#14 COS Giants Power Past Reedley 34-17

VISALIA, Calif. – The No. 14-ranked College of the Sequoias Giants (6-2, 2-0) held their ground in a conference matchup, defeating Reedley College 34-17 on Saturday afternoon at Sequoias Stadium. The Giants executed on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Reilly Garcia throwing five touchdown passes, and a strong defensive showing to secure the victory. 

The Giants got on the board in the first quarter with a huge 56-yard touchdown connection between Garcia and wide receiver Gage Armbruster (Corcoran HS), giving the Giants a 7-0 lead with 3:34 left. In the second quarter, COS capped off a 14-play, 74-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Garcia to Connor Murweiss, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Reedley managed to narrow the gap to 13-3 with a 40-yard field goal from Jayden Evangelo before halftime. 

"Our team came out with energy and focus, executing on key plays to set the tone early," said COS head coach Matt Mendonca. "Reilly did a great job leading the offense, and our defense made critical stops to keep Reedley in check." 

The Giants continued to dominate in the third quarter. Garcia found Armbruster again, this time on a 13-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead to 20-3. Armbruster finished the game with 9 receptions for 157 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Giants' receiving corps. Garcia completed 23 of 34 passes for 322 yards and five touchdowns. 

In the fourth quarter, Sequoias' offense stayed hot as Garcia hit Nick Nelson (El Diamante HS) for a 9-yard touchdown pass, capping a nine-play, 68-yard drive. Although Reedley responded with two touchdowns in the quarter, the Giants sealed the game with a third touchdown to Armbruster on a 15-yard pass. 

The Giants' defense was equally relentless, holding Reedley to just 13 rushing yards and securing three sacks for a loss of 22 yards, which was no surprise as the Giants rank 5th in the state in rushing yards allowed (59.3) and 11th in sacks (22). Linebacker Will Henderson (Immanuel HS) led the defense with seven tackles, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. 

"Today was a team win. Our defense shut down the run, and our offense made the plays we needed," Mendonca said. "We're getting closer to our goal with each game, and this team is showing incredible resilience."  

Game Stats Summary

- Passing: Reilly Garcia – 23/34, 322 yards, 5 TDs 

- Receiving: Gage Armbruster – 9 catches, 157 yards, 3 TDs 

- Rushing: Greg Robinson II – 40 yards on 9 carries 

- Defense: Will Henderson – 7 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble 

- Total Yards: Sequoias 414, Reedley 249 

Upcoming Game 

The Giants look to extend their winning streak as they continue conference play Saturday, November 9. They will host No. 9 Fresno City College at 1:00 p.m. Gates open at noon, with halftime performances by the COS Dance Team and Cheer Squad. Enjoy lunch at Timbers Cafe near the entry plaza. General admission tickets are $10, with discounts for seniors, students, and veterans at $5.