Saddleback Hands Cougars Second Straight Home Loss

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The College of the Canyons football team won its first game of the season on Saturday night, defeating Pasadena City College 36-14, in both teams first conference game of the season.

The Cougars offense played very sloppy to start the game, but luckily the defense played extremely well to keep COC in contention.

With 27 seconds left before halftime, first-year tight end Dan Vear caught a 12-yard pass from freshman quarterback Ryan Kasdorf to give COC a 7-3 lead at the half.

The touchdown before the half seemed to give the Cougars offense a much-needed jump-start heading into the second half, as COC outscored Pasadena 29-11 in the second half.

This coming after two consecutive games where the Cougars were outscored heavily in the second half of the past two match ups.

Kasdorf directed an 8-play, 66-yard scoring drive capped off by Kasdorf connecting with Vear again for a 12-yard touchdown pass to open up the second half.

Freshman defensive back Kori Gaines intercepted a pass late in the third quarter, which led to a 4-play, 70-yard scoring drive capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass from Kasdorf to freshman wide reciever Dijon Barnes.

This gave the Cougars a 22-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

After COC's defense forced a turnover on downs deep inside Pasadena territory, Kasdorf was able to find the end zone for the fourth time of the night.

His 6-yard touchdown with 11:25 left to go in the game gave the Cougars a commanding 29-6 lead, which put the game out of reach for Pasadena.

Kasdorf completed 18-of-32 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns, while he carried one in.

Vear caught 4 passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns, while first year wide receiver Barnes had 2 passes for 23 yards and a score.

Sophomore safety Jesse Sampson led the team in tackles with eight and Cash Barden had two sacks.

Gaines and freshmen corners Lance Poole and Brian Brooks each had interceptions.

The Cougars will travel to Bakersfield on Saturday, Sept. 29. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.