No. 19 Canyons Drops Conference Opener 17-7 to Bakersfield

By Alexis Quevedo/COC Sports Information

No. 19 College of the Canyons suffered a loss in its first conference game at the hands of Bakersfield College, as the Cougars' offense couldn't get into gear in a narrow 17-7 home defeat. 

The Cougars (2-4, 0-1) started the first quarter with a roaring defensive presence, with sophomore Cole Bullock sacking Bakersfield quarterback Joseph Campbell just three minutes into the game. Later, with just 2:45 remaining in the quarter a Bakersfield scoring opportunity was brought to an abrupt halt by sophomore Brian Snoek's nine-yard quarterback sack. 

As a result, Bakersfield (3-3, 1-0) settled for a 41-yard field goal kick that was ultimately blocked by COC sophomore Quentin Moten.

The Cougars got the ball back in the final minutes of the first quarter. COC freshman J.D. Sumlin completed a huge 32-yard rush that put the Cougars in Bakersfield territory. That play was then followed by a 39-yard pass to the end zone, caught by COC wide receiver Jacobee Taylor to give the Cougars a 7-0 lead after the Ty Morrison PAT.

Taylor's scoring catch was one of few highlights for the Cougars offensive unit, which accumulated 281 yards of total offense. COC freshman quarterback Bryce Dickson finished the game 16-of-25 for 178 yards with a touchdown pass. COC sophomore Joshua Littleberry had three catches in the game, accounting for 44 yards through the air. Taylor finished with two catches for 44 yards as well.

As the game progressed the Cougars' defense tried to keep the intensity coming in an effort to limit an active Bakersfield offensive unit that accounted for 338 yards of offense.

For the Cougars, it was Snoek and freshman Carlos Rivera leading Canyons in tackles, each accounting for six.

Bakersfield tied the game at 7-7 in the second quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from Campbell. The Renegades struck again in the third quarter via a 28-yard field goal and finally delivered the game-deciding 77-yard touchdown pass from Campbell to Jihad Marks with 7:30 to go in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars next travel to face Allan Hancock College on Saturday, Oct. 22. That game is scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. 

—Photo by Dylan Stewart / 1550 Sports