Giants Look to Extend Streak

By Nick Giannandrea

For College of the Sequoias athletics

On the cusp of state rankings, College of the Sequoias' football team looks to win consecutive games for the first time in four seasons when it plays at Chabot on Saturday.

Kickoff for the nonconference game is set for 6 p.m. in Hayward.

The Giants opened the season Sept. 7 with a 30-24 overtime victory against Feather River that caught the attention of voters in the state's two polls. 

COS received 17 votes in the JC Athletic Bureau's coaches poll and 11 votes in the California Community College Sports Information Directors poll. The Giants have the 30th and 29th most votes, respectively, in the two Top 25 polls.

Chabot, which lost 26-3 at Shasta in its opener last weekend, received 11 votes from the JCAB and two votes from the CCSID.

The Gladiators struggled offensively last week, gaining only 248 yards. Quarterback Chayse Akaka was limited to 104 yards after completing 12 of 31 passes.

COS racked up 507 yards last week against Feather River, including 374 yards passing by Gus Villareal (Dinuba). His favorite targets were Bryson Allen (Tulare Union) and Sergio Pena (Selma), who combined for 10 catches, 232 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Giants were led by Judah Ruckman (Springville), who had a team-leading 13 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. Bobby Peele (Edison) and Jeremiah Russell (Tennessee) each had interceptions.

COS hasn't won consecutive games since opening the 2016 season with victories over Contra Costa (55-47) and Feather River (28-21).

The Giants' next home game is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 28 against Santa Rosa from the Giant Chevrolet and Cadillac Mineral King Bowl.