MARAUDERS INVADE COC IN FIRST GAME OF SEASON

Photo by Bruce Jacobsen

VALENCIA - There are high expectations for the Marauder football team this season, especially with the return of 3,000-yard passer, Blake Shepherd, and a much improved defense.

AVC's first test of the season will be Saturday night when it travels 45 minutes away to face an old foe and rival, College of the Canyons.

"They're always a quality football team and we haven't played them in a few years," AVC head coach Perry Jehlicka said. "I think it will be a very competitive football game."

After an impressive scrimmage game against Bakersfield College on Saturday, the Marauders look eager to get the season started. And there's no better way than to get a victory against the Cougars, which hold a 12-4 advantage against the Marauders in the all-time series.

"I have never played COC, but I've heard good things about them," said Shepherd. "It will be good to open against a good opponent."

Historically the Cougars have had one of the best programs in the state and in 2004 they won the state title and national championship. Last season they were 6-4, but they lost two-year starter Devon Dunn, who last season passed for nearly 2,500 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"AVC is extremely talented and they have speed all over the field," COC head coach Ted Iacenda said. "If you miss a tackle or an assignment, they will burn you. We want to see our freshmen execute in these non-conference games. This will be a strong test for us. It's also a friendly recruiting competition for us."

Last season the Cougars had 12 of their rostered players from or around the Antelope Valley.

"The first game is usually the team that doesn't beat themselves," Jehlicka said. "We have to play some good sound football. We can't turn the ball over and we have to play well on special teams."

AVC and COC last met in 2013, with the Cougars easily defeating the Marauders, 37-14. COC has defeated AVC the last nine meetings, including a thrilling 62-61 victory in 2012. The last time the Marauders have defeated the Cougars was a 21-14 victory in 1998.