Ralph Quijada, accompanied by the football coaching staff, talks to the team after their scrimmage. Photo courtesy of Alexis Quijada

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Fall is in the air, which means school is back in session, the air is getting cooler and the Rio Linda Knights football season is underway.

Before the season began, the Knights saw a dramatic change in June when former head coach Jeff Freeman accepted another coaching opportunity out of state. Rio Linda had very little time to find a replacement, according to interim head coach Ralph Quijada, who stepped in at the nick of time.

“I’ve been the head coach for…three and a half weeks,” he laughed.

However, Quijada has qualifying experience for the job. He has been a football coach for 16 years, with three of those being at Rio Linda High School as the offensive coordinator. Quijada will lead the team in the 2024-2025 season and has high hopes.

The Knights kicked off their season Aug. 23 against the Lincoln Fighting Zebras. Photo courtesy of Alexis Quijada

According to Quijada, the Knights have been practicing since the spring, including a football camp in June.

“The team is so talented,” Quijada said. “We’ve got a senior-heavy offensive line and our running backs are stacked.”

Despite the starting quarterback, Monty Hale, breaking his thumb in the Aug. 16 Jamboree scrimmage, the multi-talented Cayden Lockling, who is also a receiver, will assume the position in the meantime.

Quijada emphasized he is backed by a “great coaching staff,” including Levi Lockling, running back and linebacker coach for the Knights. Lockling also has great expectations for the season.

“I'm looking forward to the season because I think these kids are going to surprise some people,” Lockling said.

“A lot of people are probably counting us out already because of the coaching change so close to the start of the season, but Quijada is a great coach. As long as the kids’ effort matches their abilities, I'm optimistic we can have a successful season,” he added.

The Knights are ready to take on the football season. Photo courtesy of Alexis Quijada

The Knights are known for winning championships in the past, and Quijada and Lockling said the talent their team has could lead to another successful season.

But the Knights can’t do it alone. The team needs all the community support they can get, especially with all the changes to the program, according to the coaches.

“People should come out and support the team because these kids deserve to know the community is behind them. A positive crowd can really help you sway the game in our favor,” Lockling said.

Quijada echoed that sentiment.

“It’s a different atmosphere,” he said of the games. “We want to bring the energy back and having the community there helps. The kids want to win and they’re hungry. It’s time to bring the winning culture back to Rio Linda.”

From left, football coaching staff Jennifer Davis, Anthony Rhodes, Allen Zsoldos, Levi Lockling, Cody Allred and Ralph Quijada cheered on the Knights at the Aug. 16 Jamboree. Photo courtesy of Alexis Quijada

Having just returned to school Aug. 20, the Rio Linda Knights kicked off their football season with an away game Aug. 23 against the Lincoln Fighting Zebras, where Lincoln defeated Rio Linda 41-13.

The home opener will be against the Placer Hillmen at 7 p.m. Aug. 30 at Rio Linda High School, 6309 Dry Creek Road, Rio Linda.

Tickets to the games are $10 per person, and $7 for students who present their student IDs. Kids aged four and under are admitted free of charge.

Go Knights!