Giants hang on to win vs. Sierra

VISALIA - College of the Sequoias kicker Ryan Buchanan nailed the 24-yard go-ahead field goal as the Giants needed double overtime to defeat Sierra 40-37.


COS led 17-8 at halftime with quarterback Thomas Wilson accounting for both touchdowns on the ground.


Sierra ran the ball effectively in the second half with Andrew Lackowski scoring two touchdowns for the Wolverines. Lackowski's two scores cut Sierra's deficit to two points.


The Wolverine began to seize momentum and took a 37-31 lead when quarterback Adam Besana found Brandon Aiyuk for a 27-yard touchdown.


The Giants gained 44 yards on one play thanks to a roughing the passer penalty after Wilson's pass was completed to Sylvester Augustyn for 29 yards. The play brought COS to Sierra's 17 yard line. Sequoias drive however stalled, and Buchanan's field goal attempt was good, to cut the Giants deficit to three points.


After COS defense forced Sierra to punt, the Giants got bailed out on a 4th-and-8 defensive pass interference call. The penalty kept the drive alive and Wilson led COS down to Sierra's 18 yard line. This set up a game-tying 27-yard field goal for Buchanan. Buchanan split the uprights and forced the game to overtime, even at 37-37.


Sierra started with possession In the first overtime, but on the first play Besana's pass was intercepted by Ron LaForce. La Force leads the team with fourth interception on the season.


This set up a scenario for COS in which any point they scored would win the game. Elijah Porchia gained only five yards in three downs and set up a 38 yard field goal for Buchanan. Buchanan missed, and the game went to double overtime.


The Giants got the ball first in double overtime and could not score a touchdown from the six yard line. On his fifth field goal attempt of the game, Buchanan made a go-ahead 24 yarder.


Up 40-37, Sequoias needed a defensive stop to win the game and they got it. The Giants defense forced Besona to throw an incompletion on fourth down.


COS had a total of 533 yards on 101 offensive plays. Wilson had four touchdowns with two on the ground, and two through the air. He finished with 334 yards passing and 86 rushing.


Porchia did not score a touchdown for the first time this season, but he ran for 95 yards on 14 carries. He also caught three pases for 27 yards.


Logan Pierce led COS with six tackles, including one sack, and one interception.


Next Saturday will be homecoming for COS, as they host Sacramento City. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. but make sure to show up early for activities put on by Student Senate.