Victory keeps Pirates unbeaten

COSTA MESA — Like a boil, the offense of the Orange Coast College football team sat and festered through the first three games of the season.

It was only a matter of time before it exploded. With a little pricking from a helpful defense the Pirates’ offense exploded all over Pasadena College for six touchdowns.

The aftermath, a 42-29 nonconference victory at home Saturday for Orange Coast and a 4-0 record for the first time since 1991.

But nobody on the Pirates exploded more than sophomore quarterback Kekoa Crowell. Crowell, who has not thrown an interception all year, passed for nearly as many yards (226) as he had the previous three games combined (231). Crowell also doubled his touchdowns with four more and with an efficient day at 16 for 22 he improved his completion percentage from 37% to 47.5%.

“It was beautiful,” said Crowell who also caught a pass for 18 yards. “We struggled for the first three weeks of the season. We really needed this. In practice the coaches have been getting on us. It was time to get serious.”

Crowell, who left the game a minute into the fourth quarter after putting the Pirates ahead, 42-13, also used his experience to take advantage of the Lancers.

Twice in the game he checked off his wide receivers, changing their route to a stop and go to deceive aggressive cornerbacks.

The first time worked for a 24-yard touchdown to Damola Adeniji with 50 seconds remaining in the half, giving the Pirates a 21-7 lead. The second time went for a 57-yard gain to A.J. Moskus, setting up a six-yard touchdown run for Andrew Banks, who carried 22 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns, giving the Pirates a 35-13 lead late in the third quarter.

Orange Coast Coach Mike Taylor said the adjustments at the line of scrimmage were normal for Crowell.

“It was there,” Taylor said. “Everything is a sight read. Kekoa and the receivers, they work that out.”

Adeniji posted a team-high five catches to go with 56 yards and touchdown.

“I had a good game, but I wish I had a couple more catches downfield,” Adeniji said.

Adeniji’s touchdown came midway through the second quarter. The 6-foot-4 sophomore made a leaping grab, taking the ball away from the defender to give OCC a 14-0 lead. The drive was set up by one of the Pirates’ four interceptions.

Leading, 21-7, in the third quarter, the Pirates went for some trick plays. One was the flea-flicker. Crowell handed off to Banks, who lateraled back to Crowell. Crowell found a wide-open Moskus for a 29-yard gain.