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Ogas Is a Slot Machine for Cal State Northridge

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

Everyone knows Cal State Northridge is going to throw the football. The situation calls for 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 from Edison High and Santa Ana College. “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 position in Northridge’s spread offense, Ogas is second on the team with 28 receptions for 311 yards, most of them on crucial plays.

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He has 19 receptions that have resulted in first downs, including 13 on third-down plays, and pulled down a season-best 40-yard pass Oct. 10 against Montana.

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

Ogas wouldn’t mind seeing a few more passes coming his way today when the Matadors (4-3, 3-2) travel to Weber State for a Big Sky Conference game.

In Northridge’s 35-21 loss at Cal State Sacramento two weeks ago, Ogas barely got a nibble, ending 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.”

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.

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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 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.

“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.

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“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].”

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