Orange Coast Finds Consolation in Loss

If the big picture is considered, Orange Coast’s 31-14 loss to visiting Riverside on Saturday was a major improvement over recent performances.

Sure, it was the school-record 12th consecutive loss dating to early last season. But remember the Pirates were coming off a 66-14 loss to Mt. San Antonio.

“We improved a lot,” Pirate Coach Bill Workman said. “We didn’t score much, but we did move the football.”

The Pirates, who out-gained Riverside, 352-284, were done in by three plays, only one of which was a defensive breakdown.

That came when Riverside running back James Bates ran 67 yards for a touchdown to put the Tigers ahead, 14-6, with 9 minutes 17 seconds to go in the first half in the Mission Conference Central Division opener for both teams.

Riverside’s first touchdown was set up by Pirate punter Peter Mignosa, who put his knee to the ground trying to get control of the ball after the snap at his seven. Riverside scored two plays later on a three-yard run by Kiu Hifo to take a 7-6 lead.

Riverside’s final touchdown came on an 87-yard interception return by defensive back Joe Lucero with 8:31 left to play.

“This should have been a much closer ball game,” Workman said.

But at least Workman won’t have to work too hard to fine some positive things about the game.

The Pirates (0-4, 0-1) scored a touchdown on their opening possession, marking the first time they had lead in a game this season.

The Pirate running backs got into plus yardage. David Meleney gained 57 yards in 14 tries to lead the Pirates, who gained 147 yards rushing. Orange Coast was a minus-24 rushing before the game.

“We don’t think anyone can say that we quit,” Workman said. “We’re young and we’re getting better.”

In another Mission Conference game:

Santa Ana 38, Palomar 21--Archie Lappin threw for three touchdowns and ran for two to lead Santa Ana (1-3, 1-0).