Pirates’ Baichtal named Defensive Player of Week

Orange Coast College freshman free safety Shad Baichtal, who had three interceptions in the Pirates’ 20-14 win over Long Beach Saturday at OCC, has been named Mission Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Baichtal doubled his interception total for the season against Long Beach and leads the 12-team Mission Conference with six interceptions this season.

Baichtal jumped high, while retreating, to pick off a pass bound for a receiver wide open behind him in the end zone late in the first half, halting a Long Beach drive that had advanced to the OCC 10.

His second interception, a diving grab just inside the sideline, also came in the end zone, halting a Vikings’ drive that had reached the OCC 29.

Finally, Baichtal, who had five tackles in the game, jumped a slant route with 4:06 remaining, intercepting at his own eight-yard line and allowing the Pirates to then run out the clock to record the win.

— Barry Faulkner