Orange’s Andrew Andrade rarely comes off the field and that’s just the way he likes it

Senior Andrew Andrade is hoping to lead Orange to the Orange Coast League title. (Photos Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Andrew Andrade rarely comes off the football field for the Orange High Panthers.

That’s the way the 5-10 senior wide receiver and safety likes it.

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“As long as I’m on the field, I like anything,” Andrade said after the Panthers 61-14 victory over Estancia last week which helped the team remain tied for first place in the Orange Coast League with Santa Ana.

Orange Coach Robert Pedroza counts on a total effort from Andrade every game.

“Andrade is our two-way player and he’s a smart kid, he’s athletic and he’s always that 100 percent kid and he’s very special senior we have,” the coach said. “We’re going to miss him when it’s all said and done.

“He doesn’t come off the field on offense or defense and stays on for special teams as well. He’s that kind of do it all guy that we have to have playing.”

As a receiver, Andrade has hauled in 29 catches for 695 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 218 yards on 15 carries and four touchdowns. Defensively, he’s been in on 37 tackles, including 26 solo stops.

Andrade and his teammates are aiming to bring home the Orange Coast League title. They enter the week tied for first place with Santa Ana and face the Saints on on Friday, Nov. 1 at Chapman.

Andrade has heard the questions about the big Santa Ana game, but said the team is focused on Calvary Chapel, the team the Panthers (7-1 overall) meet on Thursday night at Segerstrom.

“We want to get that league title and we’re going to take it one game at a time,” he said. “Calvary (Chapel) is next. And then the week after that is Santa Ana and we’re just going to do what we need to do and do our jobs.

“We take one game at a time and we take every opponent just as serious as any other.”

Andrade said he hopes to get a chance to play college football next season.

“I’ve gotten a couple offers right now from NAIA. I’m just looking for an opportunity,” he said. “I’m the type of player who can ball anywhere and the type of player who can compete.”

“He’s gettting some D2 looks and he’s got a lot of D3 interest too and he’s got good grades so hopefully at the end of this, we’re hoping that he finds a school that fits him,” Pedroza said. “A lot of them are looking at him at the free safety spot, which would be great. He’s the kind of kid who will play anything that they want him to and he will enjoy doing it.”

Andrade said playing football at Orange has been special.

“Countless words, but to be honest I think it’s the community in Orange and the families; it boosts us as a team and it boosts the coaches,” he said. “It just makes us want to play harder, because as you can see, the stands were packed. And it was awesome. It takes a whole village for us to do what we do.”

RELATED: Orange rolls past Calvary Chapel 53-7 to set up showdown

–Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com