Canyons Falls Just Short in Comeback Attempt

GLENDORA, Calif. – After a tough opening week loss, College of the Canyons looked to bounce back against Citrus College, but their comeback attempt fell just short as the Cougars lost 27-24 on Saturday night.

Despite the time of possession and total offense advantage, College of the Canyons made a few too many mistakes — 13 penalties and three turnovers — to complete its attempt at a 20-point comeback victory.

In the second quarter with Citrus already leading 6-0 on two field goals, the Owls added to their lead with a 2-yard Larry Cutbirth touchdown run. The extra point by Machida gave the Owls a 13-0 lead.

The Cougars responded just before halftime with a 23-yard strike from Tony Dawson to running back Earl Johnson. An Eric Kreitz extra point cut the Owls' lead to six, 13-7.

There was just enough time on the clock, however, for Citrus to land one last blow to the Cougars before the end of the half. On the ensuing kickoff, Citrus receiver Justin Martin returned it 100 yards to the end zone to give the Owls a 20-7 lead at the half.

At halftime, the Cougars found themselves in a similar hole as they had in the opener — down against another top out-of-division opponent.

But this time, the Cougars had answers and were able to put points on the board.

After another rushing touchdown that took Citrus' lead to 27-7, the Cougars began to chip away.

After a kick return by Tim White that placed the ball near midfield and a subsequent Citrus penalty, COC quarterback Tony Dawson scrambled for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 27-14.

Dawson finished the game completing 14-of-23 passes for 138 yards and 42 rushing yards including two touchdowns.

In the fourth quarter, COC place kicker Eric Kreitz added a field goal to cut the Owls lead to 10, 27-17.

The action went back and forth with both defenses stopping one another, trading possession after possession — including some timely stops by linebackers Andrew Karapeteyan and Kenneth Jacobs.

Jacobs led all players with 16 total tackles including 3.5 tackles for loss. Karapeteyan added seven total tackles and two for a loss.

With just 3:12 left on the clock, the Cougars capitalized on one of the last possessions of the game. COC quarterback Devon Dunn connected with wide receiver Tim White for a 31-yard touchdown catch. An Eric Kreitz extra point brought the Cougars within three points of completing the comeback, down 27-24.

An onside kick attempt went out of bounds, ensuring the comeback would fall just short and the Cougars would begin their season at 0-2.

College of the Canyons next travels to Santa Ana to take on Santa Ana College, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.