Explosive first quarter leads to COD Homecoming victory

College of the Desert blocked a punt, returned it for a touchdown, intercepted a pair of passes scored 20 first quarter points en route to a decisive 30-13 win over rival Mt. San Jacinto College Saturday at Boone Field. The Homecoming victory was the second consecutive against Mt. San Jacinto, and moves the Roadrunners to 1-0 in league play.

COD intercepted a pass on the game drive, which led to a Roadrunners touchdown, and La Quinta's Adrian Guzman returned a blocked punt for another score on the ensuing drive to give COD a 13-0 lead just minutes into the game

Coachella quarterback Darius Hulsey threw for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns in his first collegiate start, and Kamone Best ran for 164 yards and a score for the Roadrunners (3-3), who endured a difficult offensive second half to hang on for the win.

"It wasn't pretty," COD head coach Jack Steptoe said, "but a win is a win. We'll take it at this point."

The Roadrunners played without six members of their roster, including receiver and special teams sparkplug Reggie Macon, who were suspended prior to the game. Steptoe declined to discuss further details, and said he will know more about the situation this week.

COD managed without them, thanks to three interceptions by the Roadrunners defense, and a pair of blocked kicks by Corey Dalton. Husley, still learning the nuances of the offense, was unable to manage a scoring drive for the offense, but Steptoe was optimistic about his performance.

"Darius did some good things tonight," Steptoe said. "He's still learning, and he'll get better, but I thought he did well.

"Our defense, though, was the story tonight. Our defensive guys were fantastic."

COD take on San Bernardino on the road next Saturday.