OCC enters Hornets’ nest

Barry Faulkner

Orange Coast College football coach Mike Taylor is hoping for another

week of progress, though his team faces a physical Fullerton squad

that is developing a reputation for driving foes backward.

OCC (0-3), will be aiming to end a seven-game losing streak today

at 1 p.m. at Cal State Fullerton, as it visits a Mission Conference

foe that is 3-0, ranked No. 19 nationally and No. 8 in the state.

“We’re going to have to set our jaw,” Taylor said of facing the

Hornets, who, he believes, possess a power offense built around a

beefy line.

“It’s another good football team, but they don’t rely on as much

finesse as Saddleback did,” Taylor said.

Saddleback threw for 243 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-7 win,

in a game that featured improved play by OCC.

“I think we made a lot of progress,” Taylor said of the Saddleback

game.

Both teams may be without their leading rusher today. OCC

sophomore tailback Matt Padilla (185 yards on 24 carries) injured his

left ankle against Saddleback and may not return until late October,

Taylor said.

Fullerton could be without sophomore Alfred Guidry, who hurt his

ankle in last week’s 30-12 win over Palomar.

Freshman Robert Aoki, with 48 yards on 20 carries, is slated to

start in Padilla’s place.

Fullerton sophomore quarterback Justin Turner has thrown or 409

yards, but has eight interceptions.

OCC sophomore Kyle Basanez has thrown only one interception in 66

attempts, with 27 completions for 447 yards.

The Hornets, coached by Gene Murphy, are 3-0 for the first time

since 1990, after winning the Mission Conference and finishing 10-3

last fall.

OCC will also be without sophomore defensive end Ricky Miller, who

is out with an eye injury.