Beavers open conference play on road

Trevor Horn, Football Editor

October 11, 2011

American River College opens up Mid-Empire Conference play Saturday, Oct.15 at College of the Siskiyous after a torrid start to the 2011 season.

Led offensively by freshman quarterback Andy McAlindon, the Beavers are second in the state of California with 49.4 points per game, while McAlindon ranks in the top-5 in the state in four categories.

McAlindon leads the state in passing touchdowns (22), and is also in the top-5 five in passing yards per game (286.0), passer rating (178.1) and passing yards per attempt (8.61).

Most impressive is 22 of his 107 completions have resulted in touchdowns. One in every five of his completions finds pay dirt. “The offense has been grinding it out,” Beavers head coach Jerry Haflich said. “And when we have to take a shot, we are hitting it.”

Michael Lindsay has been McAlindon’s top target with 83.2 receiving yards per game and five touchdowns. Devonte Booker has been the leading rusher for the Beavers with seven rushing touchdowns.

The defense, largely overshadowed by the scoring onslaught of the offense so far this season for the Beavers (5-0), has been just as impressive. ARC is giving up only 12.2 points per game, the second best scoring defense in the state.

Sophomore Terry Easmon has been the leader on defense this season. Easmon leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss (11.0) and has returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns.

The Beavers are ranked seventh in the state and fourth in northern California.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Weed, Calif.