Cougars Lose Overtime Heartbreaker To Golden West

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The College of the Canyons football team began the season with a heartbreaking loss, as they dropped its season opener to Golden West 25-19 in overtime.

The Cougars were held to 89 yards rushing, but did have 241 yards through the air. They gained a total of 330 yards offensively, while the defense held Golden West to only 217 yards of total offense.

The Cougars led 6-3 at the half, thanks to two field goals by freshman kicker Neil Franklin.

Early in the third quarter, freshman wide receiver Dan Vear blocked a punt and sophomore linebacker Omari Williams landed on the ball in the end zone, giving the Cougars their first touchdown of the game.

Canyons was ahead 12-5 through three quarters without scoring an offensive touchdown.

Golden West tied the game at 12-12 early in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard TD pass. The Cougars had a chance to get back on the board early in the fourth, but a costly fumble by sophomore wide receiver Brandon Graves ended the drive.

Golden West took the lead with 35 seconds left to go in the game, but COC wouldn't go down without a fight..

Freshman quarterback Ryan Kasdorf connected with freshman wide receiver Tim White on a 28-yard TD pass with no time remaining to force OT.

COC got the ball first in the OT, but Neil Franklins FG kick was blocked. Golden West just needed a FG to win the game, but they ended up scoring a touch down five plays into the drive to win the game.

Kasdorf went 13-of-23 with 162 yards passing and one touchdown pass. Graves had five catches for 56 yards and White had three catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.

Freshman cornerback Lance Poole led the team in tackles with seven and sophomore strong safety Khalil Bolling had six. Linebacker Justyn Eddins had two sacks and linebackers Jake Woolley and Nathania Lealao had one sack each.

The Cougars will take on Saddleback College at Cougar Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.