EL CAJON — Through its first six games this season, the Orange Coast College football team’s formula for success became readily apparent.
But, with its second loss in three games, the methods with which to defeat the Pirates have also become no less obvious.
Host Grossmont used the latter to produce a 43-12 triumph Saturday in a National Division game that clearly exposed a few OCC weaknesses, while also countering one presumed strength.
The Pirates (5-2, 1-2 in the division) were plagued by an inefficient passing game and an overmatched secondary in what was their most lopsided loss in 73 games.
Not since Palomar topped them, 43-6, in 2002, have the Pirates been beaten so thoroughly.
Only its typically stout defensive front seven saved OCC from being trounced worse, as the Pirates, ranked No. 12 in the state, produced six sacks to limit the Griffins (7-1, 2-1), ranked No. 9 in the state, to 28 rushing yards on 30 attempts.
Grossmont, however, found the airways much more inviting. Sophomore quarterback Matt Jarvis threw for 367 yards, including touchdown tosses of 61, 60, 50 and 37 yards.
“They have some athletes and they kind of took advantage of our lack of athleticism at some positions,” said OCC Coach Mike Taylor, obviously referring to his cornerbacks.
Jarvis wasted little time exploiting the OCC secondary, finding Jacob Podpora all alone over the middle for a 50-yard touchdown on the Griffins’ third offensive snap.
But thanks to tackles Justin Niutupuai and Kevin Borton, as well as linebackers Travis McNaughton, Jimmy Keating and Bryan Pali, the Pirates helped keep things close heading into halftime.
OCC’s offense did not cross midfield until midway through the second quarter and, after his 27-yard field-goal attempt was blocked, freshman Lucas Vandeman finally got the visitors on the board with a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left before intermission.
“It was 10-3 at half and I thought we’d come out and play better in the second half,” Taylor said.
But four interceptions and a continuation of Jarvis connecting for big gains through the air, created a downward spiral from which the Pirates could not escape.
Jarvis averaged nearly 23 yards per completion, while OCC passers averaged fewer than one completion every three attempts.
