Riverside Football enters the 2026 season after a 7‑4 campaign that included a 4‑1 mark in the GCC conference, a performance that has set the stage for a renewed push toward a league title. Competing in Division II, Region 5, the Beavers have built a foundation of experience and athletic talent that could translate into a championship run.
Head coach Jeremy Ishmael, now in his third year at the school, provides continuity and a clear vision. Under his guidance the program has steadily improved, and the team’s recent 7‑4 record reflects the progress made since his arrival.
The offense returns 21 letterwinners, anchored by quarterback Bo Brandehoff, who will pair with running back Jaxon Moore — the fastest 40‑yard dash in the squad at 4.57 seconds and a 585‑pound squat — and wide receiver David Seibert, whose speed and reliable hands make him a constant matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
The offensive line is anchored by right tackle David Tarawallie, a Penn State commit, while the defensive front features physical forces such as Alex Calogar and Dom Bottiggi, who bring a hammer‑like presence to the line of scrimmage.
The 2026 schedule presents a gauntlet of tough non‑conference opponents, including Steubenville, Aurora and Austintown Fitch, while the team’s recent playoff appearance — a first‑round berth in 2025 — demonstrates that postseason experience is within reach.
A Legacy of Excellence
Historically, Riverside has been a powerhouse, capturing conference championships in 1960, 1962, 1971 and a string of titles from 1984‑85 through 2025. The program’s all‑time win leader, Don Andersen, amassed 135 victories between 1982 and 2000, a record that still looms large over the team’s ambitious outlook.