The atmosphere was thick with pride and nostalgia Friday night at Rio Linda High School as 15 Senior Knights football players were honored before their final home game. It was Senior Night, and the players—part of a team that has bought into a new standard of toughness—delivered a punishing 35-13 victory over the Dixon Rams to wrap up their Golden Empire League campaign and clinch a spot in the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division V playoffs.
The victory moves the Knights to an even 5-5 record (3-3 GEL), marking a significant turnaround for a program that went 12-32 in the five seasons following their 2018 State Championship run.
The difference-maker on the field was undoubtedly senior running back Joseph Corey. Demonstrating the power and grit demanded by his coaches, Corey ran for a stunning 289 yards on 32 carries, scoring three touchdowns.
Corey’s work ethic was never more evident than in the second half. While the Knights didn’t attempt a single pass after halftime, Corey took 24 carries for 245 yards, grinding down the struggling Rams defense. He single-handedly concocted an 82-yard scoring drive in the third quarter that chewed up six game minutes, ending with a 25-yard score.
For the record, sophomore quarterback Louis Means was efficient when called upon, completing 3-of-4 passes for 48 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown toss to Imara Bell.
Playoff Bound Knights
The focus now shifts entirely to the playoffs for the Rio Linda Knights. The CIF Sac-Joaquin Section seeding committee has finalized the brackets, placing Rio Linda as the 7-seed in the Division V Playoffs.
2025 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Football Playoffs Division 5The Knights will face a daunting test in the opening round, traveling to Merced County to take on the 2-seed Hilmar Yellowjackets. Kickoff is set for Friday, November 14th at 7:00 PM at Hilmar High School.
