American River College’s football team played its first home game in nearly two years on Sept. 11 against Chabot College out of Hayward. The final score was 69-7, with the Beavers winning in dominating fashion. 

The Beavers had a strong showing on both sides of the football. 

Led by two different quarterbacks, Grant Patterson and Robert Jones, the offense experienced a great day as they had 670 total yards. 

Both quarterbacks had over 150 yards passing and two touchdowns each, with Patterson getting two touchdowns on the ground, and Jones with two touchdowns in the air.

Patterson says his friendship with Jones helps the two quarterbacks motivate each other.

“Robert and I have a great relationship which helps both of us challenge each other daily in practice,” Patterson said. “We both are very confident in our offensive line, running backs and receivers, which means we can let loose when we’re in there. Both of us playing is also challenging for opposing defenses who have to deal with two different quarterbacks stylistically.” 

Jones said the two-quarterback system works well for them. 

“It’s a great two-quarterback system. He is a great player, and we are great friends,” Jones said. “We lead the team, and often together.” 

Jones says he talks about success and goals he and his fellow quarterback are chasing.

“Some two quarterback rooms are complicated, but ours is simple. We are committed to the team and respect each other’s game,” Jones said. We have the same goals and push each other to achieve them eventually,”

Another factor on offense was rushing, as running back Chris Bush had two touchdowns on the ground helping the offense have a ridiculous 33 first downs in the contest. 

On the other side of the ball, the defense was lights out as it only gave up 61 yards total to the Chabot offense. The defense also had a total of five turnovers, including three interceptions and two fumbles.

John Osterhout, ARC’s head football coach, says he was impressed by the defense. 

“It was an unbelievable outing by our football team in all three phases of the game, and I’m highly impressed, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Osterhout said. It all starts with the defensive linemen and progresses to the other units on defense,”

The Beavers only allowed 3 yards rushing and only 58 yards passing.

Osterhout says the team is looking forward to preparing for its next opponent.

The Beavers improve to 2-0 on the season, as they look forward to their next game at home on Sept. 18 against Fresno City College.