Grossmont Overwhelms Cougars In Final Non-Conference Game

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - College of the Canyons was held to just two touchdowns and a field goal as No. 8 Grossmont College dominated seventh-ranked College of the Canyons 36-18 on Saturday night, handing the Cougars the most lopsided loss of head coach Garett Tujague's four seasons at COC and the worst loss for the program since the 2006 season.

In the eighth matchup in the history of these two football powerhouses, COC had lost the last two contests. The most recent defeat now makes it three losses in a row for the Cougars. COC has not lost three consecutive times to a school since Bakersfield in 2006 and 2007, and that was the only time since the football program was reinstated in 1998. The Cougars and Bakersfield Renegades met twice in 2007, once during the regular season and once in the playoffs.  

The Griffins darted to an early 23-7 lead in the second quarter, behind two passes from Grossmont's quarterback and from a long run by their running back. 

The Cougars chipped the lead down to 23-10, after kicker Everett Goldberg converted his third consecutive field goal this season.

In the second half, Grossmont went to work on the ground and scored two touchdowns with its running game. COC would add a touchdown of its own in the final period, as back up quarterback Justin Morales connected with wide receiver Chris Rivas for a 9-yard score, Morales' first TD of the season.

Starting quarterback Justin Arias finished the game 6 of 16 for 71 yards in just under three quarters of work. Ryan Zirbel carried the ball 10 times for 109 yards, and Ross Bacon returned a kickoff 61 yards in the Cougars second possession of the game.

Against a Griffin defense that held COC to 249 yards of total offense, the Cougars couldn't get into the end zone enough and committed five turnovers.

The Cougar defense that held East L.A. to 221 yards of total offense last weekend, gave up 434 yards to Grossmont, the most any team has tallied against Canyons in five games this season. Emanuel Koleosho led the defense with eight tackles and Torri Zeno had four tackles and an interception.

The Cougars will take next week off before hosting El Camino College on Saturday, Oct. 16, for their conference home opener. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.