The Auburn Riverside High School football team is coming into this year after a historic 2023 season. For the first time in school history, the Ravens are looking to go back to the state tournament for a second consecutive year after breaking the 28-year drought.

The Ravens lost to O’Dea, 48-0, and with that loss, 15 seniors played their final game for Riverside. Instead of just replacing those 15, head coach Greg Herd wants his team to “grow into those roles.”

“A guy leaves, you can either fall into that role or grow into it. These guys have been doing all the work to grow into those roles. Then hopefully replicate and be those factors for us on the field,” Herd said.

Herd is just excited to get out and practice with his entire team.

“It is always fun. You’re kind of in that honeymoon stage where all the kids are excited. Nobody is banged up yet, nobody is tired or exhausted yet. I think the biggest part is they have been working hard the last seven weeks in strength and conditioning. They are fired up,” Herd said.

An answer for Herd this year is third year starter Andrew Wold at quarterback. Wold made it a point of emphasis to get stronger in the weight room this year. As of the first day of practice, Herd said he has put on 25 pounds this season. As a result, his work in the weight room is starting to show.

Auburn Riverside also is looking to deploy a fully healthy, newly committed Jonathan Epperson on the 4A NPSL. Nicknamed “Epp,” he and Wold have taken it upon themselves to be the leaders for this Raven program.

“We have a good group of seniors. They are a tight knit group. They all kind of push each other. Andrew is growing into a bigger role, Epp has been doing it. He has had some tandems to do it with, but there is a lot on his shoulders this year,” Herd said.

Epperson is the highest rated recruit since the Ravens had Jaden Robinson, who is now at Oregon State.

“I can’t say anything bad about that kid. He is as good as it gets, he is going to lead us,” Herd said.

The Ravens and rival Auburn left Auburn Mountainview behind and moved up to the 4A division this year. It is the first time that Auburn Mountainview won’t play either school on the gridiron. With the new league for the Ravens comes new challenges.

“If we can stay on that upward path that we are on, that is what I am all about. My goal for us is to be the best team we can be in week ten,” the coach said.

Outside of the new league games, Herd challenged his guys for their first two non-league games as well. The Ravens open with Lakes and then take on 4A SPSL always dangerous Sumner.

“I look at it as, we could easily win those two games. We just gotta have a good fall camp, perform and have a good start to the season. That could really propel us forward,” Wold said.

One of those tough games at the start is on Sept. 5 at home against Lakes. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

Offensive lineman put in work at practice inside Auburn Riverside.

Raven senior Jonathan Epperson leads the way for Riverside and the running backs at practice. Photos by Ben Ray / The Reporter