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|---|---|---|
| Coach Jim Tucker | Brayden Rose | Jared Jackson |
TEAM: Riverside Vikings
COLORS: Red & Blue
COACH: Jim Tucker, 1st Season
PIAA: Class 2A
2026 CONFERENCE: LFC Division II
2025 RECORD: 8-3 (4-1 in conference)
RECORD LAST FIVE SEASONS: 37-23
STADIUM: Taylor Veterans Memorial Stadium
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
OFFENSIVE SCHEME: Multiple
DEFENSIVE SCHEME: 5-2
2026 PREVIEW
A new era begins at Riverside with Viking alumnus Jim Tucker taking over the program. Although the Vikings have enjoyed plenty of success over the past three seasons, they believe they have some unfinished business. The challenge will be even greater in 2026 as Riverside moves into LFC Division II while continuing to compete in the highly competitive Class 2A classification.
The Vikings return All-Star quarterback and defensive back Brayden Rose. In his first season as the starting quarterback, he accounted for more than 1,800 yards of total offense. Charlie Anstett returns at tailback, while Laiden Edwards and Will Vassell are expected to compete for the starting fullback position.
Jared Jackson returns for his senior season after a productive 2025 at wide receiver. Tyler Grill and Carmello Barnett also gained valuable experience last season, while Mitch Muskey and Tavion Gonzalez will provide depth at the position. Chris Fox takes over at tight end.
The offensive line has the most question marks after being hit hard by graduation. Left tackle Exavier Pelton is the lone returning starter. Markus Ngongo is projected to start at right tackle, while Eli Paroby and Adrian Escobales will compete at left guard. Aidan Taylor is expected to start at center, with Ken Aragon penciled in at right guard. Abe Padytel will provide depth and compete for playing time on the interior.
Defensively, Pelton returns at defensive end with Ngongo on the opposite side. A combination of Taylor, Paroby, and Brogan Perfilio are expected to play nose tackle. Both starting outside linebackers return in Anstett and Fox, while Chris Bowman provides depth. The inside linebacker positions will feature new faces, with Carter Whetstone, Edwards and Vassell all expected to compete for playing time.
The secondary should be one of the team’s biggest strengths with all four starters returning. Jackson and Muskey are back at cornerback, while Rose and Grill return at safety. Justin Hewitt adds depth in the defensive backfield.
Riverside will have to replace its kicker and punter, with Christian Wheeler expected to take over both duties.
QUOTE FROM COACH ARMSTRONG: We’ve got a good mix of young talent and experience, and our kids have bought in to the standard of the program we are building.
RETURNING ALL-STARS – LFC Division III
Offense Player of the Year – Brayden Rose
First Team Quarterback – Brayden Rose
First Team Wide Receiver – Jared Jackson
First Team Defensive Back – Brayden Rose
Honorable Mention Wide Receiver – Carmelo Barnett
Honorable Mention Defensive Back – Jared Jackson
Honorable Mention Defensive Back – Carmelo Barnett
All-District 2 Defensive Back – Brayden Rose
