The Riverside football team in Durham, N.C. warms up on the field in preperation for a game. Joseph Elmenshawi as a returning member of the team did not know what to expect from the season: "The summer leading up to the season was uneasy we were unsure if we would be better than last year or worse all we knew was that we were young and had great potential," he said. The team ended with a losing record of 4-6.
Teammates help eachother adjust pads and gear prior to their game against Graham. Riverside had their highest scoring game of the season against Graham.
Channing Gaines (12) and Jayshawn Wileu (16) struggle to take down Rashad Dockery (5) during Riverside's second loss of the season. The final score 0-48 was the greatest defeat they faced all season.
Walter Carter takes a moment to himself in the weightroom. The season had low moments and disappointment for many players. Team captain Cole Shweitz expressed that, "the teams energy was way too lighthearted throughout the season, while the team felt like a family and we had our fun there wasn’t very much seriousness in the lockeroom or out on the field before a game or during practice when their needed to be," he said in regards to the teams loosing record.
Chesden Seal sleeps on the bus on the teams drive to South View in Hope Mills, N.C. Coach Cory Lea drove the team over two hours to play a non-conference game because he wanted them to be challenged by a strong program early in their season.
Ameer Boyce Jr (17) and Kadon Blain (25) watch film of a recent game during a practice with head coach Cory Lea. Lea helps the team understand the many different benefits to watching film for their own improvement, to prepare to play future opponents and to create a platform to be recruited for college.
Riverside High School football players watch Kadon Blain do a backflip in the Durham, N.C. weight room on Sept. 20, 2024. Riverside finished the season with a losing record, but to receiver Jaleel Griffin, “the atmosphere in general was laughter and nothing was taken too seriously.”
Head coach Cory Lea leads the team in a cheer before their game against South Mills. Sophomore Jaleel Griffin said, "The energy of the team was great especially before games."
Tre Belcher (7) passes the ball towards Laron Childs (56) during the teams loss against South View. While the season did not result in a winning record players are eager to return next year. "We didn’t become what we were supposed to be but next year I think we will," said sophomore Joseph Elmenshawi.
Senior Chris Hexter (8) celebrates as he approaches the sidelines during Riverside's senior night against Northern Durham. Joseph Elmenshawi reflected on the game as being a highlight of the season and many seniors shared their favorite tradition of Riverside football is beating Northern.
A helmet sits under the bench during Riverside's senior night game against Northern. Senior captain Cole Shweitended was disappointed by the team ending with a losing record of 4-6, but reflected on the season positively: "Those guys also made me and everyone else in the locker room feel like family everytime we were together and for that I can say that this season was one of my favorites," he said.
