The Rio Linda Knights football team kicked off their 2024 season with a disappointing 41-13 loss to the Lincoln Fighting Zebras. While the final score may be discouraging, the Knights showed promise in their performance, particularly in the second half.
A sluggish first quarter, marked by missed tackles and a slow start, put the Knights in a significant hole. However, they rallied in the subsequent quarters, holding Lincoln to only two touchdowns. Despite a missed two-point conversion in the fourth quarter, the Knights were within striking distance of a closer contest.
Interim Head Coach Ralf Quijada deserves credit for guiding the team to a competitive performance, especially considering the challenges faced in the first quarter. Several players showcased impressive skills, including running back Malachi Mosby and quarterback Cayden Lockling.
Moving forward, the Knights will need to address fundamental issues such as missed tackles, missed running lanes, and lack of urgency on defense. These correctable mistakes will be crucial to improve their performance in the upcoming weeks.
Next week, the Knights will have a chance to redeem themselves as they host the Placer Hillmen, ranked #10 in the SacBee regional prep football rankings. The Hillmen are coming off a convincing 42-20 victory over #9 Casa Roble. The game is scheduled for 5 PM for JV and 7 PM for Varsity.
As the season progresses, the Knights will look to build on their positive moments and address their shortcomings to achieve their goals.
