2026 Team Preview: Riverside Warriors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% Off Your Subscription with Code PRZWV30 at Checkout!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2025 SEASON RECAP</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Biggest Losses: RB Malakhi Hope (TR) - ATH Tavion Woods (TR) - WR/DB John Battle (TR) - DB Cedric Coping (TR) - ATH Davon Brockman (TR) - WR/DB Logan Tudor - LB Zach Crider - RB/DB Cortez Lacy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside endured a difficult 2025 campaign, finishing 2-8 and missing the Class AAAA playoffs. The Warriors showed flashes of potential throughout the season with a roster featuring plenty of young players, but consistency proved difficult to find. While several of those underclassmen have since transferred out of the program, Riverside still gained valuable experience that can help shape the future. The challenge now becomes replacing those departures while continuing to build toward a more competitive 2026 season and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 SCHEDULE</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8/28: at Nicholas County<br>9/4: vs Oak Hill<br>9/11: at Saint Albans<br>9/18: at Nitro<br>9/25: vs Parkersburg<br>10/2: vs Spring Valley<br>10/16: vs South Charleston<br>10/23: vs Hurricane<br>10/30: at Winfield<br>11/6: at Capital</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2025 Record:&nbsp;</strong>2-8<br><strong>2026 Prediction</strong>: 2-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2026 OUTLOOK</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside faces another challenging season in 2026 as the Warriors work to overcome the losses from graduation and several key transfers. Even so, the program still has several quality players to build around as it continues establishing its identity under new head coach Michael Terrell. While their record may again not be where they want to be, continued player development and the emergence of new contributors will be the biggest signs of progress for sustained success in the years ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>COLLEGE PROSPECTS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894682"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a77091ca8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside will build much of its game plan around 2027 ATH Auric Booker this season. One of the program's top returning playmakers and a Second Team All-MSAC selection a year ago, Booker is expected to make a major impact on both sides of the ball with his versatility and athleticism. The multi-sport standout has remained committed to the Warriors through the program's recent challenges, giving Riverside an experienced senior leader to lean on. Expect Booker to be heavily involved in all phases and put together one of the top individual seasons for Riverside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AuricBooker/status/2070314876535177648","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AuricBooker/status/2070314876535177648 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2242454"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920ebe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of Riverside's most dependable returning players is 2027 K/P Eli Taft. A First Team All-MSAC punter who also handles the Warriors' kicking duties, Taft provides consistency across every phase of the special teams unit. His ability to fill multiple specialist roles makes him a valuable asset for Riverside, and he enters his senior season as one of the top specialists to know in Class AAAA. While game film is unavailable, his production and postseason recognition speak for themselves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2091965"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921086"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riverside will lean on 2027 OL/DL Thomas Cristy as one of its veteran leaders in the trenches this season. A multi-year starter at center, Cristy has been a steady presence for the Warriors and brings valuable experience to a young roster. He plays with strength at the point of attack and finishes blocks with a physical edge. His toughness and consistency make him an important piece on both sides of the ball as Riverside looks to build as a program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/26884841/69062755e506a16ff8f533d4u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4d18e4a09c8"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332160"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a7709210e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2027 ATH Tyson Arms is expected to step into a much larger role for Riverside after patiently waiting for a bigger opportunity. A smaller but dynamic athlete, Arms has the quickness and playmaking ability to become a dangerous weapon out of the slot and give the Warriors another reliable option on offense. With increased opportunities coming his way as a senior, he's well positioned to put together a breakout season and emerge as one of Riverside's top contributors.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18236531/69123fb0b961307c3427c34du0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4d18e4a0a46"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1310969"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770920fbf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>RETURNING STANDOUT</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL/DL Paul Cochran has been a productive contributor for Riverside since his freshman season and enters his junior year as one of the Warriors' top returning players. Ranked as the #8 defensive lineman in the 2028 class, Cochran consistently makes plays with his quickness, relentless motor, and physical style. Though he doesn't possess the biggest frame, his wrestling background shows up in the way he uses his hands, fights through blocks, and competes until the whistle. Expect Cochran to be a key piece again in Riverside's trenches on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18255534/690954400c02cc788e72d7b7u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4d18e4a0aae"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1740696"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921145"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>BREAKOUT CANDIDATE</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2028 OL/DL Joel Peters returns after breaking into Riverside's varsity lineup as a sophomore, giving the Warriors valuable continuity in the trenches. Like several linemen in the program, Peters doesn't rely on size, instead using leverage and pad level to consistently compete against bigger opponents. His ability to stay underneath blockers makes him an effective blocker. With another year of experience under his belt, Peters should continue developing into one of Riverside's more dependable trench players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23021343/690fe24f1026a5d5e10ea57eu0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4d18e4a0b12"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716459"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4a770921024"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>TRANSFER TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2029 TE Camden Bulger gives Riverside an intriguing young addition after transferring from Capital following his freshman season. Bulger already possesses an impressive 6'3 215 frame and brings added athleticism as a multi-sport athlete, making him one of the more physically gifted young prospects in the program. He gained both JV and varsity experience as a freshman and now steps into a situation where opportunities should come early. As Bulger continues to develop his game, he has the potential to become an important piece of the Warriors' offense and defense over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src=u0022https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/27917886/691a018a750b3068108584b4u0022 width=u0022640u0022 height=u0022360u0022 frameborder=u00220u0022 allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a4d18e4a0b74"} /--> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OTHER PLAYERS TO KNOW</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Xander Weese - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isiah Claiborne - 2027 RB/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Scruggs - 2027 QB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2108345' first='Noah' last='Hairston'] - 2027 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gannon Bess - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1743758' first='Kyler' last='Beard'] - 2029 WR/DB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Rhodes - 2029 OL/DL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->