Canyons’ Defeat Just a Big Mistake

Coach Chuck Lyon of College of the Canyons was hoping to play a new team in Saturday’s Western State Conference Bowl. Instead, his Cougars were forced to try to beat their toughest conference opponent for the second time this season.

In the first meeting on Sept. 30, Canyons limited its mistakes to beat Allan Hancock, 21-14. This time, the Cougars committed six turnovers and lost, 24-20, only Canyons’ second home loss in 16 games since its program was revived in 1998.

Andre Nickelson rushed for 171 yards in 28 carries for Hancock (9-2), including the winning touchdown on a 10-yard run with 1:46 left in the third quarter.

“I really wanted us to play another 9-1 team,” said Lyon, who has led the Cougars to three consecutive bowl games but has yet to win. “I think we deserved to. But several of the coaches I talked to didn’t want to play us.

“I knew it would be tough to beat Hancock again. They are a lot better than they were the last time we played them. They solidified their quarterback situation and they proved [Saturday] that they aren’t just a running team.”

Canyons (9-2) had five turnovers in the first half. Hancock converted three into a 17-7 halftime lead.

The Cougars forced six turnovers, the biggest a fumble recovery by Isaac Sopoaga, WSC Northern Division player of the year, early in the second half.

“I don’t know what to say, except that this is a huge disappointment,” said Sopoaga, who had 10 solo tackles, including a sack. “They must’ve watched film from the first game, because they had three guys on me every play.”

Canyons capitalized with a 22-yard field goal by Tommy Garagliano, then tied the score, 17-17, on a 32-yard interception return by Gerald Jones midway through the third quarter.

Garagliano gave Canyons its only lead, 20-17, with a 50-yard field goal late in the third quarter. He finished the season 51 for 51 on extra points.

Starter Travis Winn of Canyons completed nine of 20 passes for 134 yards and was sacked six times for 47 yards. He left late in the game because of a sprained left ankle.

David Parker was four of eight for 55 yards with one interception and was sacked for a 14-yard loss at Canyons’ 11-yard line with 1:21 left.

Stephen Stokes, starting at tailback in place of injured Steve Smith, rushed for 61 yards in 16 carries for Canyons. Terrell Stanley caught seven passes for 219 yards.

Beau Pierce, who did not play in the first meeting, passed for 208 yards for Hancock, including an 80-yard touchdown to Jermaine Moore late in the first half.