The 1976 Washington High School Huskies football team. Courtesy photo

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – This August, the Washington High School Huskies will at last receive recognition for a championship season won 50 years ago.

The 1976 football season began tinged with grief and sorrow. That May, the team had lost one of its own. While riding his bike on State Route 6 toward Woodland alongside his brother, Manuel, 17-year-old John Arch was struck and killed by a car.

The following season was dedicated to John’s memory, with the team sporting the letter “J” on their helmets in his honor. The Huskies started the season strong, sweeping the first three matches against the Oakmont Vikings, Marshall Wildcats and Vanden Vikings.

The team was ready to bring the same energy to their fourth match against John Swett High School when a power outage caused the game to be rescheduled to the next day. Throwing off their rhythm, the Huskies lost 14-16 against John Swett. It was their first loss of the season.

According to Joe Arch, son of the late Manuel Arch, a post-game speech by Coach John Cavaglieri altered the trajectory of the season, as he reminded the players who they were playing for: John.

Cavaglieri told the team to get back on track, that they had a mission, that they were playing for John, Joe Arch recalled of the speech.

The impact of that speech on the team would not go unnoticed as the Huskies went on to win every game for the rest of the season.

Following their loss against John Swett, they beat the Benecia Panthers 58-20. Then the Dixon Rams 28-0. Then the Justin Braves. Then the Rio Vista Rams. And finally, the Delta Saints, 24-6. The team was named the Superior California Athletic League Company Champions, advancing to the semi-playoffs.

The Huskies took the win in the first playoff round against the Calaveras Red Hawks with a score of 12-0.

They then beat the Ripon Indians by an impressive 40-16. The Huskies were officially crowned the San Joaquin Section A Champions.

It was an honor at the state level, said Joe Arch.

Despite the massively successful season, the team didn’t receive any recognition in the form of trophies, banners or celebrations from their school. Life went on. But the team wouldn’t forget. They wouldn’t forget John.

In 1978, Washington High School was officially closed and later merged to form River City High School, home of the Raiders.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of that championship season. And the team is finally going to get its flowers.

On Aug. 28, at River City High School’s first home game of the season against Laguna Creek, a banner and trophy will be presented at halftime in recognition of the 1976 season.

Family, friends and community members are encouraged to attend to support the team. According to Joe, at least 20 players from the 1976 roster will be either present or represented by family.

Arch said he will be personally giving gifts to family members of players as well.

The magic and meaning behind that 1976 season is not lost on Joe Arch. West Sacramento has grown significantly in the past 50 years, and, as a result, has lost a piece of its small town, home-grown nature that those players embodied, Joe Arch said.

But their legacy will live on.

River City High School is located at 1 Raider Lane, West Sacramento.

For more information, contact Joe Arch at 916-996-1197.