Rio Linda, CA – The roar of the crowd may have been quieted for a while, but the spirit of Rio Linda Knights football is about to be reignited. The school is thrilled to announce the return of Jack Garceau as the head varsity football coach for the upcoming season, a move that has sent ripples of excitement throughout the community.
Coach Garceau, a familiar figure on the Rio Linda sidelines, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the program. His journey with the Knights began in 2001 as the JV Defensive Coordinator, a testament to his dedication to fostering young talent and developing a strong foundation for future success. He quickly ascended the ranks, serving as the Varsity Offensive and Defensive Line Coach from 2002 to 2004, honing the skills of young athletes and laying the groundwork for future success.
Following a successful stint as Head Coach at Hiram Johnson High School from 2005 to 2006, Coach Garceau returned to Rio Linda in 2007 as Assistant Head Coach, continuing to mentor and guide the next generation of Knights. This culminated in his appointment as Head Coach in 2017, a role he embraced with passion and dedication.
Under Coach Garceau’s leadership, the Knights experienced a period of unprecedented success. From 2017 to 2019, the team compiled an impressive 29-10 record, securing three playoff berths and culminating in a historic 2018 season that will forever be etched in Rio Linda High School lore.
That year, the Knights, led by the electrifying play of then-junior running back Cameron Skattebo (now a star at Arizona State University), captured the CIF 5AA State Championship, a testament to Coach Garceau’s strategic acumen, his ability to inspire his players to achieve greatness, and his commitment to building a winning program.
“Starting from square one is the most exciting part of coaching. It allows me to introduce these young men to the standards and traditions that have shaped past successes. My primary goal is to help each student-athlete become the best competitor they can possibly be, instilling values of hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship that will benefit them both on and off the field,” Coach Garceau shared.
The return of Coach Garceau is not only exciting for the players and the community but also a poignant reminder of the program’s rich history. The inclusion of 90-year-old Sacramento coaching legend Frank Negri on the coaching staff adds another layer of significance. Mr. Negri, a teacher and coach at Rio Linda High School on its very first day of operation, brings decades of experience and wisdom to the team. His presence serves as a powerful symbol of the program’s commitment to excellence and its connection to the school’s proud legacy.
The Rio Linda community welcomes Coach Garceau back with open arms and eagerly anticipates another exciting season of Knights football.
