Riordan Claims WCAL Championship with Thrilling 42-35 Victory

URGENT UPDATE: Archbishop Riordan has secured its first West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) championship since 2000, defeating Serra 42-35 in a thrilling contest that felt like a heavyweight title fight. The game, held in San Mateo, showcased the resilience of the Crusaders, who overcame an early deficit to claim victory.

The match began with Riordan trailing 14-0, leaving coach Adhir Ravipati concerned about his team’s performance. “We were out of sorts,” he said. Yet, the Crusaders rallied, tying the game at 14 early in the second half. From that moment, Riordan never looked back.

Quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. and running back Adonyae Brown led the charge in the second half. The decisive moment came with just 3:15 remaining when Brown broke free for a stunning 53-yard touchdown, extending Riordan’s lead to 42-28. “It feels great,” Mitchell remarked after the game. “It’s always nice when you know you’ve been working at something and you finally get it.”

Riordan’s journey to the championship has been a remarkable one. After struggling with a 3-7 record in 2022 under new coach Ravipati and Mitchell’s arrival, they steadily improved to 7-4 in 2023 and 7-5 in 2024. This year, the Crusaders remain unbeaten, completing an arduous climb to the top of the WCAL.

The victory is particularly sweet for the Crusaders, who avenged a devastating 53-7 loss to Serra two years ago that eliminated them from championship contention. Mitchell reflected on that painful experience, stating, “Last time I was on this field, I told myself, ‘Never again will I feel like this.’ I thought about that throughout the entire game.”

Brown, now a junior, emerged as a standout player, scoring three touchdowns and proving to be a critical asset. Despite battling cramps during the game, he pushed through to deliver a game-winning performance. “I fought through it the whole entire time,” he said. “My team needs me, and I know I need my team, so I’m gonna do whatever it takes.”

As the echoes of celebration fill the air at Riordan, the Crusaders have proven their mettle and determination. This championship win marks a significant milestone for the program and sets the stage for a hopeful future.

With the triumph, Archbishop Riordan’s football team has not only claimed the championship but has also reignited pride within the school community. Fans and players alike are celebrating this historic victory, eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for the Crusaders.

Stay tuned for further updates on the implications of this victory and the reactions from the Riordan community.