Mustangs in need of victory

As the Orange Coast League season nears, Costa Mesa High Coach Jeremy Osso has noticed his football players become motivated.

Sure, they’re winless, but all the more reason to be passionate about grabbing that first victory. This week, it’s homecoming at Costa Mesa, but that’s actually secondary to what’s priority for the Mustangs (0-6), who play host to Rim of the World (4-1) tonight at 7 at Newport Harbor High.

“I don’t think [the players’ desire to win] has anything to do with homecoming,” Osso said. “I think the kids are focused on trying to win. The opportunity is there to make the playoffs. That’s what we’ve been preaching for two years.”

Still, as the Mustangs direct most of their attention to league play, they know a win would provide them with confidence. They developed a touch of that with their best offensive output of the season in a 28-18 loss to Katella last week.

Junior Robbie Gemayel, who has been playing tailback in place of junior Antwon Byrd, rushed for 85 yards on 13 carries, and senior Cody De La Mater went for 73 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

Byrd will sit out again this week to rest his injuries, which include a hip flexor. Last week, he was dealing with walking pneumonia.

Osso expects the speedster for the Mustangs’ league opener at Laguna Beach Oct. 26, giving him two more weeks of rest, as Mesa gets a bye next week.

Osso is aware of Rim of the World running back, Nick Toner. The Fighting Scots’ sophomore has had 20 or more carries in the four games he has played. He has rushed for 394 yards and eight TDs on 86 carries (4.6 yards per carry).

The Fighting Scots, from Lake Arrowhead, are trying to bounce back from a 36-6 loss to West Valley of Hemet last week.

Junior Jason Schroeder, the Mustangs’ starting defensive tackle, will not play tonight. He is sidelined because of a bruised knee.

Junior Max Cederquist will start in his place, Osso said.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at steve.virgen@latimes.com.