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The Wildcat's staff have been busy planting their seeds into one of the top Junior College programs in the nation. Hopefully the seeds will quickly produce roots that lead to the blooming of a beautiful relationship with the powerhouse program. The College of the Canyons Cougars currently hosts a pair of 09' prospects that the Cat's are vigorously pursuing in Hayo Carpenter and Cedrick Hall.

Coach Chuck Lyon coached the Cougars from 98'-06' and led the team to immediate success, after all it had only been 17 years since the Cougars had put a product on the gridiron. The team got off to a successful start posting consecutive 7-3 seasons and bowl births. The new millennium marked the start of a magical 6 season run where the Cougars went 9-1 or better every season. In 2002 the Cougars put up arena league type of numbers, posting a nation leading 53.5 points per game. In 03' the school sent 19 players to division 1 colleges In 04' the Cougars went 14-0 and captured their first state and national titles. In 05' the Cougars pushed their winning streak to 26 games before losing the championship game. Coach Lyon resigned after the 06' season and a 5-5 record, however he left a lasting legacy and a program that is respected across the nation.

Garret Tujague is the man currently at the helm of the Cougars and is entering his third season at the position. It certainly makes Tujague's job easier on both sides of the ball having the shifty 5'11 receiver Carpenter and the 6'5 265 pound DE/DT Cedrick Hall on the roster. Both of the players are among the top 50 JUCO kids in the nation.

Hayo Carpenter is considered to be among the top ball wrangler's in the nation. Watch the video to the right if you want to see him in action. As a senior Burroughs high school, CA, Carpenter posted huge numbers: 111 rec/1870 yards/24 TDs; 11 carries/154 rushing yards/5 TDs; 4 TDs also scored on punt and kick off returns. He also produced big numbers last season as a freshman with over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns. Carpenter's performance led to him being named to the All CIF first team. Carpenter has offers from a bevy of schools including Boise St., Arizona St, and Nevada. The speedster will have 2 years of eligibility. The speedster told Scott Eklund of about the Cat's interest in his services:

Cedrick Hall played his high school ball for Carthage High in Mississippi. Hall is a versatile player that will fit nicely into a variety of college schemes. Hall has been contacted by the Cat's and a list of other solid division 1 teams including Boise St., Minnesota, Arizona St. and LSU.

I have no idea if the duo is a package deal they do however list a lot of the same schools that have expressed interest.

The Cougars roster does have other division 1 players but none have mentioned Kentucky as a destination. The roster includes 6'4 275 pound DE, Johnathan Hollins. Hollins is a high major prospect and has verbally committed to play for Mike Leach at Texas Tech. 6'4 240 pound DE, Jason Pierre-Paul is a JUCO All-American and has been offered by Florida, Auburn, Florida St. Virgina Tech and South Florida. Fred Winborn is a 6'0 200 pound running back and is also a highly rated prospect. Joe Evinger is a 6'6 330 pound offensive tackle and is considered to have d1 talent as well.

For more on the college of the Canyons prestigious past visit http://www4.canyons.edu/ The Cougars are always accepting donations if you are interested in supporting the development of young men, women and athletes then click here.