Instead of one finger left, it is now ten in the air.
American River College football team defeated Sacramento City College 47-28 in the final regular season home game on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Beaver Stadium.
The win gave the Beavers the first undefeated regular season since 2005 and the chance at the first 11-0 season in school history.
But it wasn’t easy. Both teams combined for six touchdowns in the third quarter, and strong defensive line push by Sac City gave ARC fits in the second half.
The Beavers got out to an early lead with a touchdown pass from Andy McAlindon to Michael Lindsay. The throw was the 33rd for McAlindon, setting an ARC all-time record after just over nine games into his freshman season.
Previous record, set by Todd Larson, was held for 25 years.
McAlindon scored on the ground on the next possession for the Beavers with a short scamper score, giving the Beavers a 13-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Both defensive lines put pressure on the offenses, but it was the ARC defense that capitalized, with a safety in the end zone when all-american Cortez Woods forces a fumble, giving ARC a 15-0 lead.
Michael Lindsay did his best Reggie Bush at USC impression with a nifty run after catch on the first possession, the Lindsay broke three tackles near line of scrimmage and took a screen pass 65 yards for a touchdown.
McAlindon hurried over and over again all game, looked very uncomfortable after the second series of the game. But the defense allowed a little wiggle room for the Beavers, giving McAlindon and crew great field position.
ARC defense came out of the half with a command at the line of scrimmage. And after another nifty cross-field punt return, Bryce Pratt rushed 30 yards for a score on the Beavers second offensive play of the second half.
A nasty injury to SCC defensive back Corey Sylvester when he was tied up and his right ankle snapped in half. The Beavers sideline was asked to look away because of the severity of the injury.
Head coach Jerry Haflich said the team will celebrate “until the sun rises”, then they will get into practice mode for the bowl game set for 2 p.m. at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 19.
