As the 2025-2026 school year began, Archbishop Riordan’s football team wasted no time getting back to winning games. With a 6-0 record–as of press time–statement wins against top tier teams such as Pittsburg High School, and exhilarating wins against rival San Francisco schools, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Saint Ignatius, they’re already off to a great start in hopes of an even greater season.
Key players like Vanderbilt University commit Michael Mitchell ’26 agreed, stating, “The season is going really well so far. We had a really great summer doing practices and tournaments to get tuned up for the season. I’m excited to have the opportunity to play this game I love one last time in high school.”
With many of the players graduating soon, it is their main goal to end their high school careers on a high note, as well as to make memories that they’ll carry on into the future.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling for sure, I’ve built all these bonds and we’ve formed such a great brotherhood over these past few years. But on the other side of that I’m excited to start a new journey and continue forming bonds and brotherhoods at the next level,” stated San Jose State commit Skylar Tiatia ’26.
Though the players are outstanding on the field, for Head Coach Adhir Ravipati and the rest of the coaching staff, participating in the football program is about growing off the field as well.
Ravipati commented, “We talk about developing our players in three phases: be great leaders in the community, be committed to academics and intellectual curiosity, and be great football players overall. The team has worked hard to build an elite culture, and set us up to have a potentially historical season, WCAL and CCS open champs, and from there, Norcal and State champions.”
To make it that far, the spirit of Riordan’s student body and the overall community will be key. Their love, appreciation, and passion for the team is shown at each and every game; and suffice to say, each game is without a dull moment. Zion McGuire ’26 said, “When I watch my football team, I get so caught up in it. I feel excited and proud regardless of the outcome. Win or lose I remain hopeful for the future.”
For the 2025 season, Riordan’s Football team continues to grow and push each other, hoping to claim an illustrious state championship while simultaneously reflecting pride, purpose, and performance, all core pillars of Riordan’s identity.
