The Riverdale Rams are entering the 2026 football season with renewed confidence after their first playoff appearance in fourteen years. The program’s breakthrough in 2025, which ended a long drought, has set a clear target: to translate early success into a sustained push for another postseason run.
A motto that drives the grind
Head coach Guy Dierikx has embraced the phrase “work hard in the dark so that we could shine in the light” as a rallying cry, urging players to commit to relentless effort both on and off the field. The mantra reflects a cultural shift that values discipline and perseverance as the foundation of success.
The senior class, described as talented and ready to take ownership, is expected to lead by example. Their experience from the 2025 campaign provides a steadying presence as younger players adjust to heightened expectations.
Player Carter Orr has emphasized that teamwork is the backbone of the squad’s identity, echoing the “work hard, play hard” ethos that now defines the locker room atmosphere.
The schedule kicks off on August 21 at home against Princeton, with a 7 p.m. kickoff that marks the beginning of what many hope will be a deep playoff push. The Rams plan to host meaningful home games deep into the postseason, aiming to build on the momentum generated by last year’s historic run.