River Ridge hasn't had much luck against Mitchell recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Royal Knights are taking a road trip to take on the Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. River Ridge is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt wants to keep things rolling.
On Friday, River Ridge was fully in charge, breezing past Countryside 30-3. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Royal Knights' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' Florida football rankings (they are ranked 145th, while the Cougars are ranked 371st).
Nicholas Cavazza
| 09/26/25 vs Countryside | 223 |
| 09/12/25 vs Cypress Creek | 158 |
| 10/05/24 vs Mitchell | 120 |
| 08/22/25 vs Land O' Lakes | 112 |
| 08/29/25 @ Steinbrenner | 107 |
River Ridge's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Nicholas Cavazza led the charge by throwing for 223 yards and one TD while completing 93.3% of his passes, and also punching in one score on the ground. Those 223 passing yards gave Cavazza a new career-high. 86 of Cavazza's passing yards were hauled in by Dareal King.
River Ridge's run defense was locked in: Countryside could only muster 1.2 yards per carry. The team can thank Nicolas Rauckhorst for the heroic effort on defense: he. River Ridge's ground attack was stronger, having averaged 3.5.
River Ridge's defense didn't let Cam Waddington, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for 4.5 sacks. Jackson Reed was especially locked on to Countryside's QB and sacked him three times. Those three sacks set a new season-high mark for Reed. Rauckhorst was another major factor on D, forcing one fumble, making seven total tackles, and defending two passes.
Meanwhile, Mitchell was not the first on the board on Friday, but they got there more often. They secured a 21-17 W over Land O' Lakes. The home team had taken home the W every time these teams have met since October 26, 2018, but that streak is no more.
River Ridge better keep an eye on Cayden Thomas. He was instrumental in Mitchell's win, rushing for 59 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only six carries, while also throwing for 120 yards and one TD.
Mitchell didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Robert Dunning and Thomas.
River Ridge's record now sits at 6-0. As for Mitchell, their record is now 4-2.
River Ridge ended up a good deal behind Mitchell when the teams last played back in October of 2024, losing 38-21. Can the Royal Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
