September 2, 2016
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?
ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL? DVC football coach Mike Darr is expecting a tough challenge from American River in the teams' season openers Friday night at Viking Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
The Vikings boast top talent, experience, and a potentially devastating run game, but ARC received the No. 11 preseason ranking in the state JC Athletic Bureau poll. The Vikings are ranked 22nd.
"Both us and ARC are ranked in the top 25 in the nation," Darr said. "It's a great test. It's a great way to start the season."
Newcomer Jaden Brisendine of Vanden, a freshman transfer from Humboldt State, is poised to make his first start at quarterback. The Vikings have had their share of strong throwers, but Brisendine brings a new element to the position: running ability.
"We've been blessed with some great quarterbacks," Darr said. "Quinn Koehler, Adam Wood and Drew Anderson, obviously, put up some great numbers, and to have another guy come of in of that same stature, of that same throwing ability, and Jaden adds the ability to run a little bit better than all of those guys."
Desmond Nisby, Miles, Harrison, Devin Hope and Jake Villa are key running backs.
Overall, Darr expects the season to be a "great one."
"We have one of the most talented groups we've had," Darr said.
The Vikings appear stronger and more stable up front this season. The imposing line features Oregon commit John Vaka (6-5, 280) and emerging star Jason Dickson (6-6, 300) at the tackle positions. Returner Rangel Lowry, Adriel Miller and Austin Pauletich are also strong on the O-line.
Interestingly, ARC and DVC have not met in Darr's 10 years with the program, despite having played numerous common opponents. So there is a certain freshness to the matchup.
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-Matt Schwab