Manning is now OCC’s QB

So much for any quarterback controversy at Orange Coast College.

The Pirates football team, which opens its season tonight at 6 at Santa Monica College, was expected to feature a battle for playing time between sophomores Sean Reilly, the projected starter until late this week, and Kyle Manning.

But when Coach Mike Taylor and first-year offensive coordinator Junior Tagaloa decided to give Manning the starting nod after Wednesday’s practice, Reilly informed Taylor Thursday that he would not play this season, electing instead to use a redshirt year.

“I told [Reilly] there was going to be competition, but he said he didn’t want to play,” Taylor said. “That made our decision real easy.”

Reilly started two games last season, including the season-opening 27-3 win over Santa Monica, and was 31 for 62 passing for 285 yards. He threw two touchdown passes with three interceptions. The former Trabuco Hills High standout was the No. 1 guy all off-season and played last week’s intrasquad scrimmage with the first-string offense.

But Manning, a former El Toro High standout who enters his third year at OCC without having thrown a pass in a game, worked his way atop the depth chart to earn his first career start.

Manning, who sat out last season, made his last significant appearance in the 2007 preseason scrimmage against West Los Angeles. He started that day, but faltered and never again escaped the sideline.

“He does a good job of taking charge in the huddle, his arm is just as strong as Sean’s and he might have a little bit better feet,” Taylor said. “And he’s a much better cheerleader than Reilly, who is a really quiet kid.”

Manning will have the benefit of a ground game paced by returning sophomore tailback Ray Holley, who led the Pirates with 464 yards on 99 rushing attempts last season.

OCC also benefits from an experienced offensive front with four second-year starters.

Additionally, Taylor said Tagaloa, who steps in for Matt Mitchell (now at Servite High) has added some crispness to the West Coast offensive scheme.

A little more crispness might have come in handy last season, when OCC lost its final six games to finish 4-6.

The Pirates are ranked No. 17 in Southern California by the state coaches assn. and were picked to finish sixth in the seven-team National Division in the preseason media poll.

The Corsairs were 0-10 last season after finishing 2-8 in 2007.