Canyons News

Canyons News Canyons News is the official student news agency of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita Valley.

10/30/2025

Last Friday night, it was a battle for the top seed in the Foothill League.

The Valencia Vikings hosted the Hart Hawks. This match-up would determine the Foothill League champion this sreason.

About halfway through the first quarter, Vikings QB Brady Bretthauer gives a short pass to star wide receiver Eli Holloway, and he runs it straight to the house to start the scoring.

Then, four minutes later, Bretthauer drops back and throws to Brian Bonner, who runs for 76 yards and gets another score. Two quick strikes have the Vikings up 14-0.
Then in the second quarter, Brian Bonner rumbles into the end zone for another touchdown.

The Vikings keep their foot on the gas and go into the half up 31-0.

Hart was trying to break through, and Hawks Quarterback Jacob Paisano throws a 21-yard touchdown to Joshua Wagner, ending the shutout bid, but that's all Hart can score on the board.

Your Foothill final is 38-7 Valencia. The Vikings sound the victory bell as they stand alone as Foothill League champions with their triumph over the Hawks.

10/30/2025

The Cougars took the field, fired up and ready to defend home turf.

Early in the first quarter, quarterback Jazel Riley IV went deep to Jomar Adams, but the pass was broken up by Pirate defensive back Josiah Meggs, shutting down what looked like a sure touchdown.

Riley quickly bounced back, connecting with wideout Jared Mims for a ten-yard strike into the end zone to put COC on the board.

Cougars take the early 7-0 lead.

The Pirates answered right back. Keanu Vasquez fired a five-yard touchdown to tight end Joseph Flannigan, tying the game at seven apiece in the second quarter.

Riley kept his rhythm, finding Jomar Adams on a forty-yard bomb for his second touchdown of the night. COC back in control. COC lead, 13-7

In the fourth quarter, Riley called his own number, weaving through defenders and punching it in for another Cougar touchdown as COC extends the lead 20-7.

But Orange Coast wouldn’t go quietly. Vasquez launched a twenty-yard dart to Zain Prater to keep the Pirates alive, closing the gap 20-13

The pirates struck again, Vasquez finding Grady Chancellor in the corner of the end zone. They went for two and converted, bringing the score to 20-19.

But time ran out, and COC escaped with a narrow victory.

“We gave them an opportunity, we left the door open, and they took it,
They ran down the field, scored, went for two, and they probably should've won that game," said Ted Lacenda, COC Head Football Coach.

COC has improved to a 3-5 record and is enjoying a 2-game winning streak after a gritty win over Orange Coast, which remains winless at 0-8 this season.

Next, the Cougars will travel to No. 1 Golden West College (8-0, 5-0) on Saturday, November 1st.

10/30/2025

For Synthia Hernandez, every school morning now comes with fear.

She says her son, a quiet eighth grader with special needs at Sierra Vista Junior High School, was approached and threatened by classmates who she says tried to attack him after school.

“I see my son kind of walking fast, and he just jumped in the car, didn’t say anything to me, just jumped in, he was shaking,” said Hernandez.

“When I asked what happened, he said they were trying to jump him, and one of them had a knife. I called the school right away because I was terrified.”

Hernandez says she called the school but was told to wait for deputies to arrive. She says that by the time law enforcement arrived, the students were gone, and no one followed up with her afterward.

“I even told them, ‘So what, are you going to wait for him to stab me?’ And he just dismissed my son’s feelings,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez says her son has been too afraid to return to school since the incident. After she posted her story online, she says dozens of other parents reached out, saying they’ve had similar experiences.

“Over sixty parents commented, saying the same thing. The school has a problem. There’s bullying, gangs, and fights every day, and nobody’s doing anything about it. It’s not just my son. It’s so many other kids,” said Hernandez.

Alicia Cabrera, a close family relative, says she’s seen the family’s frustration firsthand and believes too many families are being ignored.

“This isn’t just a Hart District issue; it’s everywhere,” said Cabrera.

In a statement to Canyons News, Hart District Communications Director Debbie Dunn said the district worked with law enforcement to investigate and that “there is nothing further to report at this time.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station confirmed deputies found no evidence of a weapon or ongoing threat.

The Hernandez family says their son is now studying from home while they decide whether to file a formal complaint.

The Hart District says student safety remains its top priority. But Hernandez says she won’t send her son back until she feels the school will listen.

10/30/2025

Students from College of the Canyons bring you the latest news and sports on another comprehensive edition of Canyons News.

Canyons News student journalists are preparing for our live-stream newscast. Join us tonight at 9 p.m. on our Facebook a...
10/30/2025

Canyons News student journalists are preparing for our live-stream newscast. Join us tonight at 9 p.m. on our Facebook and YouTube channels.

10/23/2025

For the first time, girls’ flag football is officially part of the high school sports lineup, and the Golden Valley Grizzlies are making an immediate impact.

In their very first season together, these athletes are just getting started.

While they’re still finding their rhythm, their energy and determination are undeniable. With every snap and every play, the Lady Grizzlies are proving that this is just the beginning of something special.

One of the team’s greatest strengths is its chemistry. What started as a new group of athletes quickly turned into a tight-knit unit.

"When we work together, we get wins," said Juliette Gonzalez, a senior on the team. "When we don't, and we're all like in our own thing, like we do not do good."

"We've been doing really good together," said Gonzalez.

The team is committed to improving day in and day out. Their primary goal is to compete as a strong varsity program, but they don’t let the scoreboard define them. Win or lose, they continue to play with pride and passion each week.

For many of these athletes, this is their first time competing, but they’re already learning lessons that extend far beyond the field.

Led by a dedicated coaching staff, the Grizzlies are building their identity through teamwork, hustle, and heart. Head Coach DikranMelkonian, along with his passionate assistant coaches, is focused on more than just athletic success.

"The priority is to make sure that these young women are growing, they are maturing and becoming great human beings," said Melkonian.

Their hard work is clearly paying off. The Grizzlies recently handed the West Ranch Wildcats their first Foothill League loss of the season, an impressive win that shows just how far this team has come.

10/23/2025

"I've never really traveled across the country for a tournament like this, so it's definitely a new experience," said Emma Chodur, an ITA National Tournament Qualifier.

Freshman tennis player Emma Chodur’s lifelong passion for tennis has set her up on a trip to Georgia for the ITA National Tournament.

"This is the first time in program history that we've had somebody win the ITA regional. So I'm just excited for Emma, and I'm excited for the school," said Patty LaBat, COC Women's Head Tennis Coach.

But with high-level competition comes pressure, something Emma works hard not to let affect her game.

"I'm just trying to play my best on the court, and if my opponent is better than me, then it is what it is," said Chodur.

"She's always smiling. She never really gets down on herself. She kind of takes one point at a time, and you can tell that she's all calm and collected, and it just kind of wears off on people," said LaBat.

Emma has played since she was three and started competing at eleven, and that early start has only strengthened her love for the sport.

"I want to try to play as many tournaments as possible, try to get my ranking up," said Chodur.

This may seem like any other tennis racket and ball, but to Emma, it represents more than just a game; it's a journey filled with challenges, especially the ones she faces alone.

"I feel like this is honestly the hardest part for tennis players, including when it's an individual sport. You don't really have a team to lean on. So, I think, for me, it's just kind of resetting," said Chodur.

From October 16th to the 19th, Emma will be competing in Georgia, hoping to advance through the national bracket.

"If I lose, if I win, it is what it is. I just try to play the best tennis," said Chodur.

"She is just always working and striving toward her goal to play D1 Tennis. So her work ethic is out of this world. You can tell she's a tournament player," said LaBat.

10/22/2025

From long rallies to hard-fought points, the College of the Canyon's volleyball team has been pushing through the season, focused on improvement, teamwork, and growth both on and off the court.

"I on purpose try and plan a pretty tough pre season every year so we can see what the best teams look like and and how we need to grow and how we need to where we need to put our efforts and grow individually as a team so come conference and then hopefully playoff time, we are…we’re battle tested and we’re reading to compete at the highest level," said Clay Timmons, Head Coach for COC's Women's Volleyball Team.

After a challenging pre-season, the team has worked to refine its play, adjust positions, and build stronger communication, all with one goal in mind: progress.

"I think since the beginning of the season, everybody was really nervous going into it, but we did a really good job of growing together and working on our own individual goals, but also supporting every single person next to us while they worked on their goals too," said Katelyn Nelson, a COC student athlete.

That shared motivation continues to push the team through their play, as they focus on consistency and building momentum to close out the season.

"That's the ultimate goal is to get as many wins under our belt and share a little of the conference so we can go to the postseason," said Timmons.

With only nine matches left, the College of the Canyon's volleyball team continues to show what hard work and dedication look like on the court.

10/22/2025

The College of the Canyons hosted its 1st Annual Cougar Pride Fall Showcase Girls Basketball Tournament, bringing together high school teams from across Southern California for a weekend of competition and teamwork.

“We want to reach out into the community and offer high school girls teams an opportunity to play in the fall, spring, and summer outside of their season," said Robin Hester, Coach for COC's Girls' Basketball Team.

Teams from the Santa Clarita Valley, Ventura, the San Fernando Valley, and even Bakersfield took part in the showcase. The goal: to help players gain real-game experience and grow as a team before the upcoming winter season.

“It gives each team an opportunity to work and practice in a game-like situation and against different teams, and different opponents, and they’re able to grow and improve as a team, and hopefully when the season comes in November, December, they’re ready to play and have a great year," Hester said.

Coaches say the tournament provides athletes with a valuable experience and the chance to build team chemistry while competing against new opponents.

"Great experience, learning experience, getting better as a team, when they come from out of town, some team bonding and some time spending with each other," Hester said.

The College of the Canyons Fall Showcase continues to highlight the passion and talent of high school girls’ basketball, helping local teams sharpen their skills ahead of the season.

10/21/2025

Prop 50 forum underway at College of the Canyons including Former SCV Democrat Chair Andrew Taban and L.A.County Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami.

10/21/2025

It has finally arrived, the season full of scares and screams.

Spooky season has officially begun here in Santa Clarita, and what better way to start off than our local pumpkin patch?

The annual pumpkin patch kicked off on the first Thursday of October, and ever since, families have been enjoying it.

"They were super excited. This is actually their first pumpkin patch of the season, so they were like really excited, especially my little one, this is his first pumpkin patch ever," said Rida Harsolia, Pumpkin Patch attendee.

Any pumpkin patch is a great pumpkin patch, but what makes this one special for the community?

"This is the only time of the year we get to have something like this in town. We don’t really have events like this, so it’s really fun. It’s fun for the adults, it’s fun for the kids," said Monika Rasaei, Pumpkin Patch attendee.

The Pumkin Patch also offers for local vendors to pop up and share their services. And this will catch the attention of adults who love sweet treats and accessories.

"It’s pretty cool though, I didn’t know they’d have like jewelry and stuff like that, so I’m excited about that, cause I like to spend money," said Kaylee Reder, Pumpkin Patch attendee.

For the children, where there are jumpy houses, there is endless fun.
"I walked into the pumpkin patch was the big Titanic ship," said Liam Vasquez, Pumpkin Patch attendee.

Because one time is never enough.

"I loved it, I went on it two times," said Vasquez.

Fun is not just found in these activities; it can also be found within the festive decorations, so families can capture the scenery, whether it’s for Instagram or for memories.

Even though the organizers declined to be interviewed, they are out tending to help families purchase pumpkins to take home.

"I want it to be big, I want it to be huge, I want to make a funny pumpkin, I need it to be gigantic," said Reder.

10/21/2025

Enter if you dare, Bar Harbor Scares, an interactive home haunted by an evil genius named Alan Baxter.

"For me, Scares, getting startled is like very exciting, but I also know it can be very scary for young kids, so my view of this haunt is an introduction for elementary-aged kids to get their first startle and hopefully get them excited for walk-through haunts," said Alan Baxter, Bar Harbor Scares owner.

People go to haunted houses for the safe thrill of an adrenaline rush, a chance to overcome fears in a controlled environment, and to experience social bonding with friends and family.

"I think it was great. Every year, it’s something different, so it’s not like repetitive or anything. At the end, they have a pop-up that comes down. I think it’s like a witch or something," said Cara Rivera, event attendee.

"That was pretty cool, and that always gets me every year. Even though it’s always there, it still gets me, so it’s pretty scary," said Rivera.

"My favorite part was the scarecrow at the end, cause like…actually no, at the end, there’s, like, the ghost that drops from a pulling system because that always gets us since we’re not ready for it," said Alexander Devictoria, event attendee.

"The effort and care and detail the family puts in is something only I can really hope to get with my own little, small haunt in my front yard," said Jeremy Whittaker, event attendee.

"I think, just the main entrance, just looking at the front, really is like, to me, the big catch of bringing me in," said Whittaker.

"This brings me a lot of joy, and I think the community a lot of joy," said Baxter.

"I have people who return year after year, and they tell me ‘I have to keep coming back’ and they tell their friends, and they tell their friends, so it’s been growing, and people love it. I’m just here to spread Halloween spirit," said Baxter.

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