TONIGHT’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOOTBALL : Golden West’s Ashworth Is a Stand-Up Guy Now

Before coming to Golden West College, most of Kevin Ashworth’s career as a defensive football player was spent close to the ground.

Ashworth was a defensive end at Pacifica High School, a position that required him to play head to head usually with an opponent in a three-point stance.

But when he graduated, he left his position behind as well.

At Golden West, Ashworth was switched to outside linebacker, a position that requires a player to stand upright. It also calls for making reads of the offense, as well as pass coverage, both new to the 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore.

Golden West opens its Mission Conference schedule tonight at 7 against San Diego City at Orange Coast College.

“In high school, I could just rush on every play,” Ashworth said. “Here, everything changed. I was so used to just coming at the ball, it was hard to adjust at first. It was kind of scary. I was lost for a while. . . .”

But as the season progressed, Ashworth learned the subtleties of the position and earned the respect of coaches and players in the conference. He had four interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

Ashworth started all 10 games for Golden West (5-5), which allowed 20 points per game.

Despite his success last season, Ashworth didn’t come into this one with any inflated notions about where he would play next season.

While some might be dreaming of transferring to a highly ranked Division I power, Ashworth keeps his mind on Golden West’s opponents.

After all, Ashworth had a bad experience with the recruiting process. Despite playing both ways most of his senior season at Pacifica with a broken wrist, he drew the attention of Arizona State. He was a tight end and fullback on offense.

He had a recruiting trip planned, only to be shot down a few days before leaving when he was called and told that the university had used up its scholarships.

He had an offer from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to fall back on, but chose Golden West.

“I really didn’t expect to go to a Division I school anyway,” Ashworth said. “But I was still bummed. On the other hand, I knew I would get a chance to play with my friends and that was good.”

In tonight’s 7 p.m. Mission Conference games:

Fullerton (1-0) at San Diego Mesa (0-2)--Fullerton established the run with 384 yards against Cerritos last Saturday in its 21-13 victory. Maybe tonight it will be the pass. San Diego Mesa is giving up 228 yards per game in the air. Fullerton quarterback Eric Robinson was only 4 for 11 for 77 yards, but did have a 31-yard scoring pass to tight end Rob Coons.

Mt. San Antonio (2-0) vs. Rancho Santiago (1-0) at Santa Ana Stadium--Much has been made of Rancho Santiago’s offense and talented sophomore running back Estrus Crayton, and he didn’t disappoint with three touchdowns in the first game. The defense was outstanding as well. The Dons allowed only 12 yards rushing and 262 in total offense. This is the first time the teams have met since 1980 when Mt. SAC won, 23-6.

Orange Coast (1-0) at Cerritos (1-1)--Orange Coast was hardly tested in a season-opening 30-0 victory over Long Beach two weeks ago. Cerritos should be more of a challenge. OCC has a group of talented running backs led by Adrian Steen, who had 72 yards in a little more than a half. OCC’s defense should be able to slow Cerritos enough for the offense to come out on top. Saddleback (0-1) at El Camino (2-0)--Saddleback’s inexperienced offense seems overmatched. El Camino is the conference’s top offense, averaging 474 yards and 40 1/2 points per game. Saddleback did play well at times in its 33-16 loss to Santa Monica but will have to be more consistent to contend in this game. El Camino is the third-ranked team in the nation in the J.C. Grid-Wire poll.

San Diego City (0-2) vs. Golden West (1-0) at Orange Coast--Golden West quarterback David Brunet, a converted wide receiver, was most impressive in the Rustlers’ 35-14 victory over Long Beach last Saturday. He was 13 for 19 for 183 yards and three touchdowns. The defense is solid. Golden West should handle San Diego City.