SANTA CLARITA, CA - In a nail-biting finish, the Bakersfield College Renegades fell just short against College of the Canyons Cougars, with a final score of 27-24. Despite an early lead, Bakersfield's offense stalled in the fourth quarter, allowing Canyons to complete the comeback with a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The Renegades came out strong, building a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter. Jalen Hankins scored on a 5-yard run, followed by a 7-yard rushing touchdown from Malachi Statler. A 23-yard field goal by Carlos Villa in the second quarter extended the lead to 17-7, but a quick 62-yard touchdown pass from the Cougars within three points by halftime.

The third quarter saw BC regain momentum, with Statler connecting on a 4-yard touchdown pass to Cleveland Tolbert, pushing the lead to 24-14. However, COC answered back in the fourth, scoring a touchdown early and then tying the game with a 54-yard field goal. Bakersfield's defense struggled to contain Canyons in the final moments, allowing their kicker to seal the victory with a 21-yard field goal at the buzzer.

Statler led the Bakersfield offense with 172 passing yards and a touchdown, while Hankins led the ground attack with 62 yards and a score. The Renegades' defense was led by Tyler Lewis with seven tackles, while Phoenix Tusa and Joshua Macon contributed with sacks.

With this loss, BC moves to 5-4 on the season and will play their final regular season game on Saturday, November 16th at home with a start time of 4:00 pm.