Riordan Claims First WCAL Title Since 2000 with 42-35 Victory

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Archbishop Riordan clinched its first West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) title since 2000, defeating Serra 42-35 in a nail-biting championship clash on July 15, 2023, in San Mateo, CA. The Crusaders, led by coach Adhir Ravipati, overcame a rocky start, rallying from a 14-0 deficit to secure their undefeated season at 10-0.

The game kicked off with Serra dominating early, leaving Riordan “out of sorts,” according to Ravipati. However, the tide turned in the second half when quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. and running back Adonyae Brown orchestrated a remarkable comeback. With just 3:15 left on the clock, Brown delivered the decisive blow, sprinting 53 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Crusaders ahead 42-28.

“It feels great,” Mitchell expressed post-game. “It’s always nice when you know you’ve been working at something and you finally get it.”

This victory marks a significant milestone for Riordan, which has shown tremendous growth since its 3-7 record in 2022. The team steadily improved, achieving 7-4 in 2023 and 7-5 in 2024. The championship not only secures their place in history but also avenges a humiliating 53-7 loss to Serra two years ago that eliminated them from title contention.

“I told myself, ‘Never again on this field will I feel like this,’” Mitchell recalled about the previous loss. “I thought about that throughout the entire game. That’s the type of thing where it’s something you can’t move on from. I’m not gonna let that happen again.”

Brown, who played a pivotal role in the victory, battled through cramps to contribute significantly, scoring three touchdowns. “I fought through it the whole entire time,” he stated. “Because I got to come through for my team. My team needs me, and I know I need my team, so I’m gonna do whatever it takes.”

As the excitement settles, the Crusaders’ victory resonates deeply within the community. This championship win is not just about football; it symbolizes resilience, teamwork, and the triumph of hard work over adversity.

Fans can expect to see Riordan celebrated in the coming days as the team revels in their hard-fought victory and prepares for future challenges. The victory marks a new era for the Crusaders, igniting hopes for continued success in the seasons to come.

For updates on Riordan’s journey and further developments in the WCAL, stay tuned for more breaking news.