COS Rolls to 58-7 Win Over San Joaquin Delta

VISALIA, CA – The College of the Sequoias Giants dominated from start to finish, cruising to a 58-7 victory over San Joaquin Delta on Saturday, September 21, at Sequoias Stadium. With a balanced offense and a stifling defense, the Giants improved to 2-1 on the season. 

COS opened the scoring less than four minutes into the game when Jakari Williams (Tampa, FL) burst through for a 22-yard touchdown run on their first play from scrimmage. The Giants quickly extended their lead with a 7-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Reilly Garcia (Gilbert, AZ) to Gage Armbruster (Corcoran HS), followed by a 6-yard scoring run from Greg Robinson II (Dearborn, MI), making it 20-0 at the end of the first quarter. 

"We wanted to set the tone early," said head coach Matt Mendonca. "The offense came out firing on all cylinders, and our defense was locked in from the start." 

Garcia, who completed 13 of 20 passes for 191 yards, spread the ball efficiently to multiple receivers. Armbruster led the way with 99 yards on five catches, including a long of 44 yards. On the ground, the Giants dominated with 203 rushing yards, as five different players found the end zone. 

In the second quarter, Robinson added his second touchdown on a 3-yard run, capping a 79-yard drive. Delta's lone highlight came from a 57-yard touchdown pass from Kenyon Nelson to Anthony Bridges. However, Sequoias responded quickly with a safety and a 5-yard touchdown run by Hector Gonzalez (Dinuba HS), building a commanding 41-7 halftime lead. 

"Our defense was relentless today," added Mendonca. "We were able to put pressure on their quarterback, created turnovers, and never let them get comfortable." 

COS' defense was a force throughout the game, holding Delta to just 110 total yards, including -29 rushing yards, while getting 4 sacks. Tovie Martin (Clovis HS) and Andres Rodriguez (Cesar Chavez HS-Delano) both pressured the quarterback, as Martin recorded 1.5 sacks and Rodriguez added a sack as well. The defense also forced three fumbles, recovering one. 

The Giants continued to dominate in the second half. Danny Olivera (Firebaugh HS) and Jahkylle Smith (Merced HS) each added 3-yard rushing touchdowns in the third quarter to extend the lead to 55-7. A 28-yard field goal from Lucas Cords (Morro Bay HS) in the fourth quarter capped the scoring, as the Giants cruised to the 58-7 win.  

"Everyone contributed today, and that's what you want to see," said Mendonca. "We'll take this momentum into next week and keep building." 

Sequoias will look to continue their winning streak as they head on the road next week, as they travel to Feather River College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 28.