OCC preview: Key Pirates look to shine in ’99

Tony Altobelli

COSTA MESA - With a combination of solid new talent, along with

skill position returners, Orange Coast College heads into the 1999

football season with optimism, despite having one of the most miserable

schedules any community college would want to have.

Playing five of the top six teams ranked in the Southland JC Preseason

Poll (four of those being conference rivals), first-year Pirates Coach

Mike Taylor believes the first half of the season will dictate the team’s

future.

“If we can win a few early, that will give guys some confidence and

extra motivation heading into conference play,” Taylor said. “If we

struggle early, it will take a lot more motivation and focus to overcome

our tough schedule.”

Taylor is looking for a disciplined squad this year with emphasis on

the word “hustle.”

“This year, we’re a little more up-tempo oriented,” Taylor said. “In

and out of the huddle quicker, more efficient with leaders making more

decisions. We’ve practiced with that type of mentality so we can carry

that brand of leadership into the game.”

What will it take for that early success?

“A lot depends on if our newcomers and how our veterans can mesh

together to become one strong unit on the field,” Taylor said. “I think

our guys are on the right track of doing that.”

There are only 11 returning letterman on this year’s squad, but from a

club that has won only four games in two years, that might be such a

problem.

“We’ve got our skill players back from last year and I think that will

help us a lot,” Taylor said. “We have our entire backfield returning and

our top lineman from last year. They’re excited about wanting to do a

better job from last year and they want to prove that they we’re a better

club this season.”

These skill players whom Taylor is referring to are quarterback Jared

Flint, running backs Raymond Ohrel, Jimmie Banks and James Dawkins, wide

receiver Tony Leone and defensive lineman Kent Anderson.

After an up and down season a year ago, Flint comes into the ’99

season focus, stronger and ready to improve on last year.

“I think Jared needed to get focused in school and on a solid game

plan for his football career,” Taylor said. “He’s had an excellent spring

and he’s spent a lot of time working with the backs and receivers, so

we’re expecting some big things from him.”

Ohrel showed what he’s capable of in the Bucs’ season finale against

El Camino.

The Newport Harbor grad gained over 300 multi-purpose yards against

the Warriors, becoming the first player since Bart Recktenwald’s 344-yard

performance against San Diego Mesa in 1987 to accomplish such a feat.

Anderson was a second-team, All-Mission Conference, Northern Division

selection last season for the Pirates.

Leone will be one of Flint’s top targets as OCC’s lone sophomore wide

receiver.

Leone played in 1997 for the Bucs and averaged 18.4 yards-per catch

with three touchdowns for OCC.

Taylor also says to keep an eye out for fellow wideout David

Castleton, along with tight ends Ben Fredrickson and Gerard Fane.

“These guys have excellent hands and they do a good job of running

sharp, crisp patterns out there,” Taylor said.

Most coaches will say that games are won and lost in the trenches and

for the Pirates, it’s something that they’ve been tinkering with the

entire preseason.

“Our lines have been sparring with some intensity this preseason,”

Taylor said. “I think they’re looking forward to hitting someone with a

different uniform.”

On the offensive line, Taylor has been impressed by the play of Jesse

Chagolla.

At 6-2, 328, Chagolla is a sophomore transfer from Cerritos College.

“This big guy is a very good player,” Taylor said. “He’s got the size

and he’s been in the wars, so the younger guys can learn from him.”

The defensive line will be trying to recover from the loss of Derek

Fox, who is out for the season with a knee injury.

Despite the loss, look for a strong and quick defensive line, led by a

quartet of freshmen, Willis Manley, Vance Babin, Dan Stringer and Johnny

Garcia.

The defensive ends will be anchored by 6-2, 315-pound Ronnie Price.

“This big guy is like PaineWebber -- when he talks, people listen,”

Taylor said. “He’s really been a great example for the other ends to

follow.”

Estancia High product Chris Candlish has gotten bigger over the off

season and he is a very imposing athlete for the Pirates, according to

Taylor.

Sophomore Keau Wong and freshmen Dustin Davis, Andrew Medley and

Martin Janzon will be looking to lead the linebacker corps for the

Pirates, with sophomores Doug McDaniel, Adin Cunningham and freshman

Justin Blackard also battling.

“I like the speed of our guys up the middle,” Taylor said. “All of our

linebackers move to the ball real well.”

The Pirate secondary looks to have the majority of experience, with

three starters returning for this year’s squad, Bobby Johnson, Woody Otis

and Robert Pallotto.

“There’s lots of leadership out there and we need that leadership for

our younger defensive guys,” Taylor said.

Taylor has also been impressed with the play of Florida native,

Johnnie Peeples.

“He’s a little older than most of the guys (24) and he’s spent some

time in the Marine Corps.,” Taylor said. “It shows because he’s a very

disciplined young man. There’s no trash talk. He just goes out and does

his business.”

What can be a nightmare for some coaches, OCC’s kicking game has been

very solid, according to Taylor.

Freshman Eddie Johnson was an all-state punter at Newport Harbor,

averaging 42.3 yards per boot for the Sailors.

“He’s also our backup quarterback, so we might be able to run some

plays off of that,” Taylor said.

Returning to OCC’s special teams is place kicker David Yonts whose

kickoffs and field goals are improving, according to Taylor.

“I don’t think he missed an extra point all season,” Taylor said.

However, with all the improvements and excitement, Taylor understands

that it’s up to the players to determine the Pirates’ future.

“We’ve told them that a bunch of times,” Taylor said. “I’m too old to

go out there and play. It’s their game.”