Article date: September 5 2019
Last Friday night at Casa Roble High School, the Rio Linda Knights outlasted an improved Rams team, and started to show signs of a dangerous 1-2 punch running game.
The Knights outscored the Rams 54-26, but Casa Roble was never far out of the picture. Casa Roble kept the Knights honest, and kept hanging around, and there was always the feeling that if the Rams could put together a couple of solid drives, it could be a real nailbiter of a game.
The Knights put their high powered running game to work and posted 629 yards. In the Rams previous 55-15 win over Bella Vista, they posted 257 yards. This time, the Knights defense held them to just 56.
Rio Linda Quarterback Abraham Banks stepped up in this game, giving the Casa Roble defense another threat to consider. In 18 carries he posted 304 yards and scored 4 touchdowns. Banks outpaced Cameron Skattebo who ran for 188 yards on 19 carries and added 2 touchdowns to the tally. Running back Jamone Gates added a touchdown on a pass from Banks.
To be fair, both teams we’ve faced this year have keyed on Skattebo and swarmed him every time he gets near the ball.
Therein lies the threat I spoke of earlier; if Banks can get his game working consistently (and after his stellar performance last year there’s no reason to think he can’t, or won’t), he will force opposing defenses to honor him and open the field up for Skattebo to run hog wild. Option plays with this combo must be the stuff coaching dreams are made of.
The Knights enter tomorrow night’s game against the Cordova Lancers with a record of 1-1. The Lancers bring an 0-2 record, and have not yet scored a point this season, losing in previous weeks to Vista Del Lago 58-0, and Davis 64-0.
Game time is 7pm at Marion Adams Memorial Stadium in Rio Linda. Junior Varsity plays at 5pm.
