5 things to know about COS's big season finale win
5 things to know about COS's big season finale win
Siskiyou Daily News
The College of the Siskiyous Eagles football team ended things on a high note in their spring season finale at home Saturday.
While fans weren't allowed at the stadium, COS gave those watching the game live online a lot to cheer about in a dominating 62-17 victory over Feather River on Saturday.
The Eagles finished the year 2-2, splitting with both Feather River and Shasta College. COS was one of only five community college teams this season that played games this spring season.
“It was a really big win for us,” said first-year Eagles head coach Tyler Knudsen. “It was the first time this season I felt we were strong in all aspects of the game. We put everything together.”
Here are five takeaways from the game.
1: Eagles fly on offense.
COS dominated from the start and led 20-10 after a quarter of play. This included two touchdown runs by Jakob Vanderflute. At the half, the Eagles led the Golden Eagles 41-10. In the third quarter, Max McDaniel rumbled for a 46-yard TD.
On offense, quarterback O.J. Calleja threw for 266 yards 3 touchdowns and two interceptions. McDaniel finished with 137 yards and two touchdowns. he also had a receiving touchdown and 37 receiving yards. Vanerflute had 53 yards and three touchdowns. The squad finished with 241 rushing yards, which was their best performance of the year.
On the receiving end, Kye Duplessis had 81 yards and a touchdown, while Jordan Cummings had 56 yards and a score. Ted Wickman finished with 45 receiving yards.
“We played well and didn't let the foot off the gas the entire game and executed,” Knudsen said.
2: COS big on special teams and defense.
Knudsen said special teams were big including having a block punts and kicks and a forced fumble and always being at the ball. The defense was tough and did not let Feather River do much of anything. This includes stopping the Golden Eagles five times on fourth down. On defense, COS had four interceptions for the game. Mason Smith, Jonathan Bailey, Tyler Summers and Maliki Campbell each had a pick for COS. Smith led the team with eight tackles, while Hunter Palson had a sack for the Eagles.
“It was great to see us playing so well,” Knudsen said. “It was a good team win all around. We did everything right. I was proud of their execution and effort.”
3: A head start.
Knudsen said the spring season was a great way to have a head start on the fall season.
“I think it was a great way to see all the potential we have and to see all the players see the field,” Knudsen said. He said it was a perfect way to see what each player could do and be better prepared for fall football. He was glad every player that was not injured on the roster saw game action which he said proved to be invaluable. He was glad the freshman got game experience and will be more prepared in the fall.
“I think the experience will be invaluable,” Knudsen said. “I think they will understand better what the college game will be like and won’t be like deer in the headlights and will be ready for the fall/ They know now what to expect.
4: A double edged sword.
Knudsen was pleased the sophomores got to see the field with a number of them having very strong showing. So much so, many of them are receiving offers already from four-years schools. While the spring season will not count towards eligibility and they can return to the team for another year, Knudsen said he expects to lose a number of sophomores to four-year schools. He said this is a “double-edged sword” since they would love for them to return, but at the same time want them to move on and have success both on the football field and classroom on the four-year level.
“I’m glad many of them are getting noticed and will have the chance to move on which is our ultimate goal,” Knudsen said.
5: What's next?
This week Knudsen said he and his staff are busy handing out evaluations to each player and telling their what they did well and what they need to work on. He said they will then jump into weight training program for the squad and give them summer workshops to be ready for fall camp.
Knudsen said they expect to have a full fall season, with fall camp starting the end of July and games getting underway in early September. Due to COVID it is still being determined if all schools in the state will participate in football this fall. He hopes in the foreseeable future, they will be able to have a fall football schedule out.
Knudsen thanked all the people behind the scenes, from the athletic department and athletic director Charlie Roche to the custodial staff and trainers who worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure the season would occur. He added a positive was not a single player during the season tested positive for COVID.
“That’s a huge accomplishment,” he said. "They all followed protocol and did things the right way.”