Kalen Powell’s Three Interceptions Fuels Cougars’ Win

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – Moorpark College's quarterback Ian Shultis threw three picks on Saturday night against College of the Canyons, all of which were caught by freshman defensive back Kalen Powell on the way to a 31-17 win for the Cougars.

Powell recorded a school record three interceptions in the game and gained 65 yards to go bring his season total to four picks for 110 yards.

The offense got its spark from first-year quarterback Justin Morales who threw for a season high 261 yards and three touchdowns, all to different receivers.

The Cougars once again played from behind, when the Raiders returned the opening kickoff to the COC six-yard line. Once the defense got the field, it was able to hold the Raiders out of the end zone and settled for giving up a 32-yard field goal.

After Moorpark took a 3-0 lead with 13:12 left in the first quarter, COC answered with its own 26-yard field goal from James Rodriguez, who was 1-of-2 on field goals and 4-of-4 on point after attempts.

On Moorparks ensuing possession the Raiders turned in seven points on an 11-play march that started in COC territory after a long kickoff return, to take a 10-3 lead with 5:25 left in the first quarter. 

Powell's first interception of the game came in the first quarter. The freshman defensive back picked the ball at the COC 15-yard line, holding off a surging Moorpark team, and returned it to the 37-yard line. The interception set up COC's tying touchdown – a 22-yard Morales TD pass to wide receiver D.J. Stephens.

The second half began with an even 10-10 score, as COC and Moorpark would struggle to move the ball. The Cougars were the first to break the tie to start the fourth quarter. After Powell intercepted another pass, Morales was able to orchestrate a 6-play drive that ended with a 5-yard pass to wide receiver Robert McIntyre, for just his second reception and first touchdown of the year.

COC opened up a 24-10 lead as the Raiders offense felt the pressure of the COC defense when Kourtney Bennett forced a turnover on the Moorpark 37-yard line. COC recovered the ball and it only took one Morales pass to wide receiver C.J. Atkins for COC to take a two-touchdown lead with 13:09 left in the game.

Moorpark scored one more touchdown with 7:47 left, but it was too late as COC added one more score – a 4-yard rushing TD from running back Nick Hale.

Morales finished going 22-of-31 for 261 yards and one interception. Stephens collected 121 yards on nine catches and Hale led all running backs with 14 carries for 41 yards.

Defensive back Kenny Shanahan recorded five solo tackles and a pass breakup and defensive lineman Bennett had three tackles, two solo, a forced fumble and half a sack.

The win evened the Cougars conference record to 1-1 and improved their overall record to 4-2. The Cougars will host Glendale College on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. for their third conference game.