COC OVERCOMES ADVERSITY IN WIN.

Byline: GERRY GITTELSON Community Sports

Not only was College of the Canyons' 21-15 football victory over Palomar impressive from a purely competitive point of view - Canyon entered ranked No. 1 and Palomar No. 2 in the state - but the Cougars also did a nice job overcoming adversity.

For a team that usually relies on its passing offense, it wasn't an easy victory considering three of the team's main receivers, Tyrell Smith (academically ineligible) Jason Lance (suspended for disciplinary reasons) and Jeremy Boyle (back injury), weren't available.

But replacements L. Ray Hawkins (four receptions, 46 yards), Kevin Estes (three receptions, 21 yards) and Chris Butler (two receptions, 37 yards) all came through impressively. In fact, the receiving corps remains the strength of the team, as prime targets Terrell Stanley and Trevor Brackett have been dominating through the first two weeks for the 2-0 Cougars.

Overall, they're an interesting group. Stanley, the team's leading receiver in 2000, is back after a two-year break from football. Estes, expected to grayshirt after a successful high school career at Saugus, wasn't even supposed to play this season. Butler never played football until his senior season at Canyon High.

Brackett, meanwhile, played prep ball at lowly Hollywood High - which made him an instant underdog to even make Canyons' team. But the sophomore returning starter has been so impressive that UCLA reportedly offered him a scholarship last week.

--Speaking of College of the Canyons football, it will be interesting to see how Josh Cummings rebounds from arguably one of the worst games a kicker has ever experienced.

Not only did Cummings miss four field goals, one of them was the potential game-winner from just 33 yards out with just over a minute remaining. Plus, he had a punt blocked out of the end zone for a safety, and on another punt from Palomar's 35-yard line, he failed to pin the ball inside the 20 as his punt sailed into the end zone.

And in overtime, Cummings missed a critical extra point which could have cost his team the game had the defense not stopped Palomar on downs in the final series.

It should be noted Cummings is considered an extraordinary talent. One of the region's best-ever high school kickers at Hart three seasons ago, he turned down several offers to walk on at Oregon in 2001. He was an second-team All-Western State Conference punter for Canyons last season.

``At this point, I don't think you can say much to Josh. Just show him the video so he can work on his technique,'' Canyons coach Chuck Lyon said. ``Obviously he's got a great leg, just not good technique. We'll throw him back into the fire first chance we get.''

--The Castaic Cougars youth football team (12-under) got off to an impressive start, defeating Thousand Oaks 24-0 on Saturday at Thousand Oaks High.

Preston Oliver rushed for 116 yards, with touchdowns of 54 of 25 yards, and Taylor Lautner added 66 yards on six carries including a 43-yard touchdown. Lautner also came through with several touchdown-saving tackles on defense. Lineman Jacob Campbell impressed both offensively and defensively.

Castaic (1-0) looks to parlay the momentum in the home opener against Moorpark on Saturday at Castaic Middle School.

Note: Local youth football coaches are urged to contact us so we can provide updates every Tuesday.

--The Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA is conducting signups for basketball, soccer, roller hockey and cheerleading. Boys and girls 5-15 are welcome, and the leagues are supported by parent volunteers and the YMCA staff. Financial aid is available to eligible families. Information: [phone] or www.ymcala.org.

--A crowd of more than 200 attended an amateur boxing show at the Santa Clarita Community Center last month, as locals Samuel Chavez, 15, and Said El Herrak, 20, both won their bouts.

``It was great to cheer on our local athletes. The City of Santa Clarita supports recreation and athletic programs like this because they make a difference in the lives of young people,'' said Mayor Cameron Smyth, a former Hart High football player who attended with his father, former Mayor Clyde Smyth.

--Here's one for the ``just asking'' department: Has Hart assistant football coach Davis Delmatoff ever had a hair out of place?