COD Football Edges Cougars in 24-23 Thriller, Snaps Four-Game Skid

College of the Desert (2-4; 1-0) held on for a nail-biting 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Southwest Cougars (1-5; 0-1), stopping a late two-point conversion attempt with 95 seconds remaining to secure their first conference win, and first home win, of the season. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak and marked COD's first home triumph over LA Southwest since 1985.

The matchup dates back to 1971, with COD now owning an 8-3 advantage in the all-time series, including a 5-1 record in the Coachella Valley.

Sophomore wide receiver Robert Taylor (Desert Hot Springs H.S.) had a season high two touchdowns, one in the first quarter and another one late in the third quarter to break the tie for good.

"We talked all week about finishing, finishing plays, finishing drives, finishing games," said head coach Jack Steptoe. "Tonight these guys showed heart, they earned every inch of that win."

Ogilvie Dominates on Defense

Freshman linebacker Ayden Ogilvie (Twentynine Palms H.S.) was unstoppable, delivering a career performance with 13 total tackles (6 solo), 4 sacks for a loss of 30 yards, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

* His first sack ended LA Southwest's opening drive, setting up COD's first score.

* Another sack in the second quarter forced a stalled drive that led to a blocked 46-yard field goal attempt.

* Midway through the third, Ogilvie recovered a fumble that directly led to the go-ahead touchdown, a lead the Roadrunners refused to relinquish.

"I just wanted to set the tone," Ogilvie said. "Coach told us to play fast and hit even faster, so that's what I did. But credit to the whole defense, we weren't letting this one slip."

Risk Remains Automatic

Freshman kicker Ryland Risk (Palm Desert H.S.) provided crucial points early, nailing a season-long 37-yard field goal in the first quarter to get COD on the board. He stayed perfect on extra points for the fourth straight game, going 3-for-3, while also handling kickoff duties efficiently with five kickoffs averaging 45.8 yards.

Up Next

COD hits the road on October 18 at 1 p.m. for a day game against the winless Compton Tartars, before returning home for the 62nd Annual Homecoming Game against the Victor Valley Rams on October 25 at 7 p.m.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photos by Dale Beck.