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Running the game, never above the team
If you want a picture of the power of 220 lb. Bearcat running back Christian Erickson, look to the September win over McClymonds, the third game of the 2016 season. Erickson was indestructible with 33 carries for 271 yards and five touchdowns. Watch his 80-yard kickoff return for a score. The Bearcats pulled out the win in the final minutes 48-44 with senior Mark Armstrong scoring the final six points from the one yard line with seconds left in the game. And where would Bearcats have been without Erickson’s power?
“It was a breakaway game, and I decided that I wasn’t going to lose. I played my heart out,” said Erickson.
Anyone who follows PAC 5 football knows the name and power of the 5’11 and 220 pound senior Christian Erickson, the remarkable factor behind Bearcats’ 7-2 record and tie for second place in PAC 5 league. Fans have witnessed Erickson’s crimson and white jersey all season shoving past the defense with the pigskin clutched in between his forearm and palm. We have heard the announcers exclaiming his name as he has crossed the TD line 44 times.
Erickson has landed himself at the top of PAC-5 stats. He’s ranked first in 2016 league stats in three categories: rushing yards with 882, touchdowns with 18, and total points with 114.
When the strength of the opposing defense overwhelms the Bearcats’ passing game, Erickson’s strength kicks in and can only be described as unstoppable. Although he’s known for his tumultuous amount of touchdowns, Erickson’s ability to get the first down is his real strength. With a varsity career total of 4016 rushing yards on 559 carries, Erickson averages 7.2 yards a carry.
Erickson’s senior season has proved to his best: 882 rushing yards on 137 carries for 15 rushing touchdowns. He has also had three receiving touchdown catches from senior and quarterback Steven Schouten, leading to a total of 18 touchdowns in the eight games he’s played in.
Erickson has a CIF ring on his finger from his sophomore year and was awarded CIF and All League his sophomore and junior year. These awards are voted by the coaches in each league and division and given to the best player at each position.
Though these awards are attached to his name, he stays humble. Erickson says he is “never above the team, I play for them.”awards are voted by the coaches in each league and division and given to the best player at each position.
Though these awards are attached to his name, he stays humble. Erickson says he is “never above the team, I play for them.”
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Special Teams’ Punter Cade England, #21
Junior Cade England has already made substantial efforts for the Bearcats. As a punter, England has had a total of 744 yards from 17 punts this season. Englands punts have had major impact in the Bearcats seven wins. England’s punts have come at crucial times, including the game against the Cajon Cowboys. On the Sept. 16 game. England’s punts were able to drive the Cowboys back on multiple occasions. Punting isn’t England’s only strength, he’s had 19 touchbacks from 49 kickoffs. Currently, England is ranked first in PAC-5 for kickoffs.
Defense’s Defensive End Nick Montelongo, #50
Senior and defensive end Nick Montelongo brings two years experience and leadership to the defensive unit. As a sophomore, Montelongo was pulled up to varsity for CIF, and is now known for his speed and elusiveness as a lineman. Currently, Montelongo is ranked second in tackles for the Bearcats.
Offense’s Wide Receiver Daniel Giroux, #18
This season, senior and wide receiver Daniel Giroux has made a grateful switch from his position as safety last year. Giroux has been the explosive, big-play threat for the Bearcats and is currently leading the team in receiving yards. He also has the second most receiving yards and touchdowns in PAC-5 with 456 yards and six touchdowns. Despite not playing on Oct. 28 against 47-28, Giroux is ranked 19th in California for his yards per catch.[/cbtab][/cbtabs]
