Cougars Lose In Double Overtime To Cerritos College

NORWALK, Calif. - The College of the Canyons football team failed to score in the second possession of Saturday's double overtime game, then allowed Cerritos College to score on the ensuing possession to fall 48-42.

COC backup quarterback Tyler D'Amore came off the bench and finished the game 11-of-21 for 161 yards and a touchdown, while freshman Matt Bowen ran the ball 18 times for 84 yards and four touchdowns. 

Canyons gave up a 15-yard touchdown pass with 42 seconds left in regulation, which tied the game at 35-35 and sent it into the overtime periods.

The Falcons went on offense first in the first overtime, scoring on a 10-yard carry on 3rd and 9. COC would counteract the score with their own-a 10-yard carry from Matt Bowen-but the play didn't come without controversy.

As Bowen crossed the scoring plane, the ball was dropped and the Cerritos defense initially thought that they had stopped the Cougars, recovered the fumble and in turn, won the game for Cerritos. But, following a meeting by the officials, it was ruled that Bowen had possession of the ball while in the end zone, and the fumble occurred after the touchdown.

With the momentum shifting towards Canyons, the Cougars had another chance to score in the second extra period as the offense took the field first.

But, despite the momentum, COC was held off by the Cerritos defense and could not earn a first down, failing to put any points on the scoreboard.

The Cougars are now an overall 5-2 all time in overtime games, and have lost three straight contests to Cerritos College, dating back to 2002.

The COC offense continued to be balanced, rushing for 240 yards and passing for 270 more. The defense held Cerritos to only 150 yards passing, but gave up 242 yards on the ground.

Sophomore running back Jamie Wilson led the team in rushing with four carries for 85 yards, while sophomore quarterback Chris Rini had 10 carries for 46 yards.

Freshmen wide receiver Matt Syzmanski had five catches for 63 yards and Bowen had five catches for 46 yards. Freshmen wide receiver Brandon Graves had a 27-yard reception touchdown.

Freshmen linebacker Jake Woolley led the Cougars with nine tackles and freshmen safety Jesse Sampson had eight tackles, a forced fumble and an interception. Sione Folaumoeloa had five tackles and a sack.

The Cougars are now 3-5 on the season and 0-3 in conference play.

COC will remain on the road Saturday, Nov. 12, as they try to snap a four-game losing streak against Ventura College. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.