By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Rio Linda High School’s fall sports season moved into full swing last week, highlighted by a season-opening football victory, two decisive wins by the girls water polo team and a five-set battle on the volleyball court.
Here is the first Rio Linda Online weekly roundup of Knights athletics.
Football Opens With Win Over Marysville
The Rio Linda varsity football team opened its 2026 campaign Friday night with a 28-21 victory over Marysville at Marion Adams Memorial Stadium.
The Knights established their running game behind junior Louis Means Jr., who finished with 132 rushing yards. Junior Tyrone Cooper Jr. contributed 48 receiving yards and made two interceptions on defense.
Junior Zayden Anderson was credited with nine tackles and was selected by MaxPreps as Rio Linda’s Player of the Game. Senior Rico Zacarias recorded a sack, while senior kicker Reymundo Castro converted all four of Rio Linda’s extra-point attempts.
The victory moved Rio Linda to 1-0 and helped the Knights climb 178 positions in MaxPreps’ statewide rankings. As of Sunday, Rio Linda was ranked No. 9 among Sac-Joaquin Section Division V teams by MaxPreps.
The Knights travel to Center High School on Friday, Sept. 4. The varsity kickoff is at 7:00 p.m.
Rio Linda’s junior varsity team lost its opener to Marysville, 7-0.
Girls Water Polo Starts Strong
Rio Linda’s varsity girls water polo team delivered two of the school’s most convincing performances of the week.
The Knights defeated Laguna Creek 15-6 on Tuesday before returning home Thursday and beating Pioneer 20-11.
Rio Linda outscored its two opponents 35-17, giving the girls an impressive start to the new season.
Boys Water Polo Splits Opening Matches
The boys water polo team also opened with a victory, defeating Laguna Creek 11-3 Tuesday afternoon.
Rio Linda’s second scheduled match was recorded as a 14-4 forfeit loss to Pioneer on Thursday. MaxPreps lists the result as a forfeit but does not provide additional details explaining the ruling.
Volleyball Earns Five-Set Victory
The Rio Linda varsity girls volleyball team opened the week with a hard-fought road victory over Futures High School.
The Knights prevailed 3-2 Monday, winning a match that went the full five sets. Rio Linda returned to action Thursday against Twelve Bridges but fell in straight sets, 3-0.
Rio Linda finished the week with a 1-1 varsity record.
Flag Football Faces Difficult Opening Week
The Rio Linda girls flag football team faced two strong opponents during its first full week of competition.
The Lady Knights lost 34-0 to Sheldon at home Monday and were defeated 21-0 at Tracy on Wednesday.
Rio Linda will look for its first victory when Buhach Colony visits Tuesday, Sept. 1. Junior varsity is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game at 6 p.m.
The Lady Knights then travel to Antelope on Thursday, Sept. 3, with the varsity game scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Looking Ahead
Rio Linda Online plans to publish a Knights sports roundup each week during the school year, featuring verified final scores, standout performances, standings and playoff movement, upcoming games, and important scheduling or ticket information.
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