The Moorpark Raiders lost to the Orange Coast Pirates in a defensive slugfest that saw only three points scored in total.
Both teams struggled moving the chains and putting points on the board in the Oct. 2 game. The Raiders accounted for 136 yards of total offense and laid a goose egg on the scoreboard. The Pirates were not much better, as they only had 149 yards of total offense and only scored on a late fourth-quarter field goal.
After the game, Moorpark’s Head Coach Mike Stuart reflected on the 3-0 loss and what the team can improve on next week.
“When we watch film, we are going to see penetration; we are going to see guys coming free off of the edge. We were really not giving our quarterback a lot of time out there,” said Stuart. “Our big emphasis is starting with the upfront guys, the O-line, and starting there next week. It is a young group up front of all freshmen, and they are going to get better as time goes.”
The Raiders’ defense was solid on all three levels as they had four sacks and also had a crucial interception that stopped a Pirate scoring drive.
Raiders’ sophomore defensive back Mike Lopez broke his wrist in the practices prior to the game. However, the injury did not hold Lopez back one bit as he snagged an interception with one of his hands being fully wrapped up in tape.
“I broke my wrist in practice about two weeks ago, so you know I had a little bump in the road but it did not stop me; the trainer said I could play which was a blessing,” said Lopez. “There is no pain right now. There was pain the first week, but now I am already used to it and it is healing up pretty good. It is definitely hard to catch the ball, but for some reason, I saw the ball up there and knew I was gonna come down with it.”
Special teams shined for the Raiders as freshman defensive back Keyarh Pierson blocked a punt that set the Raiders up in great field position.
“They had wide splits and I was thinking we could use a big play right now to turn over and change the momentum,” said Pierson. “I took the opportunity to make the most of my plays that I get on the field and go full speed and it worked out to my benefit tonight.”
The Raiders are now 1-4 this season after a loss against Mt. San Jacinto College on Oct. 9. They will face Santa Monica College on Oct. 16 at Moorpark College.
