In a bitter and disappointing loss to begin the season, the #6 Rio Linda Knights fell to the Center Cougars on Friday night, in a game that the Knights never led, and was never in question.
This marks the second year in a row that the Knights have dropped the season opener to the Cougars.
If there was a problem to be had, the Knights had it on Friday night. They were lackluster on the field, and they had problems holding onto the ball and problems with penalties.
3rd year Center QB Michael Wortham was lazer accurate and threw four touchdowns in the game.
The Cougar defense kept Rio Linda running back Cameron Skattebo contained and frustrated QB Abraham Banks all night.
The Knights made a steady comeback throughout the game, but they ran out of time, with the Cougars chewing up clock in the last 4 minutes.
Now, that having been said, this game doesn’t mean a whole lot to the Knights in the bigger picture. Wins are nice, but non-league games aren’t critical. The Knights historically have gotten up to football speed slowly.
Let’s hope they find their mojo, because this week’s matchup with Casa Roble is going to be a dogfight.
Rio Linda steamrolled Casa Roble last year in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 title game, 63-14. That game was never close, and Casa will be anxious to get a measure of revenge.
#20 Casa Roble beat Bella Vista on the road Friday night 55-15. QB Marciano Huston threw 6 touchdown passes.
This week’s game takes place at Casa Roble High School, 9151 Oak Ave, in Orangevale. Game time is 7pm.
(Note: I will add statistics as soon as they have been entered on the MaxPreps website.)
