JC FOOTBALL: AMERICAN RIVER 42, SRJC 28: TIGHT GAME FOR CUBS SLIPS AWAY: BEAVERS SCORE TWICE WITHIN 5-MINUTE SPAN IN 4TH QUARTER, THWART SANTA ROSA COMEBACK

Unbeaten American River scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to break open a tight contest and defeat Santa Rosa JC, 42-28, in a nonconference game Saturday afternoon in Sacramento.

The score was 21-21 entering the final quarter when American River got breathing room by scoring twice in a five-minute span.

The Bear Cubs got back to within a TD when quarterback Mike Pierson connected with Terrance Drew for a score. However, with 1:11 remaining, Rozale Byrd intercepted Pierson and scampered 55 yards for the clincher.

The Beavers came into the game ranked No. 3 in Northern California while Santa Rosa was No. 10.

The Bear Cubs led once at 21-14 in the third quarter. However, American River pulled even 15 seconds later on a 53-yard run by Devontae Booker.

Booker scored four touchdowns. He began his big afternoon by taking the opening kickoff 94 yards. He later rushed 14 yards for a TD and caught a 5-yard scoring pass.

Booker finished with 163 rushing yards, 49 below his average.

The Bear Cubs gained 312 yards through the air compared with 100 for the Beavers. However, the home team had the edge in rushing yards, 273-116. Santa Rosa picked up 25 first downs compared with 16 for the winners.

Santa Rosa is now 2-2 while American River improves to 4-0.