Football team ready to defend championship

Success isn't given; it's earned. A valuable lesson that the American River football program is living proof of.

After a very successful 10-1 season, which resulted in the Beavers being crowned Mid Empire Conference Champions as well as Central Division Champs, this young group of student athletes look to add another championship to their trophy case.

Expectations are extremely high around the program's players and coaches. "Our goal is to win every single game we play this season," says assistant coach John Walker. It's a lofty, yet very tangible goal, especially when considering a strong nucleus of returning players.

The team is powered by a very prolific, high tempo spread offense. As the third highest scoring team in Northern California, the Beavers can put up points in a hurry.

Leading the offensive charge are a few notable all-conference athletes, including sophomore running back Joe Ferguson. Ferguson is a very powerful, shifty back, who can attribute a lot of his success to the tremendous blocking ability of offensive tackle Connor Rains. Sharing the load with Ferguson is running back and wide receiver Michael Lindsey. Lindsey was the top punt returner in California last season and received all-state honors as well.

Not to be outdone by their offensive counterparts, their aggressive defense is prepared to make plenty of noise this season as well. The Beavers were one of the top defenses in the state last season at forcing turnovers and making big plays.

Anchored by the sensational standout sophomore defensive end Cortez Woods, yards for opposing offenses will be scarce. Woods is an all-conference, all-state, and All-American with a relentless motor. He has already verbally committed to the University of Nevada and looks to add on to his already impressive career with another outstanding season.

Backing Woods this season will be crucial, and linebacker and special teams ace Terry Easmon hopes to be up to the challenge. He and middle linebacker Peter Kelly will be in charge of stopping the run. Kelly has some rather big shoes to fill this season, replacing defensive MVP of the state, Colton Russi.

The responsibility of shutting down the aerial attack will be placed upon defensive back Cory Aubert.

Aubert started only four games last season, but finished the season strong, playing some outstanding ball during the teams championship run.

The team has a lot of weapons and that can impact the game in a number of ways. Accompanying a relentless offense, and a tenacious defense, is a tough special teams group who were responsible for a total of six touchdowns last season.

They say teams take on the identity of their coach. If so, then head coach Jerry Haflich, who was honored as the Mid Empire Conference Coach of the year, is one of the most vigorous coaches in California.

"The number one thing is the guys' commitment to excellence," says Coach Walker. "They've done a great job with buying into the program, working hard, and finishing everything they do, in the classroom as well as on the field. They don't just play for themselves; they play for each other, which ultimately played a really big part in them winning games last season. We've been fortunate to have some high character level athletes come in and represent the school and the program well."

The 2011-2012 football season opener kicks off Saturday, September 10th, when the Beavers take on Cabrillo College. The ARC football program encourages the entire student body to come out and support their team in their quest for another championship run.