Community College Football: The Bucs are Back

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - At this time last year, Nick Higgs was slated as the

fourth-string quarterback of the Orange Coast College football team.

But, Higgs, a 6-foot 193-pound signal caller, took advantage of a

wide-open situation, became the team’s starter by the third week and led

the Pirates to their biggest victory of the season, a 26-25 upset victory

over Mt. San Antonio College.

Higgs also led the Bucs to a Co-Mission Conference Central Division

title and a bowl game berth.

The OCC football team, like Higgs, awaits the 2001 season with more

confidence than last year’s squad. High hopes increased Saturday, as

Higgs and the Bucs took to the field for the team’s first practice.

“I think that says everything in the world about his character,” OCC

Coach Mike Taylor said of Higgs’ rise to become the starting quarterback

last year. “He’s a guy who doesn’t second-guess coaches. He works and

just keeps his nose to the grindstone. I think the way he came back and

led us to the win over Mt. SAC and won those games down the stretch also

says a lot about him.”

This year, Higgs is OCC’s clearly defined starting quarterback and his

story to get to that title remains an example for the newcomers.

Newcomers such as Darryl Ortega.

Ortega, who is a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end from Albuquerque,

N.M., has been staying in a hotel room the past week because he couldn’t

find an apartment. Saturday, he found a roommate. He also found his place

on the team.

“This is a great team,” Ortega said. “I like it here a lot. I’m going

to stay here. The coaches are great. I have no problems here. Everyone is

so friendly. I have no regrets.”

Ortega, who played football at Rio Grande High, won the state title in

wrestling at the 215-pound weight class division. He was highly recruited

by the University of New Mexico, but he did not academically qualify and

set his sights on Orange Coast.

Just from the first practice, Ortega made an impact that raised

coaches’ brows and built excitement leading up to putting on the pads

Wednesday. The Bucs will have an intersquad scrimmage at OCC, Saturday at

11 a.m. They will then host a scrimmage against Santa Monica, Aug. 31 at

1 p.m.

Saturday’s practice ended with an 800-meter run.

One of the more intriguing preseason battles came on display as the

running backs raced to finish the two laps around the track in less than

2:40. Niles Mittasch, an all-state tailback from Oregon, finished first,

but it seems he has miles to go before coming close to locking up the

position. With all the prospects at running back, Taylor wants to take

his time to make his decision as who will be the team’s starter on

opening day, Sept. 8 at East Los Angeles at 7 p.m.

As opposed to last year when OCC was seemingly clueless regarding the

available talent, the Bucs appear stacked, with better prospects at the

offensive line, running back, wide receiver and defensive back positions.

“We have more talent this year,” Higgs said. “If we have the heart

that we did last year, we should be fine.”