Canyons Earns First Home Win in 37-20 Victory Over Allan Hancock

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. – The record may not jump out at you, but it doesn't tell the whole story for the Cougars. Look closer. College of the Canyons is in second place in conference play (2-1) after a 37-20 victory over Allan Hancock College at Cougar Stadium on Saturday night.

The victory over Allan Hancock was the most complete performance from the Cougars all season.

Canyons got on the scoreboard early in the first quarter. Just 54 seconds into the game, COC quarterback Tony Dawson connected with receiver Tim White for a 15-yard touchdown. An Eric Kreitz extra point gave the Cougars a 7-0 lead.

White would finish the game with seven receptions and 76 yards receiving.

The Cougars defense prevented much offensive movement from Hancock forcing two punts from the Bulldogs in the first quarter.

After an Allan Hancock field goal cut the Cougar lead to four early in the second quarter, the offense responded with a score of its own. This time, COC quarterback Devon Dunn found running back Earl Johnson on a nine-yard pass. A missed extra point gave the Cougars a 10-point lead, and a 13-3 score in the second quarter.

RB Earl Johnson enjoyed his biggest game of the season, totaling 82 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 carries to go with five catches for 57 yards and a touchdown.

The second quarter saw both teams trading scores. COC clung to a 10-point lead scoring just before the halftime whistle thanks on a nine-yard Devon Dunn touchdown scramble. The Cougars led 20-10 at halftime.

Dunn would finish the game completing 9-of-13 passes for 95 yards including a touchdown pass, and added 43 yards rushing including the second quarter touchdown run.

Eric Kreitz would open the second half scoring by putting through a 21-yard field goal to give COC a 23-10 lead.

A Hancock College field goal would make the score 23-13.

Early in the fourth quarter, COC quarterback Tony Dawson would give COC its biggest lead of the game on a seven-yard touchdown rush. The extra point made the score 30-13.

In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, COC would add more points via an Earl Johnson rushing touchdown, making the score 37-20. That was more than enough for the Cougars to hang on for COC's second conference victory.

The COC defense lead the way stifling any Hancock offensive momentum in key moments of the game.

Linebacker Kenneth Jacobs lead the team with 14 total tackles and also added a sack and a tackle for loss.

The victory boosts COC's overall record to 3-4, and to 2-1 against conference opponents.

COC next travels to Ventura City College on Nov. 1.