No. 3 Canyons Keeps Winning in 20-14 Victory Over Bakersfield

No matter how you look at it – on film or in the box score – College of the Canyons keeps winning games.

And on Saturday at Cougar Stadium, Canyons was able to claim victory once again.

This time, it was a 20-14 win over a spirited Bakersfield College squad that hung around until the final moments.

COC quarterback Devon Dunn had another big day on offense, completing 20-of-31 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 43 yards.

Dunn led the Cougars to their first score late in the first quarter by connecting with Conner Byrnes on a 37-yard catch and run. Despite a missed extra point, the Cougars were ahead 6-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

After the COC defense held Bakersfield to a three-and-out, the Cougars marched down the field again, capping off a six-play, 83-yard drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass from Dunn to receiver Jackson French.

The Cougars led 13-0 after the extra point by Alec Chadwick.

On the very next drive, however, Bakersfield responded quickly by scoring on an 88-yard touchdown pass from Bakersfield quarterback Dalton Gallis to receiver David Ross, cutting the COC lead to 13-7 headed into halftime.

In the third quarter, COC set the tone early and ultimately regained control of the game.

After fighting for field position early on, COC eventually rolled down the field on the way to another score. The big play of the drive came on a first down pass from Dunn to receiver Chauncey Werah over the middle for 40 yards to put the ball at the Bakersfield 28-yard line.

Five plays later, Dunn capped off the drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to receiver Nick Jones. After the extra point by Chadwick, the Cougars led 20-7. 

The touchdown pass was just one of seven receptions for Jones who racked up 97 yards receiving on the afternoon.

Jones leads the Canyons in receptions (29), yards (619) and touchdowns (four).

In the fourth quarter, Bakersfield attempted a comeback but was eventually turned away by the Cougar defense.

A late score from Bakersfield did cut the COC lead to six at 20-14 with 6:27 left in regulation.

But on COC's final possession with the Cougars facing a third and 16, Bakersfield was hit with a roughing the passer penalty that gave the Cougars a fresh set of downs.

COC eventually ran out the clock while ensuring another National Division, Northern League victory.

The Cougars now boast a 5-0 overall record and a 2-0 record against conference opponents.

Head coach Ted Iacenda's team will now next face Saddleback College at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.