American River College's football team was out for revenge, and the date couldn't be more appropriate. Their opponent: Oakland's Laney College, the team that ended the Beaver's perfect record in 2005. The occasion: ARC's first homecoming in 34 years.

The Beavers avenged last year's Capitol Shrine Bowl loss, overcoming a 13-point half time deficit to defeat Laney College, 27-22.

"It was a great win for the guys," said head Coach Don Dillon. "It was a chance to play a tough, undefeated team. It was really special to have it happen on homecoming."

Although the Beavers opened the game with a seemingly effortless drive for an early touchdown, Laney's defense quickly hunkered down. ARC's defense was no slouch either, and both team's offense was held to very small gains.

Most of Laney's early touchdowns were made in the wake of turnovers, which ARC's quarterback, Mark Weight, was unfortunately prone to throwing. Weight threw two interceptions in the first two quarters of the game, including one in the second quarter when ARC's first play after a Laney touchdown was intercepted.

The Beaver's defense immediately retaliated with a quarterback sack, followed an interception by defensive back Eddy Umeh, who ran it all the way to the end zone. Unfortunately, the touchdown was nullified by a penalty, though the turnover was not, ending Laney's scoring drive.

The game was a triumph in more ways than one. At half-time, Laney held a commanding 13-point lead, while the Beavers struggled to make it past the 50-yard line.

The third quarter was a total

turnaround, however, as the small but dedicated crowd cheered ARC to three rapid touchdowns, interrupted only by a field goal from Laney. This brought the Beavers within two points of Laney. In the fourth quarter, ARC's defense stopped Laney cold while the offense scored one last touchdown for the win.

Although the games stakes may have been high, the Beavers showed that they felt no pressure.

"For us, it's just another game. We want to win every game, and this should be our best game yet," said left guard Logan Brown.