Ben Holland, who graduated from Rocklin High in June, helped the North squad defeat the South 21-7 in Saturday’s 53rd Optimist All-Star football game at American River College.

The game features some of the area’s best football players that graduated this June. Holland’s former Rocklin teammate, defensive back Steven Hurley, also got some playing time for the North.

Holland, a linebacker and kicker, made about eight tackles, intercepted a pass in the third quarter and recovered two fumbles in Saturday’s victory. He recovered one fumble in the second quarter and another in the third.

Holland, who was a starter on defense, also kicked off and played long snapper.

“It was interesting because . . . we all played against each other some way or another or met each other or had some connection,” Holland said. “We weren’t as prepared (as a team would be for a normal game) as everybody hadn’t played together and it’s harder for the coaches and also there is no game film. So really it’s more difficult to prepare. But it felt like an all-star game, everybody was all stars.”

Because of the all-star atmosphere, Holland wasn’t as motivated to win the game as usual.

“I didn’t focus too much on winning the game,” he said. “It was exciting just to know that there is a little rivalry between the North and the South and the North normally wins so we had to uphold that tradition. But it wasn’t too passionate just because you’re not bought into a certain program like high school or college . . . But you are still representing your high school team.”

Grant’s Mike Alberghini (defense) and Del Oro’s Casey Taylor (offense) were the co-coaches for the North. Their assistant coaches from their respective high schools also helped run things.

“I didn’t get coached by (Taylor) much because he was offense,” Holland said. “(Alberghini) did the defense and it was interesting playing for them (the Grant coaches) and the coaching tactics. They are used to a higher caliber of athlete and it’s different. They did a very good job for the amount of time that they had.”

Holland enjoyed playing in the game and he will play college football on the same field. He will play alongside lots of other local players with American River, including a handful from the Sierra Foothill League.

American River’s first day of summer football practice was Tuesday. Scheduled activities went from 12:30-8 p.m.

“There were meetings and since it was the first day, a lot of introductory things,” said Holland, who has been working out with American River in the weight room for the last three weeks. “And we practiced for four-and-a-half hours. Plus weights and conditioning. It was good.”

“Football, work and sleep,” said Holland about what his summer will be like.

Holland is fired up about playing linebacker for American River.

“It’s exciting,” Holland said. “And 100 percent of their starters from last year were picked up (by four-year colleges).”