For the first time in nearly four years, the Riviera football team had a reason to celebrate.
The Seahawks had waited 1,400 days for the feeling that came Thursday, Aug. 27 after the team captured a 41-8 victory against John Paul II at Seahawk Stadium.
Riviera was awarded a forfeit victory in 2025 against Bruni, but Thursday's win marked the program's first full-game victory since 2022.
“It was the combination of the entire year’s worth of work,” Riviera coach and athletic director Jay Aleman said. “Coming into this, I didn’t really know when the last time they had won a game. It was in bad shape when I took the job.”
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Aleman said it had been 1,400 days since the team last won a full game, and it became the team's motivation entering the 2026 season.
"One of the biggest things my DC and myself were trying to figure out was the last time they won,” Aleman said. “It was 1,400 days since the 2022 win. We used that as motivation to get the boys fired up.”
Riviera rushed for 287 yards on 49 carries and scored all of its touchdowns on the ground.
Colin Miller led the Seahawks with 93 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Luis Lugo added 73 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries and Evan Mayberry rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown. Michael Thierry added 34 rushing yards and a touchdown.
“It was really emotional last night,” Aleman said. “My wife was with me and it meant a lot. Just the long hours coaches put in, and it meant a lot to see the fruits of your labor. The win helps and gives us momentum going forward in everything we do. We're super excited and blessed to be in a great community like Riviera.”
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Riviera football earns 'emotional' first win since 2022
