Canyons Powers Past East L.A., 42-17

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The College of the Canyons football team gained 538 yards in total offense Saturday, leading the Cougars to their second home win of the season over East L.A College, 42-17.

The Cougars offense was balanced, as they rushed for 233 yards and passed for 305 yards, using a three-quarterback system on the night.

Sophomore quarterback Chris Rini continued to be productive, finishing the night 12-of-17 for 144 yards and a score, while third string freshman quarterback Tyler D'Amore went 13-of-18 for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Rini also led the team in rushing, garnering 65 yards on eight carries and a score. Freshman running back Matt Bowen had eight carries for 58 yards and sophomore running back Jamie Wilson had a rushing touchdown to go with his 39 yards rushing.

Freshmen wide receiver Travion Tucker had seven catches for 104 yards and sophomore wide receiver Chris Rivas had 50 yards and two scores.

The Cougars defense continues to dominate, as they sacked the quarterback seven times. The Huskies only tallied 237 yards of total offense, as the COC defense held East Los Angeles to 44 yards rushing.

Sophomore safety Milton Gilchrist registered six tackles and a sack. Sophomore defensive end Nick Oliva had four tackles and a sack, while freshman defensive end Justyn Eddins added two sacks.

The Cougars got off to a quick start, when Wilson scored on a 7-yard run just five minutes into the game.

Canyons then added two touchdowns before halftime. The first came on a one-yard run by D'Amore. Then with 34 seconds left, D'Amore threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Rivas. The Cougars went into halftime up 21-10.

Canyons pulled away from East L.A. in the third quarter of the game, scoring two touchdowns. Rini scored on a seven-yard run, and on the ensuing COC possession Rini hit Rivas for a 15-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 35-17 at the end of three quarters.

The defense shut out the Huskies in the fourth quarter and the offense added a touchdown to secure the win. D'Amore added his own five-yard touchdown run, with 7:39, left on the clock giving COC the cushion they needed to win. 

COC will play their second road game of the season Sat., Oct. 1, at Grossmont College. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.