Big 8 Conference play opened up for SRJC this week, including two old rivals with a rich history locking horns.

Regardless of either teams' record, this game always provides an environment and completive spirit which is hard to replicate.  This game did not disappoint with a fast pace and hard tackles throughout, which produced eight yellow cards and a lot of emotion from players and coaches.

American River controlled possession and had better scoring chances in the first half. However, the scoring sheet was clean until the 38th minute, when Roberto Macias laced a 35 yard free kick into the upper V giving the ARC keeper no chance. This was the goal of the year to date.

With a goal on the board, both teams tactics changed in the second half. American River had to push and take chances while Santa Rosa could be patient and wait for an opportunity to counter which came to Omar Nuno in the 85th minute. On a second chance with his opposite foot, Nuno deafly put in a second goal for Santa Rosa.

American River showed great spirit by hitting the crossbar and pressuring Santa Rosa's goal mouth for the remaining seven minutes making this another classic. Last year Santa Rosa received one point in two contests with American River, so the three points were well received by the sophomores.