DeGRAFF — Home to the Pirates at Veterans Memorial Stadium, Riverside enters year eight of the Bryce Hodge era with optimism running high in DeGraff. The athletic complex rivals those of some of the larger cities in the county, and the program believes it is positioned to make a move up the league standings in 2026.

After consecutive 4-6 regular-season finishes, Hodge feels strongly that his team is ready to take the next step and return to the postseason form it displayed just three seasons ago.

“We are so far ahead of where we were a year ago at this point,” said Hodge. “In year two of a scheme change, we feel strongly that we are closer to where we want to be with our personnel.”

There is plenty to be excited about in the second year of the new system. The Pirates return a wealth of production on both sides of the ball, bringing back eight starters offensively and eight more on defense.

Junior quarterback Brody Orsborne returns for his second season under center and believes the experienced supporting cast gives Riverside an advantage heading into the fall.

“We have four of our five linemen coming back and two of our three backs returning,” said Orsborne. “I can trust everyone pretty well. I think we are going to catch some teams by surprise.”

A year after rushing for more than 200 yards per game, the Pirates plan to stay true to their identity and lean on a seasoned offensive line to establish the run and create opportunities through the air.

“There is no other feeling like it,” said senior offensive lineman Jace Lemly. “It makes you excited to go out there and hit someone, especially when they know it is coming and they can’t stop it.”

Seven seniors graduated from last year’s squad after helping lay the foundation for what Riverside hopes can be a breakthrough season. Their leadership has left an imprint on a roster that now features a large core of upperclassmen ready to take ownership of the program.

With experience at key positions and a full offseason spent refining the new scheme, expectations inside the locker room continue to grow. While Hodge is careful not to look too far ahead, he believes the pieces are in place for Riverside to compete every Friday night and potentially extend its season into November.

“Our goal is always to be playing meaningful football late in the year,” said Hodge. “The work these kids have put in gives us a chance to do that.”

Beyond the team itself, Riverside continues to benefit from the support of three communities that rally behind the Pirates every season.

“Our community has been behind us every step of the way, from providing us with these wonderful facilities to coming out and filling the stands,” said Hodge. “It is a special place, and it is the reason I wanted to come here and stay here.”

That community support will be on full display in Week 1 when Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts Ansonia on Aug. 21. For a Riverside program eager to prove it is ready for the next step, the season opener will provide the first opportunity to show just how far the Pirates have come in year two of Hodge’s new scheme.