Cougars Clinch Playoff Spot and Piece of Title

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The College of the Canyons won its eighth consecutive game as the No. 5 College of the Canyons football team defeated No. 6 Cerritos College 27-10 on Saturday night in front of a rambunctious crowd at Cougar Stadium. The Cougars improve to 8-1 on the season and 5-0 in conference play and have clinched at least a part of the conference title. More importantly, Canyons also earned the conference's automatic playoff bid, even if the Cougars do not win their final regular season game, due to the head-to-head match up with Cerritos College.

For the third consecutive game, sophomore running back Matt Bowen turned in a 100+ yard rushing game with his 16 carries for 105 yards and one touchdown. Freshmen quarterbacks Tony Dawson and Jake Dashnaw combined for an 8-of-16 passing night for 175 yards and two scores. Freshman wide receiver Vincent Strange led the receiving corps with one catch for 83 yards and a score.

The Southern California leading Cougar defense collected three interceptions and a fumble recovery and tied Glendale College for the most interceptions (22) this season by any team in the south. Sophomore linebacker Joey Cicoria led the team with 10 tackles, six solo, and an interception. Defensive lineman Antonio Guy had six tackles, a fumble recovery and three sack, while Austin Murillo also turned in six tackles and an interception for 35 yards.

The Cougars will play in their final regular season game on Saturday, Nov. 16 as they travel to Allan Hancock for a 4 p.m. game at Righetti High School.