Tale of Two Halves as #18 Football Loses First Central League Encounter

For two quarters, host College of the Canyons used big plays to take a commanding 20-0 halftime lead. But in the second half, the state #18 Pasadena City College football team dominated the Cougars defensively and a late rally came up a little short as the Lancers dropped their SCFA Central League opener, 20-14, on Saturday afternoon.

PCC (2-2 overall) didn't get on the board until the final play of the third quarter when quarterback Max Grizzell, who came in reserve this week, lofted a 36-yard touchdown pass to Cam Mitchell. In the fourth quarter, starting QB Xavier Buckles drove the team downfield and hit Ethan Hubbell for a 4-yard scoring throw with four seconds left. 

Canyons (1-3) recovered the ensuing onside kick to cap its first victory of 2025. COC is 8-1 in the all-time series v. Pasadena. 

COC powered to the lead thanks to TD runs of 60 and 38 yards by SCFA rushing leader Isaiah Rameau and an 81-yard TD strike from QB Jazel Riley IV to Cole Crawford. 

PCC's defense, which allowed 306 yards in the first 30 minutes, made a complete turnaround over the final two quarters in limiting the Cougars to just 89 offensive yards and three first downs. Coleman Morning (six tackles, one sack) and Jasun Ridley (seven tackles) were instrumental in the defensive resurgence. Earlier, Artujo Ayers made a 35-yard interception return. 

Offensively, running back Noah Triplett totaled 135 all-purpose yards, including a team-high 53 yards in eight carries, a team-best six receptions for 30 yards, a 27-yard punt return and 25-yard kick return. 

Buckles completed 20 of 37 passes for 191 yards while Grizzell was 10-for-20 for 127 yards. Josh Soto made four receptions for 65 yards, Mitchell three for 69, and tight end Javery Mayberry five catches for 34 yards. 

PCC punter Alejandro Rodriguez had four kicks for a 38.8 average, including a long of 48. 

Canyons' Rameau finished with 18 carries for 188 yards while the COC defense foiled PCC drives with three interceptions. 

Pasadena next hosts Bakersfield College this Saturday, Sept. 27 in a 6 p.m. kickoff at Robinson Stadium.