Record field goal not enough in loss to Riverside

RIVERSIDE, CA (10/16/21) - Down 17-0 against Riverside City College in the second quarter, freshman kicker Landon Ogles (Rancho Bernardo) stared between the uprights and nailed a 20-yard field goal attempt to get the Comets on the board. Four minutes later, he found himself on the field again. This time, he was on the Riverside 39-yard line attempting a 56-yard field goal. He didn't know it, but as the ball sailed through the goal posts, sending the Comet faithful into a frenzy, he broke a school record that was previously set in 1973. He also tied the CCCAA record. Ogles continued his kicking clinic, having four of his five kickoffs end up in the back of the end zone and pinning a punt inside the 20-yard line. 

The Comets took Riverside in their sixth game of the season, this time falling, on a 47-21 final score.

Running back Tawee Walker (Centennial), scored two touchdowns, both coming in the third quarter. Riverside quarterback Jordan Barton had two touchdown passes, one to receiver Tye Moore and one to Jammal Houston. Riverside's running backs Lawerence Starks, Jordan Barton and Jacquez Jones each had a rushing touchdown.

Quarterback Zeke Payne (Rancho Bernardo) went 24-36 for 323 passing yards, a new season-high. Walker carried the ball 16 times for 47 yards. Wide receiver Brandon Johnson (El Camino) led the Comets receivers with six receptions for 99 yards. Linebacker Vavega Sialoi (Vista) racked up 13 tackles. Defensive back Kris Sanchez (La Costa Canyon) recorded seven tackles and one pass breakup. The Comets defense failed to record an interception, thus ending their streak of at least recording one interception in every game this season.

The Comets put up 349 yards of total offense, 323 yards came from the air and 26 yards came from the ground. The defense gave up 588 yards, 322 yards came from the air and 266 came from the ground. The Comets committed a season-low six penalties for 40 yards on the night.

The Comets fall to 2-4 on the season and 0-1 in conference play. They return home to face Chaffey on October 23rd at 6 p.m. for Alumni Night. 

Story by Mac Pham