Scrimmage is glimpse into future

SANTA MONICA — It is a useful barometer scrimmaging the same team prior to the season.

For the second consecutive year, the Orange Coast College football team scrimmaged Santa Monica.

Last season, the Pirates failed to score against a Corsairs team that went on to produce a 1-9 record. The Pirates eventually advanced to the East County Bowl and finished the season 6-5.

This season is looking up because the Pirates scored three touchdowns against a Corsairs team that could not be much worse than the 2005 version.

The final score was 21-3, Orange Coast Friday at Santa Monica College.

Coach Mike Taylor was pleased with the way his team performed in the tune-up prior to the season opener, at home Sept. 2 against Santa Barbara.

“We’re so new,” said Taylor, adding that the team has 72 freshmen. “We’re just trying to figure out the guys we have. They gave a good effort. Offensively, we are way ahead of where we were last year. The kids worked hard today.”

The scrimmage was also a chance for players to hit someone in a different uniform, after spending weeks of practice pounding on teammates.

Corona del Mar High graduate Shaun Mohler was excited about the opportunity.

“I was getting into a lot of fights with teammates,” said the 6-foot-2 freshman linebacker. “It’s good to hit someone else.”

In limited action — all players saw significant playing time — Mohler made an impact on the game and Santa Monica players. On a second-down play, Mohler burst through the line and leveled Santa Monica sophomore running back John Weaver for a three-yard loss, one of his two tackles for losses.

On the next play, Mohler plowed through freshman receiver Lorne Carter after a short catch.

“I had some nice hits,” Mohler said. “It feels great. It feels awesome. It’s hard to describe.”

Mohler also had a pass deflection that led to an interception.

“I just tried to throw it up there,” Mohler said.

The tip landed in the awaiting arms of Newport Harbor High graduate Ben Soza, his second interception, which he returned n 45 yards to the two.

“He put it up in the air and I just ran under it,” said the 6-3 freshman defensive back, who narrowly missed having a third interception. “I went up for it and fought for the ball. It was just reaction. I was thinking end zone, but I’m not the fastest guy in the world.”

Freshman running back Andrew Banks brings speed and power to the Pirates’ rushing attack.

In his time on the field, Banks flashed glimpses of what Taylor hopes is a strong season. Taylor finished off one drive by dragging two Santa Monica defenders into the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown run.

“I am looking forward to the season,” Banks said. “I can’t wait to face Santa Barbara. [The community college level] is about the same tempo as high school. The guys are a lot bigger, but the tempo is just a little different. I think I did a good job of finding the hole. The offensive line did a good job blocking.”

The day was not completely positive for the Pirates. The second string secondary gave up three touchdown passes of 50 yards or more in action prior to the game-style scrimmage.

“There’s a lot of new faces who haven’t played at this level,” Taylor said. “There were some coverage problems.”

The offensive highlight of the day for Orange Coast came courtesy of 6-4 sophomore receiver Damola Adeniji. Flanked in double coverage, Adeniji leapt into the air and took in a pass for a 43-yard completion.

Returning quarterback Kekoa Crowell continued to show his increased comfort level in the pocket while freshman Chris Debowski also played some quarterback.