JC FOOTBALL: COC'S LOSING CONTINUES.

Byline: SEAN CEGLINSKY Staff Writer

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

College of the Canyons' football team was humbled once again Saturday night, this time by visiting Bakersfield, losing 33-22 to all but ruin any hopes the Cougars might have had at winning their seventh consecutive Western State Conference title.

With the loss to the Renegades (4-1, 3-0), who remained atop the Northern Division standings, the Cougars (1-4, 1-2) must now face the growing possibility of missing out on a postseason berth for the first time since the program was reinstated in 1998.

Two Andrew Miramontes interceptions proved costly in the fourth quarter for the Cougars. Brian Putman picked off the first pass with 8:16 left in the game and returned it to the Canyons' 25-yard line. Will Johnson ended up kicking a 42-yard field goal to give Bakersfield a 26-22 lead.

Keith Thomas stepped in front of a Miramontes pass in his own end zone with 4:06 remaining to give the Renegades the ball back at their own 20-yard line. Pat Patterson scored on a 48-yard touchdown run minutes later to put the game out of reach.

Canyons opened the second half with a sense of urgency, going 73 yards on 10 plays and culminating the drive when Ryan Whitcomb scored on a 1-yard run to give the Cougars a 22-17 lead with 4:18 left in the third quarter.

Bakersfield answered when Brandon Banks scored on an 80-yard touchdown pass from Cody Stone to take a 23-22 lead.

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