Bounces Finally Go Golden West's Way

For all the misfortune, adversity and narrow defeats, Gold West has had to swallow this turbulent season, it was about time something positive finally worked out in its favor. And if there was ever a game for luck to subtly turn its way, this was the one.

After dropping their past three Southern Conference games by a total of 18 points, the visiting rustlers (3-6,1-4) clipped crosstown rivals Orange Coast, 23-21, Saturday night at OCC to claim the Victory Bell for the third consecutive year.

"Whether we're 9-0 or 0-9, this is the one game that matters most," Golden West coach Nick Mitchell said. "It's a great rivalry, us and Orange Coast. Our kids get into it, OCC gets into it, the crowd gets into it."

Rustler halfback Marcus Hays finished wish a season-high 247 yards on 37 carries and two scores, and two kickers booted field goals of 31, 22, and 26 yards as the visitor fended off a fourth quarter rally to snap its five-game losing streak.

"It's what we set out to do, these individual victories," Mitchell said. "Any win we can get is sweet, and if it's this one, it's that much sweeter."

Nursing a six point lead early in the second half, Golden West's defense turned away OCC (3-6, 1-4) on five consecutive possessions by forcing a pair of missed field goals and recovering three fumbles.

"We came up with plays defensively when it counted," Mitchell said of a defensive unit that starts three wide receivers in the secondary. "We were getting good pressure on those field goals...and we even missed a couple of interceptions. ... it was a very good effort by our defense tonight."
OCC QB Cameron Biedgoly finished with 207 yards passing and 16-yard TD pass to Tyler Duncan. 

Brian Whitehead
Orange County Register