Mustangs lighten their load

In an attempt to put a number in the win column, Costa Mesa High football coach Jeremy Osso is trying addition by subtraction.

Osso said he is cutting back on the two-way starters for the Mustangs in tonight’s game at 7 at Bolsa Grande.

Last week, Costa Mesa (0-3) had six such players. Tonight, Osso said he expects just three — quarterback and safety Brian Waldron, fullback-linebacker Cody De La Mater and receiver-safety John Salyer.

The reason, he said, is to try to preserve a Costa Mesa defense that’s allowing over 41 points per game through the first three games of the season.

“The whole idea is to keep our defense fresh,” Osso said. “If you shut out the other team, you’re not going to lose. We’d like to rotate some guys in. We have to focus on improving the overall team, rather than trying to plug individual spots. We want to make sure the guys are getting rest.”

One of those guys will likely not be junior Antwon Byrd this week. Byrd, who starred at running back for Mesa in its season opener against Savanna, is still bothered by a hip flexor.

“He tried to run this week but he still has tightness,” Osso said. “Realistically, if we start 0-7 and win two of the last three [Orange Coast League] games, we’re in the playoffs. Getting Antwon back at 100% later is more important than getting him back for Bolsa.”

Bolsa Grande (1-1), which beat Estancia, 13-6, on Sept. 6, was one of Costa Mesa’s three victims last season. But Osso said his team realizes how much the Matadors’ program is no longer the walkover it once was.

“They played Estancia pretty tough,” Osso said. “They’re not what Bolsa used to be. They’re a lot better.”

MATT SZABO may be reached at (714) 966-4614 or by e-mail at matthew.szabo@latimes.com.