Nearly one month removed from the field, the football team returned to action at the College of San Mateo and suffered its worst loss of the season. Under clear skies, the Comets fell 57-6 to the Bulldogs Saturday afternoon.

Following an Oct.7 bye week and the postponement of play due to unhealthy air quality brought on by the North Bay fires, CCC could use the time to either coalesce, or accumulate rust.

“The time off made us a little rusty,” Contra Costa College defensive lineman Tahji Williams said. “We only had three days of actual practice over the last few weeks, but that’s still no excuse. Moving forward, we have to learn from our mistakes and come back ready to play this week.”

The Comets displayed more of the latter after yielding 513 yards of total offense and six touchdowns to CSM.

With reschedule dates still pending, the Comets’ next regularly scheduled game is Saturday against De Anza College at 1 p.m. in San Pablo.

Against the Bulldogs, CCC kept the score close in the first quarter after trailing 13-0 early after sustained CSM scoring drives of seven and eight plays gave the home team a two-touchdown lead with two minutes to play in the quarter.

Comet sophomore receiver Courtney Beanne (three receptions for 54 yards and one touchdown), brought life to CCC after scoring on a 39-yard pitch and catch to cap a 6-play, 79-yard drive.

Not sustaining drives has been the biggest stumbling block for CCC this season.

By halftime, San Mateo owned a 34-6 advantage.

After the break the Comets forced a San Mateo mistake after defensive back Marcus Pippen intercepted a Miles Kendrick pass. However, CCC was not able to capitalize on the Bulldog misfortune as quarterback Devin Lemon-Rodriguez (6-23 for 74 yards with one touchdown and one interception)  tossed an interception of his own on his team’s first play from scrimmage of the second half.

“I’m learning to trust the process. Some things just have to happen,” sophomore receiver Semaj Mitchell said. “We managed our time well over the break. We just need more people to show up. We’re like the 300 of Thermopyale.”

With two consistent drives to end the 57-6 loss to San Mateo, the Comets may be in position to earn their first win of the season against the Dons.

Saturday’s game against De Anza is an opportunity for victory as the Dons have as many conference wins as CCC — none.