College of the Sequoias' Reilly Garcia (5) in an earlier game versus San Joaquin Delta on September 21, 2024. (Photo Credit: COS Marketing)

September 30, 2024

COS Rolls Past Feather River 37-13 for Third Straight Win

Sequoias

2-1

Feather River

0-3

Final

Sequoias (2-1)

Feather River (0-3)

Quincy, CA – The College of the Sequoias Giants earned their third consecutive victory with a commanding 37-13 win over Feather River Golden Eagles on Saturday, September 28 in Quincy, CA. Behind explosive plays on both sides of the ball, the Giants improved to 3-1, while Feather River dropped to 0-4.

COS started fast, with running back Dalton Armbruster (Corcoran HS) scoring a 19-yard rushing touchdown on the Giants' opening drive. The team converted the two-point play, giving the Giants an early 8-0 lead. Feather River responded with a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Michael Kearns III to wide receiver Jeremiah Nash, cutting the lead to 8-7, but COS never looked back from there.

"Our goal was to come out aggressive and control the game from the start," said head coach Matt Mendonca. "The offense executed, and our defense kept the pressure on throughout the game."

In the second quarter, Feather River added two field goals from kicker Chris Rapoza, but the Giants responded with a big play right before halftime. Quarterback Reilly Garcia (Gilbert, AZ) threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Gage Armbruster (Corcoran HS), and the Giants converted another two-point attempt with a rush from Tokyo Gordon (Orlando, FL) to head into the break leading 16-13.

Garcia had an impressive performance, finishing 18-of-24 for 378 yards and three touchdowns, including a 63-yard strike to wide receiver Dontae Gentles (Sunrise, FL) in the third quarter that extended Sequoias' lead to 30-13. Gentles led all receivers with 155 yards on five catches, while Gage Armbruster added 115 yards on four receptions.

"We knew we could make big plays, and Reilly did a great job spreading the ball around," Mendonca said. "Our receivers made great plays, and that gave us the momentum we needed."

On the ground, the other Armbruster, Dalton (Corcoran HS), led the rushing attack with 44 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Jahkylle Smith (Merced HS) contributed 39 yards on six carries. Feather River was held to just 123 rushing yards on 42 attempts as Sequoias' defense kept them in check.

"We had great effort on defense," Mendonca noted. "To limit their run game and force them into tough situations was vital to our success. The challenge for us was to start fast this week and go in attack mode in all three phases"

The defense played a huge role, holding the Golden Eagles scoreless in the second half. Defensive back Tovie Martin (Clovis HS) led the Giants with seven tackles, while linebacker Jake Morones (Paso Robles HS) and defensive back Wendell Ware (Edison HS) each added critical stops. The Giants forced one turnover and recorded three tackles for loss.

COS sealed the victory in the fourth quarter when Garcia connected with wide receiver Nick Nelson (El Diamante HS) for a 22-yard touchdown, closing out the scoring at 37-13.

"We're hitting our stride," Mendonca added. "I'm proud of the way our team is coming together. We'll keep working and stay focused on what's ahead."

The Giants will look to continue their winning streak this week as they travel to play Butte College. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 5.