College of the Canyons Drops Emotional Season Opener

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – After an emotional start to the semester — which saw the tragic loss of two Cougar football players to an auto accident that left a third critically injured — the College of the Canyons football team attempted to refocus its efforts on the season ahead, opening 2014 with a tough matchup against visiting Mt. San Antonio College on Saturday night.

However, that task may have proved to be too much too soon for the defending SCFA National Division, Northern Conference champs, as Canyons was unable to find any rhythm in losing 42-19.

The offensive onslaught began early for Mt. San Antonio as Mountie quarterback Justin Alo capped off a five-play, 49-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run roughly three minutes into the game. The ensuing PAT made it 7-0, and the Mounties showed no signs of letting up.

Later in the quarter, Mt. SAC wide receiver Derrick Macon found the end zone on a 7-yard scoring pass, putting Mt. San Antonio up 14-0.

The Cougars' special teams also had a difficult time against the Mt. San Antonio's efforts. The Mounties' Derek Norman blocked a punt and returned it 16 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter, putting the Cougars behind 28-3.

Canyons place kicker Eric Kreitz executed two field goals for COC, representing the team's only points of the first half as the Cougars headed into halftime trailing 35-6.

The Cougars attempted to rally in the second half thanks to one of the bright spots for the Cougars' offense.  

In a game that saw the Cougars only gain 233 yards of total offense, Tim White left his mark all over the stat sheet with seven receptions for 113 yards including a 26-yard catch and run score from COC quarterback Devon Dunn.  However, a blocked PAT attempt kept the score 35-12.

White also added four kick returns for 148 yards.

In the fourth quarter, the Cougars defense managed a takeaway and scored on a 47-yard interception return by linebacker Paul Puebla, ending the night's scoring with COC trailing 42-19.

COC opted for a dual quarterback attack in week one. Freshman Devon Dunn completed 6-of-16 pass attempts for 100 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore Tony Dawson completed 6-of-12 passes for 65 yards.

COC will next travels to Glendora, California to take on Citrus College at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13.