The Orange Coast College football team did not improve to 3-0 for the
first time since 1991, nor did it show many signs of solving its
quarterback quandary or offensive doldrums Saturday.
The Pirates, however, did find ways to keep scoring points despite
their lack of offensive production against Mission Conference host
Palomar.
The Comets (3-0 and ranked No. 23 in the nation by J.C. Grid-Wire)
had their offensive struggles as well, but got three touchdown passes
and two interception returns for touchdowns to earn a 40-32 victory
before 500 at Escondido High.
Orange Coast (2-1), which had one offensive touchdown in its first
eight quarters this season, went another three without a TD against
the Comets, before freshman quarterback Ethan Haller provided a
spark.
Haller, who was 2 for 7 with one interception in relief duty in
the Sept. 10 home win over Compton, triggered both of OCC's
fourth-quarter scoring drives.
After a fake punt pass from upback Raul Ballas to Andrew Fuller
gave OCC a first down at its own 46, two Haller completions for 18
yards, three runs and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the
Comets set up first-and-goal at the 9.
Freshman quarterback Kekoa Crowell, who started in place of
sophomore Chad Schmigel (injured ribs), came on to finish the job,
tossing a 9-yard TD to Damora Adeniji to allow OCC to close to within
34-24 with 5:55 left.
Haller, who finished 6 of 8 for 74 yards, without an interception,
later commanded a three-play, 47-yard touchdown drive with three
completions. After a 37-yard connection to George Raco to the Palomar
1, Haller flipped to Adeniji for the final score.
OCC's ensuing onside kickoff failed to go the necessary 10 yards
and Palomar ran out the clock to claim its fifth straight triumph
over the Pirates.
The Pirates' defense, particularly the front seven, posted another
sterling performance. Sophomore Justin Williams, a 6-foot, 235-pound
defensive end, was the catalyst, once again. After starring in the
Pirates two victories, he had two sacks for 15 yards, made four
tackles behind the line for another 14 negative yards, recovered two
fumbles and consistently pressured the quarterback.
OCC defensive end Paul Bartsch intercepted a pass in a zone blitz,
while middle linebacker Dave Ronning, tackles Winters Welz and Mike
Mataafa, as well as outside linebacker Keola Asuega, were among
others who stood out.
Palomar managed just 18 yards on 30 rushing attempts.
Comet quarterback Josh Somerville, 15 for 32 with two
