No. 6 Canyons Pulls Out 28-21 Win Over Santa Ana

The No. 6 College of the Canyons football team edged out a 28-21 victory over Santa Ana College on Saturday night at Cougar Stadium, to move to 3-0 for the first time since 2008.

The Cougars trailed by one point heading into the fourth quarter, but regained the lead thanks to a 29-yard touchdown run by quarterback Devon Dunn that put COC up 26-21 with less than five minutes left in regulation.

Canyons then converted a two-point conversion with a short pass to running back Kenny Torrence to put the Cougars ahead for good.

The Cougars emerged victorious despite turning the ball over six times. Even with those extra possessions the Santa Ana offense was limited to just 262 yards of total offense, compared to 447 yards from Canyons. 

After COC's opening drive it appeared as if Santa Ana would be in for a long night trying to stop the dynamic Cougar offense.

Canyons was able to hold Santa Ana to a three-and-out, then Dunn and company promptly marched down the field on a 10-play drive that culminated in a nine-yard touchdown run from the sophomore signal caller. An Alec Chadwick extra point put the Cougars up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

The rest of the first half saw the Cougars turn the ball over four times and eventually lose the lead, with Canyons trailing 14-7 at halftime.

The Cougars marched down the field on their first possession of the second half to tie the game on Dunn's second rushing touchdown of the night — this time a 19-yard scamper.

The PAT by Chadwick tied the game at 14-14 with 12:21 remaining in the third quarter.

COC's defense forced another Santa Ana three-and-out and the Cougars were quickly back in business.

Canyons then promptly marched 58 yards down the field in a mere six plays before capping off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run from substituting quarterback Colton Oshiro which put COC up 20-14.

However, this time Chadwick missed the extra point attempt to keep the Cougar lead dangerously close at six points.

On Santa Ana's next possession, the Dons answered right back with a 16-yard scoring run from running back William Haney. The ensuing PAT gave Santa Ana a slim 21-20 lead heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Cougars would turn the ball over two more times, but the offense would eventually maintain possession via two drive-saving plays to COC wide receiver Conner Byrnes.

On two separate third down plays, Dunn connected with Byrnes to keep the Canyons drive alive.

On a third-and-7 play, Dunn found Byrnes on a route to the eastern sideline for a 12-yard gain. Then, operating from his own 45-yard line, Dunn connected with Byrnes for 29 yards on a third-and-2 play that set up Dunn's final rushing touchdown.

Byrnes finished the game with six receptions for 90 yards receiving to lead the team.

Dunn finished the game with as the team's leading rusher with 96 yards on 14 attempts and three touchdowns. He also completed 26-of-43 passes for 262 yards, while being picked off twice.

Torrance rushed for 77 yards on 15 carries and caught two passes for nine yards including the 2-point conversion.

Head coach Ted Iacenda and the Cougars will next travel to Pasadena City College at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.