No. 5 Canyons Picks Off a 28-24 Win at Pasadena

PASADENA, Calif. — Once again, College of the Canyons pulled out a fourth quarter comeback victory — this time seemingly out of mid air — as the Cougars called upon some late-game heroics to pull out a gutsy 28-24 conference road win at Pasadena City College in the Southern California Football Association (SCFA) National Division, Northern League opener.

No. 5 Canyons (4-0, 1-0) is off to its best start since the 2008 season, with this year's team having capitalized on the big play en route victory.

Last week against Santa Ana it was the offense that produced the game-winning play. In this week's game against the Lancers both sides of the ball made huge plays down the stretch, but ultimately it was the defense that produced the biggest highlight — while ensuring victory. 

With less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, COC linebacker Paul Pubela intercepted Pasadena quarterback Marc Peart's pass and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown giving COC its only lead of the game.

Prior to that moment it looked like the COC's knack for the comeback would end. Trailing for most of the game, the Cougars would need to scratch and claw their way back against the Lancers.

COC trailed 14-0 with less than 10 minutes left in the first half. 

After trading possessions, Canyons finally got on the board in the second quarter with a 38-yard rushing touchdown from running back Kenny Torrence. The PAT by freshman Alec Chadwick put the score at 14-7 headed into the half. 

Late in the third quarter, COC quarterback Devon Dunn led a game-tying drive that included a 33-yard pass to Jaeton Williams and a run that eventually led to the sophomore quarterback scoring on a two-yard rushing touchdown. The extra point tied the game at 14-14 with 44 seconds left in the third quarter.

Dunn's running ability has made him a dual threat this season. He has rushed for 163 yards and four touchdowns thus far this season.

In the fourth quarter, Pasadena but together its own offensive charge, scoring 10 unanswered points in the process. One of those scores came off a COC turnover that helped put Pasadena ahead 24-14 with just 5:25 left to play. 

But the Cougars would respond in a way familiar way.

Facing 2nd and 10 from the COC 37-yard line, Dunn connected with wide receiver Nick Jones for a 63-yard score. The extra point cut the Pasadena lead to 24-21 with 4:38 left in regulation.

Jones caught five passes for 168 yards and the touchdown on the night. The Valencia High School graduate leads the team with 22 receptions, 522 receiving yards and three touchdowns through the first four games.

Dunn now has 947 passing yards on the season including four passing touchdowns.

On the ensuing kickoff, Pasadena committed a block in the back penalty, forcing the Lancers to start the drive at their own 8-yard line. 

After a handoff that resulted in a loss of yardage, Pasadena faced a 2nd and 13 from their own 5-yard line. Pasadena quarterback Peart then had his pass attempt nabbed out of the air by Puebla, who found the end zone in dramatic fashion. 

Puebla was the defensive star for Canyons. In addition to the interception return, he led the team with nine tackles, had a sack and forced a fumble.

Head coach Ted Iacenda's Cougars return home to face Bakersfield College (0-4) at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.