GLENDORA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific fell to Simon Fraser on Saturday night by a final score of 24-17, as the Cougars are now 1-5 overall, and 1-3 in the GNAC.

The Cougars jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead, as Azusa Pacific quarterback Anthony Catalano rushed for a 43 yard touchdown just three plays into the first series of the game. It would be the Cougars' longest play from scrimmage in the game.

Azusa Pacific added to its lead in the first quarter, as kicker Ramzee Jaridly drilled a 43-yard field goal with 1:11 remaining in the first quarter. The kick was Jaridly's furthest in his collegiate career thus far. However, the Cougar offense was kept in check from that point on, as Azusa Pacific would be held scoreless until its final drive in the fourth quarter.

Simon Fraser made it a one possession game in the second half when receiver Rysen John caught his first of three touchdowns in the game, as he hauled in a pass from two yards out with 8:51 remaining in the third quarter. John proved to be the key for Simon Fraser, as he registered a two yard touchdown catch, a six yard touchdown catch, and a 25 yard touchdown grab to go along with eight receptions for 109 yards. "That guy (John) is the real deal," said Azusa Pacific head coach Victor Santa Cruz, "he's got next level potential, and they really did a great job of utilizing him tonight."

Simon Fraser would extend the lead to 24-10 when David Eisenkraft made a 29 yard field goal with a little over two minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Cougars tried to make things interesting when Bryce Grandison scored a rushing touchdown with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter to make the score 24-17 (Ramzee converted the PAT). The ensuing onside kick failed, which allowed Simon Fraser to run out the remaining clock and leave with the victory.

In total, Simon Fraser turned a 0-10 halftime deficit into a 24-7 scoring advantage in the second half, as it took control of the momentum in the game and proved to be too much for the Cougars to overcome.

"I have always had a great amount of respect for Simon Fraser," said Coach Santa Cruz, "they always play hard and compete, and tonight, our mistakes and miscues only made it tougher to overcome their effort level. We cannot lose our heart or belief, we need to get back to work and learn, which I know we will do."

Simon Fraser posted statistical advantages in the majority of statistical categories, as it out gained the Cougars on the ground (116-64), through the air (235-144), first downs (20-9), and overall yardage (351-208).

Azusa Pacific will regroup and prepare for its 2019 Homecoming Game, as the Cougars welcome Colorado School of Mines on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m.