Riordan Clinches WCAL Title with Thrilling 42-35 Win Over Serra

BREAKING: Archbishop Riordan has achieved a historic victory, defeating Serra High School 42-35 to claim the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) championship for the first time since 2000. The game, held in San Mateo, saw the Crusaders stage a remarkable comeback after trailing 14-0 early on.

Coach Adhir Ravipati referred to the matchup as a “title match,” emphasizing the intensity of the competition. The Crusaders were “out of sorts” initially, but rallied to tie the game at 14 early in the second half, never trailing again.

Key performances from quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr. and running back Adonyae Brown fueled Riordan’s resurgence. With 3:15 remaining in the game, Brown delivered a decisive 53-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 42-28 and sealing the championship.

“This feels great,” Mitchell declared post-game. “It’s always nice when you know you’ve been working at something and you finally get it.” The victory marks a significant turning point for Riordan, which has seen a transformation under Ravipati since 2022, improving their record from 3-7 to an unbeaten 10-0 this season.

The Crusaders avenged a devastating 53-7 loss to Serra two years ago, a moment Mitchell vividly recalled. “I told myself, ‘Never again will I feel like this on this field,’” he said, showcasing the emotional weight of the game.

Brown, now a junior, played a pivotal role, scoring three touchdowns despite battling cramps. “I just fought through it the whole entire time,” he shared. “Because I got to come through for my team.” His determination exemplified the spirit of the Crusaders throughout the match.

As Archbishop Riordan celebrates this long-awaited victory, fans and players alike can reflect on the hard work and dedication that led to this championship triumph. The Crusaders have proven their resilience and commitment, marking a new era for the program in the WCAL.

Stay tuned for further updates on this historic win and what it means for the future of Archbishop Riordan football.