Football, one of the most tantalizing sports, is something that the Riordan community takes pride in. The football team is a representation of the core values Riordan is all about. While the team has had a slow start with a record of 3-4, they stayed optimistic and believed that they can bounce back and have a great rest of the season.

Wide receiver Cynai Thomas ’26 said, “The strength of our team is how we’re able to stay together even through adversity. And we’re going to keep pushing and never give up.”

Football Head Coach Adhir Ravipati, now heading into his third year of coaching at Riordan, believes that this season is different from the last. Adhir said, “The most significant difference is our team culture. Our student-athletes understand the expectations on and off the field and the necessary cumulative commitment and accountability it takes to be successful.”

Despite their struggles, the football team has shown flashes of what they can carry on throughout the rest of their season.

The team’s situation may look bleak, but they will still continue to bring the fight to the field and embody the Riordan spirit.

Thomas expressed his goals for the season, saying, “Just put Riordan back on the map.”

Adhir said, “A team built to win, men built for life. That is our program mentality in everything we do to be a championship-caliber team while building great people.”

The football team strives to make a comeback, turn around their slow start and aims for state this year.