Knights Aim to Extend Playoff Streak: 2025 River Ridge Knights Football Preview

 Since head coach Michael Collins took over in 2019, River Ridge has become one of the most stable and successful football programs in Cherokee County. With four playoff appearances in the past five seasons, including a strong 2024 campaign, the Knights enter 2025 with high expectations and a core of experienced returners.

Their 2024 squad was one of the program’s best since the memorable 2020 run to the Class 6A quarterfinals. With talent returning on both sides of the ball, River Ridge has every reason to believe another postseason run is within reach.

2025 River Ridge Football Schedule: Early Tests Build Toward Region Play

The Knights are not shying away from early-season challenges. River Ridge opens its non-region slate against Cherokee and Denmark—two programs from Georgia’s highest classification—before visiting former region rival Allatoona.

Once region play begins, every game matters. Matchups against Creekview, Sequoyah, Sprayberry and Woodstock will be especially important in determining playoff seeding.

Offensive Preview

While River Ridge loses key offensive players including quarterback Ethan Spector and top receivers Thomas Thompsen and Grant Hollier; the Knights return a strong core of playmakers. Skill players like Camden Cox, Micah Pugh, Matteo Jimenez and Sam Vincent bring explosiveness and versatility.

Junior Hunter Lockerman is set to take over at quarterback. Known for his downfield accuracy, Lockerman showed flashes of potential in limited action and could develop quickly behind an experienced offensive line.

That line, which returns starters Daithan Williams, Thomas Perez and Gabriel Belback, should provide stability and protection as Lockerman adjusts to his starting role. Improving the running game production from last season will be critical to helping the offense stay balanced and consistent.

Defensive Preview: Strong Front Seven, New Faces in the Secondary

Defensively, River Ridge enters 2025 with a strong front seven but questions in the secondary. The Knights lose key defensive backs Christian Pansera, Revis McClairen and Nik Bryant to graduation. However, returners like Andrew Rowe and Sam Vincent offer leadership and continuity in the backfield.

The linebacker unit will be a strength, led by returning starters Wyatt McCarty, Harris Deriso and Matthew Burdette. River Ridge fans are also hoping for growth from defensive linemen like Andres Nash, as the unit looks to become more consistent in applying pressure.

Last year’s defensive line rotation showed flashes but lacked consistency—something coaches hope to have resolved by the start of region play.

Season Projection

Playoff appearances have become the standard at River Ridge, and there’s no indication that 2025 will be any different. With experienced linemen on both sides of the ball and an exciting new quarterback under center, the Knights have the tools to remain a major factor in Region 6-5A.

A key to success will be developing a more efficient running game and creating consistent pressure on defense—especially early in the season, as the secondary rebuilds. If those elements come together, expect the Knights to remain firmly in the playoff picture.