Pirates engage rivals

Though it is not always level-headed, the historic football rivalry between Orange Coast College and Golden West has at least been virtually even-handed.

Should the Pirates (2-0), ranked No. 19 in the state and No. 11 in Southern California, win the 42nd meeting tonight at 6 at OCC, they would even the series record at 20-20-2.

Golden West (0-2) has won just once in the last five contests of the rivalry now deemed the West-Coast Showdown.

In addition to being a battle for bragging rights between the neighboring schools, who frequently battle for recruits, this matchup could also be viewed as a debate between offensive philosophies.

OCC, led by sophomore tailback Ray Holley and a veteran offensive line, has relied upon a productive running game to earn victories over Santa Monica, 44-28, and Los Angeles Southwest, 26-9.

Golden West, which has setbacks against highly regarded Saddleback, 33-23, and Mt. SAC, 33-14, has produced nearly 84% of its 564 offensive yards via the pass.

Sophomore quarterback Mike VanDeripe has completed 42 of 71 passes for 433 yards. He has thrown four touchdown passes and five interceptions.

The OCC defense has shown the ability to force teams to throw, thus far, having allowed an astounding minus-44 yards on the ground in two games. Such dominance allows coordinator Scott Orloff’s unit to lead the state in rushing defense. OCC ranks No. 12 in the state in total defense, giving up 210 yards per game.

Remarkably, the Pirates have done so without a single shining defensive star, though sophomore outside linebacker Jimmy Keating shares the team lead with 10 tackles and has recovered two fumbles.

Freshman free safety Mike Patrick is the only other OCC player with double-digit tackles, as an astounding nine different Pirates have been involved in tackles for losses.

Holley has shown an affinity for breaking tackles. He has amassed 385 yards and five touchdowns on 63 rushing attempts this season. The returning second-team all-division performer, who led the team with 464 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns as a freshman, ranks No. 2 in the state in rushing yards per game.

Helping pave the way for Holley has been a blocking wall led by tackles Harrison Lauer, Jon Roche and Robert Wright, guards Gerald Crisp and Mike Meyer, guard-center London Sapolu and center Frank Arriola.

OCC sophomore quarterback Kyle Manning has thrown for 241 yards and two TDs, with two interceptions. He has completed just 15 of 43 attempts.