College of the Sequoias running back Jahkylle Smith (2) breaks a tackle on his way to the end zone during the Giants' win over Butte College on September 27, 2025. (Norma Foster / COS Athletics)

September 30, 2025

No. 16 College of the Sequoias Defeats No. 2 Butte, 42-38

Butte

4-1

Sequoias

4-1

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Butte (4-1)	0	14	7	17	38
Sequoias (4-1)	7	14	0	21	42

VISALIA, CA – In a back-and-forth battle filled with explosive plays and momentum shifts, No. 16 College of the Sequoias pulled off a huge victory by defeating No. 2 Butte College 42-38 on Saturday afternoon at Sequoias Stadium.

With the game on the line, the Giants defense delivered one final stand. After quarterback Payton Faker scored on a 4-yard touchdown run with 1:12 remaining to give the Giants a 42-38 lead, Butte quickly moved into the red zone and had a 1st-and-goal at the 9-yard line with less than 30 seconds to play. But the College of the Sequoias defense held strong, forcing three incompletions before coming up with a 4th-down stop at the goal line to seal the win.

"I'm just so proud of our players," said head coach Matt Mendonca. "That was a huge week of preparation by them and the staff. They stayed locked in all game, made the plays when it mattered, and earned every bit of that win."

Faker turned in a career performance, throwing for 447 yards and four touchdowns while accounting for five total scores. He led the Giants on two fourth-quarter touchdown drives, including the game-winner, and was efficient under pressure.

His top target was Dontae Gentles, who caught 13 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. O'Bryan Flanigan (Sacred Heart Cathedral HS) added 7 catches for 53 yards and a touchdown, and Marshel Sanders (Clovis West HS) chipped in 8 receptions for 78 yards and another touchdown.

Butte had taken a 38-35 lead with 5:50 remaining on a 37-yard field goal, but COS answered with a 12-play, 77-yard drive, capped by Faker's rushing score.

Defensively, Cassidy Bolong-Banks came up huge with two interceptions, including one in the red zone. Josiah Harris and Gavin Silene tallied three and two tackles, respectively.

Upcoming Games

The Giants (4-1) now takes that win into their bye week, while handing Butte (4-1) its first loss of the year. They will then travel to No. 22-ranked Sacramento City (3-2) on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. They will then host No. 6-ranked Monterey Peninsula (5-0) on Saturday, October 18 in Sequoias Stadium at 1:00 p.m.