River Ridge High School football team, known as the Royal Knights, has emerged as the last representative from West Pasco in the state playoffs. Their historic run includes defeating Mitchell 13-10 on October 30, ending Mitchell’s twelve-season playoff streak in the area. The team enters their upcoming game against top-seeded Bishop Moore riding a four-game winning streak. Despite a difficult start where they lost their first game to Carrollwood Day by a score of 45-0, River Ridge responded strongly by winning seven of their next eight matches. The team’s success has been largely driven by their strong defensive play, which held opponents to an average of fewer than ten points per game in most contests after the opening loss. Coach Fred Reid has guided the Royals through a strengthened 2026 season schedule, while quarterback Dylan Walstatter and running back Antony Doston have performed well on offense. Bishop Moore, the opponent in the next round, is currently on an eight-game winning streak and ranks third in the state.
Key Points:
- River Ridge beat Mitchell 13-10 in a game that ended Mitchell’s state playoff streak of twelve consecutive seasons in West Pasco
- River Ridge clinched their state playoff berth by winning seven of their last eight games after suffering their first loss to Carrollwood Day
- Quarterback Dylan Walstatter threw three touchdown passes on seventeen attempts against Springstead and completed a high yardage passing performance against Mitchell
- The Royal Knights’ defense was highlighted by four players each recording a sack against Springstead and Brett Biggs returning an interception for a touchdown
- No. 8 River Ridge is scheduled to play against No. 1 Bishop Moore in a game set for November 13 at Bishop Moore in Orlando
