OCC Fumbles Its Opener

Orange Coast College hoped to erase the struggles of last season by getting off to a strong start Friday.

But the Pirates fumbled four times in the fourth quarter and lost to Pasadena, 47-18, in a nonconference game at Pasadena.

Orange Coast was coming off a 2-8 season, the worst in the first nine seasons for Coach Bill Workman.

OCC sophomore quarterback Matt Sauk and wide receiver Jamal Hills combined for an 84-yard pass play for a touchdown to tie the score, 7-7, late in the first quarter.

Sauk also had a seven-yard scoring pass to Tim Lane in the second quarter but Pasadena led, 20-16, at the break.

Orange Coast trailed, 33-18, to start the fourth quarter but reached the Pasadena 11. But running back Willie Barnes fumbled to stop the drive.

The Pirates fumbled three more times in the final quarter.

Sauk was 10 of 21 for 195 yards. Hills had three catches for 122 yards. William League was the Pirates’ top rusher with 53 yards in eight carries.

Orange Coast plays host to Cerritos in its home opener next Saturday.