American River Secures California D1AA North
American River Secures California D1AA North
American River College won the California D1AA North conference Saturday with a 45-21 win over San Jose State in the conference final.
"It was an incredibly tough match where both teams played well," said ARC Head Coach Zach Swithenbank.
SJSU actually led 14-12 going into halftime. For ARC, they saw one of their leading players suffer a worrying injury, and they were taken aback somewhat after that. However, in the second half, ARC exploded for 33 points.
"We returned to our style of play and brought back the defensive intensity that defines us," said Zach Swithenbank. "I’m extremely proud of how the team battled through adversity and how our leaders stepped up, making big plays and keeping everyone calm in high-pressure moments."
Haydn Williams was very good once more for ARC, scoring three tries, while Trevaun Robinson reeled off several huge runs, breaking tackles and creating momentum. Flanker Juan Carlos Romero is the ARC goalkicker, and he missed only two on the day while also bringing intensity in his defensive play. Adding to the defensive effort was Nio Vuki, who forced several turnovers and also challenged SJSU in the lineout.
With Robinson adding to his offensive efforts with solid defensive work, ARC held the Spartans to just the one try in the second half.
"Our defense was relentless," said Swithenbank, who praised his team's long goalline stands.
"I love this group of players and the bond we’ve built," he added. "I’m excited to see how we respond next week against a strong USD team on their home field."
And yes, that's next. ARC will play University of San Diego in the California Conference final. The winner of that game will travel up to Bellingham, Wash. April 19 for the West Coast Regional playoff game for CRAA's D1AA playoffs. For ARC, then, their potential road to the final games in Indianapolis involves trips to the Southern and Northern end of the coast (San Diego and Bellingham are 1,300 miles apart).
"We’ll be facing the challenge of traveling over 14 hours each way to play a road game at a non-neutral site," said Swithenbank. "But after an undefeated season, I’m eager to see how this team handles that adversity and rises to the occasion. I believe win or lose It’s going to be a well-played match."
So now what we have for the D1AA semifinals and finals May 3 and 4 is this: Iowa State (winners over an Iowa Selects team this week), and Sam Houston State are in. It's down (as expected, really) to ARC, USD, or WWU from the West. And Florida figured out its champion April 12. The semifinals are April 5 with South Florida vs St. Thomas and Central Florida vs Florida State. The final will be April 12.
