Comets come up short against Cougars

SANTA CLARITA, CA (9/25/21)- On Saturday, the Palomar Comets took on Canyons in their fourth game of the season, this time losing in a high-scoring contest of 42-30.

Running back Tawee Walker (Centennial) scored the game's first points on a 3-yard run. The two-point conversion was no good. Canyons' quarterback Tooni Ikahihifo scored three touchdowns in the second quarter, one by run and two passing touchdowns to Cyrus Zuell and Andre Hunt to take a commanding lead. In the third quarter, the Comets inched closer to the lead as quarterback Zeke Payne (Rancho Bernardo) found wide receiver Dennis Garrison (Ewing)for a 24-yard touchdown pass. Landon Ogles (Rancho Bernardo) drilled a 38-yard field goal to pull the Comets within five points. Ikahihifo connected on two more touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, one to Cyrus Zuell and one to Calvin Littles to put the game away.

Payne went 23-39, 192 passing yards, a season-high, and three total touchdowns from scrimmage. Walker carried the ball 16 times for 72 yards and a touchdown. Garrison led the Comets wide receivers with 4 receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. Linebacker Luke Manos (Rancho Bernardo) lead the Comets defense with eight tackles. Linebacker Khalil Walker (Mojave) snagged an interception for the Comets. The defense now has an interception in every game this season. Ogles knocked down his lone field goal attempt and three extra points.

The Comets put up 307 yards of total offense, 197 yards came from the air and 110 yards came from the ground. The defense gave up 542 yards, 355 yards came from the air and 187 yards came from the ground. The Comets committed 5 penalties for 48 yards on the night.

The Comets drop to 2-2 on the season and will return home to face San Diego Mesa College on October 2^nd at 6 p.m.

Story by Mac Pham