College of the Sequoias' Payton Faker (10) throwing a pass in the game versus College of the Redwoods on September 20, 2025. (Norma Foster / COS Athletics)

October 14, 2025

Last-Minute Heroics Set Stage for Saturday's Orange Out Home Opener vs. Monterey Peninsula

Sequoias

5-1

Sacramento City

3-3

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Sequoias (5-1)	7	10	0	7	24
Sacramento City (3-3)	6	6	8	0	20

Monterey Peninsula

6-1

Sequoias

6-1

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Monterey Peninsula (6-1)	7	0	13	6	26
Sequoias (6-1)	14	21	14	14	63

SACRAMENTO, CA — With under two minutes remaining, No. 12 College of the Sequoias quarterback Payton Faker (Washington) delivered a 36-yard pass to Marshel Sanders (Clovis West HS), lifting the Giants to a 24-20 road victory over Sacramento City on Saturday at Hughes Stadium in Sacramento.

COS (5-1, 1-0 Valley Conference) trailed 20-17 with 2:30 left when the defense forced a quick punt, setting the offense up with great field position at midfield. Faker connected with Sanders down the right sideline for their second touchdown of the day, capping a three-play, 50-yard drive in just 39 seconds.

Wendell Ware (Edison HS) intercepted a pass on Sacramento City's final drive, sealing the victory for the Giants and capping a strong defensive effort that included three interceptions on the afternoon.

Faker finished the game with 282 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 26-of-49 passes. Sanders caught ten passes for 140 yards and 2 scores. Sophomore Dontae Gentles added six receptions for 61 yards, while Mookie Gosby chipped in with three catches.

The special teams delivered a spark in the second quarter when Pana Tuputala returned a punt 42 yards for a touchdown to give COS a 14-6 lead. Kicker Matt Garza (Golden West HS) hit a 39-yard field goal late in the first half to extend the lead to 17-6.

Sacramento City (3-3, 0-1) rallied with a touchdown just before halftime and took the lead late in the third quarter on a 17-yard touchdown pass, but COS outscored the Panthers 7-0 in the final quarter to complete the comeback.

Defensively, Wendell Ware, Sergio Gonzalez (Kennedy HS), and Mark Pullman (St. Joseph HS) each recorded an interception. The Giants' front held Sacramento to just 4-of-13 on third down and recorded five tackles for loss and a sack.

Next Up: Orange Out Home Opener vs. Monterey Peninsula

The Giants return home this Saturday to host Monterey Peninsula College at 1 p.m. at Sequoias Stadium. Gates open at 12 p.m., and fans are encouraged to arrive early.

Ticket prices are $10 General Admission, $5 Seniors, Staff, and free for Students with ID & Children under 9.

This game will also be the Orange Out, and all fans are encouraged to wear orange to show their COS pride. With sunny skies and 80-degree weather in the forecast, it's shaping up to be a perfect day for football. Let's make Sequoias Stadium loud. Go Giants!