshman for the upcoming season,

Taylor has been pleased with the overall feel of the opening weeks of

practice.

“Overall, they’ve been real good,” Taylor said. “It’s been a very

business-like atmosphere around here, with guys really working hard.

“It’s a very spirited group of guys,” Taylor continued. “Not to

mention that the weather has been just outstanding, so no complaints from

me.”

The Pirates’ first opportunity to hit opposing players will be a Sept.

3 scrimmage against Santa Monica College at 1 p.m. at LeBard Stadium.

“We’ve been working with about 35 plays so far,” Taylor said. “Before

the scrimmage, we would like to expand that to 45-50 plays.”

One of the biggest surprises for Taylor has been the play of sophomore

running back Raymond Ohrel (Newport Harbor High).

“He’s been running faster in practice than I remember from last year,”

Taylor said. “That just comes from how hard he’s worked over the

offseason and into this season.” Another important ingredient to the

offensive mix for the Pirates is quaterback Jared Flint.

The 6-foot-6 sophomore threw for 1,595 yards with nine touchdowns last

year and Taylor has been excited with his preseason form.

“He’s throwing the ball with a lot of confidence and I’m expecting

some big things from him,” Taylor said.

Taylor has also enhanced his coaching staff, adding four new assistant

coaches to his staff, which includes Paul Briggs (offensive line), Mike

Mayne (outside linebackers), Kurt Clemens (offensive line) and Sean

Ponder (quarterbacks/tight ends).

Phil Cooper has been brought on to work with the running backs, Mike

Dodd will replace Taylor as the team’s defensive coordinator, Rick

Zumwalt will work with the defensive ends and linebackers and Carl Howard

has been brought on part time to work with the running backs.

New faces will not be limited to the Pirate coaching staff.

With only 19 sophomores returning to the Bucs, Taylor has had to

juggle his lineups, looking for the right blend.

“We’ve been a little thin on the offensive and defensive lines,”

Taylor said. “So we’ve been moving guys in and out of various positions

to try to give the lines some more depth. Hopefully, we’ll get the right

combination in there by the opener.”