SLOT MACHINE

Everyone knows Cal State Northridge is throwing the football.

The situation calls for it and the defense looks vulnerable.

It must be a quick slant or a crossing pattern through linebacker-congested soil, where only the hardy dare wander.

Say no more. Mike Ogas is on duty.

“I love going over the middle and catching the ball in a crowd,” said Ogas, a senior receiver. “That’s my role and I try to be the best that I can at it.”

Ogas, 6 feet 3 and 205 pounds, is surviving nicely.

Working from a slot in Northridge’s spread offense, Ogas is second on the team with 26 receptions for 296 yards, most of them on crucial plays.

He has 19 receptions that resulted in first downs, including 13 on third-down plays, and pulled down a season-best 40-yard heave against Montana two weeks ago.

“He pretty much catches all the balls I throw to him and he runs well with it,” quarterback Marcus Brady said. “He gets tough yards. I’m real comfortable throwing across the middle to him.”

Ogas, from Edison High in Huntington Beach by way of Santa Ana College, wouldn’t mind seeing a few more passes coming his way today when the Matadors (4-2, 3-1) host Montana State (4-2, 2-1) in a battle for first place in the Big Sky Conference.

In Northridge’s 35-21 loss at Cal State Sacramento last week, Ogas barely got a nibble, snapping a streak of 17 consecutive games with a reception. The string included a 75-yard catch, his longest with the Matadors, that went for a touchdown at Hawaii last year.

“Last week we went to two backs and tight ends more than ever before,” said Rob Phenicie, offensive coordinator. “Mike and all the receivers understand. There hasn’t been one hint of jealousy or selfishness out of those guys.

“They’re great guys and a fun group. Mike and Drew [Hill] quote ‘Dumb and Dumber’ all the time. They jump on the bed at every hotel and say, ‘We’ll take it.’ ”

Ogas learned about being a team player from his father, Dave, who played linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders and is the longtime coach at Santa Ana College, formerly Rancho Santiago.

The two were together with the Dons in 1995-96, when Mike chose to focus on football and give up basketball, his favorite sport. He was an all-league forward at Edison but believed he was best suited for football in college.

“That’s when we really became close,” Mike said. “That’s when I learned a lot of things about him and he learned a lot of things about me. When we talked, it usually wasn’t about football.

“My dad never pushed me to be a football player. He really wanted me to strive to do well in whatever I did.”

Football has always been a common family topic. Every Saturday, Dave and Debby join other Northridge parents in the stands, even if Santa Ana is playing. Dave figures he’ll have more seasons with the Dons but this is his last chance to watch Mike play in college.

“We’ve always preached family around [the college],” Dave said. “I’ve got a great staff here that has afforded me the time. . . . It’s just a priority for me. I don’t want to miss a golden opportunity.”

Neither does Mike, whose season appeared threatened in the spring after surgery for a broken right wrist. Rehabilitation took all summer but Ogas hasn’t missed a beat, especially on his perilous routes.

“You’ve got to get used to [them],” Ogas said. “You’re going to get whacked no matter what, so you might as well catch [the ball].”

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

Montana State (4-2, 2-1) vs. Northridge (4-2, 3-1)

What: Big Sky Conference game

When: Today, 3:05 p.m.

Where: North Campus Stadium

Fast Fact: Winner retains first place.