College of the Sequoias' defense making a play in a game versus Sacramento City on October 19, 2024. (Photo Credit: Norma Foster / COS Athletics)

October 24, 2024

#14 Giants Defeat Sacramento City 28-10 in Conference Opener

Sacramento City

3-3

Sequoias

5-2

Final	1	2	3	4	T
Sacramento City (3-3)	0	3	7	0	10
Sequoias (5-2)	7	7	14	0	28

Visalia, CA – The #14 State Ranked College of the Sequoias Giants opened conference play with a commanding 28-10 victory over Sacramento City College on Saturday, October 19, at Sequoias Stadium. The Giants' balanced offensive attack and relentless defense, which recorded seven sacks, improves their record to 5-2 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.

COS struck first in the opening quarter, with quarterback Reilly Garcia (Gilbert, AZ) leading a 10-play, 64-yard drive, capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Dalton Armbruster (Corcoran HS) at the 7-minute mark. The Giants extended their lead in the second quarter when Garcia found Jakari Williams (Tampa, FL) for a 3-yard touchdown, making it 14-0. Sacramento City responded with a 30-yard field goal from Chris Dodson as time expired in the first half, cutting the lead to 14-3.

"We came out with great energy and focus," said head coach Matt Mendonca. "Our guys executed the game plan, especially early, and that set the tone."

The Giants dominated the third quarter, capitalizing on a short field when Dalton Armbruster broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run just three minutes in. Garcia later connected with wide receiver Gage Armbruster (Corcoran HS) for a 55-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 28-10 after Sacramento City's lone touchdown—a 5-yard pass from Jason Lindahl to Jack Carner.

"We knew we had to come out strong after the half, and that's exactly what we did," Mendonca said. "Reilly made some great throws, and the Armbrusters were outstanding today."

Garcia finished the game 9-of-15 for 118 yards and three touchdowns, while the Armbruster brothers combined for 163 total yards of offense. Dalton rushed for 101 yards on 16 carries, adding two touchdowns—one on the ground and one through the air. Gage led the receiving corps with 62 yards on three catches, including the 55-yard touchdown.

On defense, the Giants controlled the line of scrimmage, holding Sacramento City to just 126 total yards, including -30 rushing yards. This defensive performance was no surprise, as COS ranks 6th in the state for least rushing yards allowed (65.9) and 8th for fewest yards per game (253.1). Linebacker Tokyo Gordon (Orlando, FL) led the defense with nine tackles and 2.5 sacks, while defensive lineman Andres Rodriguez (Cesar Chavez HS) added two sacks.

"Our defense was relentless today," Mendonca noted. "To hold a team to negative rushing yards and create that much pressure on the quarterback—our guys played great and executed our game plan."

The Giants' defense also forced three fumbles, recovering one, and Wendell Ware (Edison HS) made a key interception in the second half to secure the victory. "We've got a lot of confidence right now," Mendonca added. "The guys are buying in, and we're seeing the results. We'll take this bye week to recover before getting ready for Reedley."

Upcoming Game

After the well-deserved bye week, the Giants will return to action next Saturday, November 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. at Sequoias Stadium against Reedley College. It will be Youth Jersey Day, where all youth wearing their football jerseys will receive free entry. Don't miss this huge conference game as COS looks to extend their conference winning streak!