Cougars Fall To Bakersfield

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. - The College of the Canyons football suffered another setback on Saturday night, as the Cougars dropped a 45-7 decision to Bakersfield College at Memorial Stadium. The loss marked the largest margin of defeat for COC since the program was reinstated in 1998. 

COC was 1-of-5 on red zone conversions and 2-of-7 on fourth down conversions in the game, as the Cougars had trouble reaching the end zone all night. 

Bakersfield jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game, after COC's Drew Phillips fumbled the opening kickoff. Five plays and 27 yards later, the Renegades scampered four yards into the end zone with 13:11 left in the first quarter.

The Renegade onslaught continued, as COC gave up 434 yards of total offense. Meanwhile, the Cougars had a field goal attempt blocked, threw two interceptions and turned the ball over on downs four times.

COC finally answered Bakersfield's scoring in its final possession of the evening, a five-yard carry from sophomore Matt Szymanski. The score was set up by freshman wide receiver Kwasi Washington's 89-yard kickoff return.

Canyons had other chances to score, including a drive that took the Cougars all the way down to the Bakersfield one-yard line. On the ensuing COC drive, the Cougars drove to the 11-yard line, but were not able to capitalize.

Starting quarterback Ryan Kasdorf finished the night 14-of-26 for 178 yards with an interception. Sophomore tight end Dan Vear had four catches for 43 yards and sophomore wide receiver Vince Neilson had two catches for 37 yards. Freshman running back Rasheed Woodward-Johnson had 11 carries for 59 yards, while Washington had two kickoff returns for 104 yards.

Freshman defensive lineman Antonio Guy turned in five solo tackles and one sack and freshman defensive lineman Loni Fonua had four solo stops and one assisted, with a sack.

COC will return to action at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, for a match up with non-conference opponent Antelope Valley College in Lancaster.