American River College freshman running back Jakori Ford will have full knee reconstructive surgery at UC Davis Medical Center on Sept. 11.

Ford injured his knee during a celebration on the sideline after scoring a rushing touchdown in the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 7 against Sacramento City College at Hughes Stadium.

“I am happy we scored,” Ford said from the hospital before his surgery in a phone interview. “We celebrate. It really sucks, but I don’t regret it.”

Ford was second on the team with 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

His prognosis for a return to the football field after tearing every ligament in his left knee is not positive, but Ford will be back attending classes again next week and hopes to get started on rehab soon.

“I will be back in class on Monday,” Ford said. “I am not going to use this as an excuse.”

The Beavers play a road game Saturday, Sept. 15 at Chabot College in Hayward at 6 p.m. The Beavers beat Chabot in the Capital City Bowl game last season to cap an 11-0 season.