It’s been just 2 months since Coach Mike Morris announced that he was stepping down as the Rio Linda High School football team’s Head Coach. Today, the team has a new head coach to lead them into the rarefied air of the “next level”. Rio Linda High School has hired Justin Reber, formerly Head Coach at Saddleback Valley Christian in San Juan Capistrano.
Reber Played at Capitol Christian, Sacramento City and Montana State before spending 4 years in the semi-pro ranks. He returned to Capitol Christian as the JV head coach and Varsity Offensive Coordinator, before steadily moving up to Co-Offensive Coordinator at Sacramento City College, and then Interim Head Coach at Capitol Christian in 2010. He became Head Coach at Saddleback Valley Christian in 2011.
At Saddleback Valley Christian, Reber won three conference championships in three seasons.
In a quote to Joe Davidson at the Sacramento Bee, Reber says “It’s a great opportunity for me because it’s a huge step from coaching small schools to this, one of the best anywhere… I want to take this program to the next level.”
Saddleback Valley Christian Schools, 2011-2013 – Varsity Head Coach
In the first two years as Head Coach, the Warriors have a record of 15-7. They have won the San Joaquin League championship in both 2011 and 2012. In 2011, the Warriors had the league’s overall MVP (Curran John), offensive MVP (Brandon Towles) and defensive MVP (JD Carroll). In 2012 the Warriors had the league’s overall MVP (Forrest Lohman) as well as 3 players named to the ALL CIF team. Coach Reber was named the Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
Capital Christian High School, 2010 – Interim Head Coach
In midseason, assumed control of top-flight regional program amid turmoil and coaching change; restored order, built team confidence, injected new offensive plays and helped turn season around. Named Golden Empire League Coach of the Year.
Sacramento City College, 2009 – Co-Offensive Coordinator
As receiver and quarterback coach, implemented and executed high-scoring offense that led to:
- Mid-Empire Conference Championship – 2009
- Laney Eagle Bowl Championship – 2009
Mentored All-American quarterback Cody Allen who sent numerous school records. Coached school to scoring records in last two seasons.
Semi-Pro Football Coach, 2008 – 2009
- Offensive Coordinator for River City Gators (12-1) – 2009
- Offensive Coordinator for West Sacramento Wolverines (11-1) – 2008
- Coached college level players trying to improve skills for professional tryouts
- 2007 team record 9-3 (CIF runner-up, Division VI)
- 2008 team record 5-6 (lost in first round of playoffs)
- 2004 team record 3-7
- 2005 team record 2-8
- 2006 team record 3-7
Capital Christian High School (Sacramento, CA) – 1996 – 1998
- Two-year Varsity starting receiver
- Led Sacramento area in receptions and yards in 1996 and 1997
- Nominated All-Section, All-State teams
- Optimist All-Star selection for top graduating Seniors
- Voted into Capital Christian Hall of Fame
Sacramento City College – 1999 – 2000
- Two year started under Coach Dave Griffin
- 2000 Offensive Team MVP
- 2000 Shrine Bowl MVP
- Full scholarship to Montana State University
Montana State University – 2001
- One-year special teams
California Semi Pro – 2003 – 2007
- Played for the Elk Grove Wolverines and Capital City Fury (won two league titles)
- Set various receiving records
- 2003 Most Valuable Wide Receiver
Played in National All-Star Game in Orlando, FL – 2003
Sources
Saddleback Valley Christian Schools web site: http://www.svcschools.org/
Hometown Report: Reber aims to elevate Rio Linda’s football: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/02/10/6146056/hometown-report-reber-aims-to.html
