CANYONS CONTINUES TO SHUFFLE.

Byline: Scott Magoloff Staff Writer

The obstacles continue to pile up for the College of the Canyons football team, which will not only face having its third starting quarterback in as many weeks, but lost two more players for ``repeated violations of our philosophy,'' coach Chuck Lyon said.

Sophomore Jason Ascencioand freshman Justin Szymanski, both defensive backs, were kicked off the team earlier this week.

``Ascencio's a damn good football player too,'' Lyon said. ``I think he'll continue on and go somewhere else and do well.''

Szymanski is technically a medical redshirt, but Lyon said his ankle injury simply made the decision easier.

The Cougars (2-1) will rely on freshman quarterback Robert Muller to start against Allan Hancock (2-1) today. Muller, from Crespi High, would have started last week against Glendale, but a twisted ankle forced Chris Kobe into the lineup. Kobe quit the team the day before fall practice and returned last week.

``Robert's been with us from the beginning and needs a shot,'' Lyon said. ``We're going to give him every opportunity to win the job. Robert goes until a change needs to happen. If he struggles, then I'll replace him.''

Muller is 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and with his mobility, which Lyon compares to Kobe's, he is a tough quarterback to bring down. Muller is also a left-handed passer, offering a different look to opposing defenses. At the least, Hancock will not be expecting to face a lefty, whose blind side causes defenders to sometimes switch to opposite sides to maintain a sound pass rush.

Lyon said Kobe will probably see significant playing time because of Muller's unfamiliarity with COC's spread offense. Muller's Crespi offense was a run-based wing-T system.

``I think (Muller) deserves the chance,'' Lyon said. ``They'll both play - they're competing for the starting job, but I want to give (Muller) an opportunity.''

As for original starter Travis Winn, a visit to the doctor earlier this week was not promising and he will have an MRI this week. ``He may be done for the year,'' Lyon said.

``Our guys still believe,'' he continued. ``That's a tribute to them. We're a pretty good football team, but I'm not sure we can beat Hancock without our first-string offense.''

Hancock's offense has had no problems. It is atop the Western State Conference, averaging just over 490 yards per game. The Bulldogs have racked up a conference-high 1,471 yards this season, but are coming off a 44-26 loss to Ventura, one of the top teams in California.

Quarterback Doug Pazdan (56 of 95 passing for 993 yards and 11 TDs) forms one-half of a serious deep threat with receiver Jason Ferkel (22 catches, 489 yards, 7 TDs).

CANYONS AT ALLAN HANCOCK

Kickoff: 7 p.m., at Righetti High

Cougars update: Freshman quarterback Robert Muller makes the first start of his career for COC (2-1, 0-1). Only a twisted ankle kept him out in the 33-28 loss to Glendale last week. The offensive line continues to improve, a positive for Muller. Sophomore Chris Kobe is expected to see playing time, even more if Muller struggles. Defensive lineman Jaime Garza returns to the lineup after missing the Glendale game with an ankle injury. Receiver Ahjeron Palmer (broken thumb) is expected to return Oct. 23 for the West L.A. game.

Bulldogs update: Receiver Jason Ferkel is the second-leading receiver in the Western State Conference and quarterback Doug Pazdan is second in the league in passing yardage. Hancock (2-1, 0-1) trailed Ventura 21-14 at the start of the third quarter last week, then gave up three touchdowns in four minutes, said Canyons coach Chuck Lyon, who scouted the game.

Box: CANYONS AT ALLAN HANCOCK (see text)

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