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| Coach Harry Armstrong | Chase Taddonio |
TEAM: Riverside Vikings
COLORS: Red & Blue
COACH: Harry Armstrong, 12th Season (77-55)
PIAA: Class 2A
2024 CONFERENCE: LFC Division III
2023 RECORD: 8-4 (4-1 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 23-32
STADIUM: Taylor Veterans Memorial Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Spread
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 4-3
2024 PREVIEW
Riverside came up a little short last season losing the league title and district title by one score each. It’s something that motivates the 2024 version of the Vikings and they have the personnel to get over that hump. The offense will be high-octane as usual, but the defense could determine Riverside’s fate in 2024.
Chase Taddonio returns at quarterback and health will be the biggest issue for him. When he is on the field, he has been hard to stop and has enough weapons in the passing game to put up big numbers. J.J. Rogers returns at wide receiver and will be joined by Jared Jackson, Brayden Rose, and Matt Godlewski. Richie Kostoff is one of the best returning tight ends in the LFC and he will also line up at fullback. Ny-Jai Scott-Holt and Angel Grande will be candidates at tailback.
The Vikes have to replace some good linemen but do have experienced ones on the left side in Sonique Connell-Murray at tackle and Tavian Branch at guard. Graydon DuPree will be the new center while Josh Ramos or David Kieper will take over at right guard. Abraham Padytel, Exavier Pelton, and Will Vassell will compete for the right tackle position.
On defense, Connell-Murray and DuPree will be the new defensive ends with Branch returning at defensive tackle. Ramos will also play up front. Quinn Pucilowski is a returning starter at outside linebacker while Timani Poteat or Madden Sandly play on the other side. Kostoff returns at inside linebacker with Scott-Holt and Zack Hauswirth provide depth. The Vikings will have to find new cornerbacks with Grande, Carmello Barnett, Brady Pavalonis, and Cooper Borowski all being considered. Rogers and Taddonio are experienced safeties with Jackson the backup.
Santino D’Amico returns to handle the placekicking and punting. Rogers will handle return duties.
QUOTE FROM COACH ARMSTRONG: Experienced playmakers returning on both sides of the ball, led by Richie Kostoff, a D-1 recruit and 4-yr starter at TE,QB Chase Taddonio, a dual threat 3-yr starter, and upfront 6’4 295lb JR OL/DL Tavian Branch, an elite NCAA prospect who is rapidly being recognized as one of nation’s best lineman. The hidden keys will be how quickly our OL can come together and the level of impact that our returning play-makers on the perimeter can make: WR’s, returning big play threat JJ Rogers and Brayden Rose, a 6’3 acrobatic athlete, with D-1 potential will create plenty of exciting plays on the outside. In the backfield we are counting on RB Ny-Jai Scott-Holt to lead the way. The biggest question to answer is the depth of our OL and development of newcomers Graydon Dupre, Josh Ramos, David Kieper, Abe Padytel, and Exavier Pelton. Defensively, the Vikings are built to play an aggressive style, our front 7, led by a very strong front line and supported with experienced LB play from Quin Pucilowski and Richie Kostoff. JJ Rogers will be a top-tier DB in the league and newcomer Carmelo Barnett is a 6’1 speedster at CB. On Special teams, we have an excellent kick game led by All-League K/P Santino D’Amico and Kick/Punt returner JJ Rogers. In 2023 we blocked 4 punts, and recovered 3 onsides kicks. Riverside will be highly competitive and incredibly entertaining to watch in 2024.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division III
First Team Quarterback – Chase Taddonio
First Team Offensive Lineman -Tavian Branch
First Team Kicker – Santino D’Amico
First Team Defensive Lineman – Tavian Branch
First Team Linebacker – Richie Kostoff
Honorable Mention Wide Receiver- J.J. Rogers
Honorable Mention Tight End – Richie Kostoff
Honorable Mention Defensive Back – J.J. Rogers
Honorable Mention Punter – Santino D’Amico
