BY CORY RUBIN | COUGARNEWS.COM

The College of the Canyons Cougars clinched their first conference championship since 2009 with a 27-10 win over the Cerritos College Falcons.

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The Cougars came into Saturday’s game tied with the Falcons for first in the Northern Conference. The Cougars took the field at Cougar Stadium led by first year head coach, Ted Iacenda, who took the helm after long-time head coach, Garett Tujague left the Cougars for a job at Brigham Young University in the off-season. 

Related Article: College Of The Canyons Head Football Coach Garett Tujague Resigns 

Things got off to a rocky start for the cougars as the Cerritos Falcons drew first blood on a 66 yard TD run by freshman Domonique Small off the left tackle for what would be the Falcons’ longest play of the game, late in the first quarter putting Cerritos up 7-0. Small would end the game with 6 rushes for 61 yards and a touchdown.

The Cougars would respond on the following drive on a 16 yard pass from Tony Dawson to Tight End Michael Mendic. COC would fail on the two-point conversion making the score 7-6 Falcons, early in the second quarter. Dawson completed 4 of 10 for 136 yards and 2 TDs.

Late in the first half the Cougars score on a 4 yard TD run by sophomore, Matt Bowen putting the Cougars ahead 13-7. Bowen led the Cougars on offense, racking up 105 yards and a score on 16 carries.

The Falcons answered with a field goal midway through the 3rd quarter, bringing Cerritos to within 3.

From there on out it was all COC. With 4 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, Tony Dawson connected with Vincent Strange on and 83 yard touchdown to put the Cougars up 20-10.

In fourth quarter, the Falcons trying to mount a comeback but Cerritos QB Cody Clements is picked off by Cody Harris who takes it to the house for the pick six.

Cougars would end the game with the defense standing strong by stopping Cerritos at the 1 yard line.

The Cougars defense held the Falcons to 379 yards on offense led by Defensive Tackle, Antonio Guy with 6 tackles, 3 sacks and a fumble recovery, and Linebacker Joey Cicoria with 10 tackles and an interception.

Related Article: COC Cougars Football Poised For Championship Matchup Saturday

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