It’s a new season for the River Bluff football team as the program continues to grow heading into coach Perry Parks' second year on the job. 

In his first year, Parks led the Gators to a 0.500 regular season, going (5-5) while playing in one of the toughest regions in football. The team made it to the playoffs and won a game against Cane Bay before being eliminated in the second round on the road. 

With a full year at the school under their belts, Parks and co. are looking for further improvement as they’ve had more time to work together. 

“You’re not drinking water out of the fire hose,” Parks said on heading into year two. “ You’re able to fix the glass and just enjoy it, build a better relationship with the guys. They know our expectations and what our program, culture and standards are.” 

This season, the Gators’ goals are simple. They want to win the region, advance in the playoffs and end the season with a state championship trophy held above their heads. 

River Bluff returns a majority of their players and coaches from last season, giving the team a sense of continuity that Parks said is beneficial to winning. 

“They can do better versus teaching new people or teaching new coaches what our standards and expectations are,” he said. “That's something we pride ourselves in.”

The Gators will utilize their best playmakers this season and try to keep other teams on their toes. 

Offensively, tempo will be key to tiring out opposing defenses and getting their best players touches. On defense, the team will prioritize preventing explosive plays by playing out of a 4-3, two-high shell formation. This should force opponents to settle for quick, short gains rather than long, deep plays. 

River Bluff began its season during the week zero window, hosting Cane Bay. The Gators' non-region portion of the schedule will run until Sept. 25. 

“Playing a lot of good teams in the area,” Parks said. “Some very good challenges early that will hopefully get us prepared for the region season.”

Players to watch 

River Bluff has plenty of talent returning for the team this year on both sides of the ball. 

Wide receiver Darius Carter headlines the offensive returners. He is one of the team’s leaders and had close to 1,000 yards receiving last year. 

Opposite him is receiver Kingston Dunn. Parks said he has been one of the most impressive players from this offseason. Junior Hamp Pitts is another pass-catching threat at tight end. 

Reed Parker and Chase Sessions will anchor the offensive line. Caleb Pinkney will run behind them as this year’s primary running back. 

On defense, Reece Huffstetler is back for another year at linebacker. He will share the field with incoming transfer Bubba Alexander. 

In the secondary, Pinkney, Caleb Renwrick, Nick Washington, Jyree Grady and Collin Pinkney will get the most reps. 

Colt Manley, Brady Williams, RJ Jacobs and Preston Minor will man the defensive line. 

Some position battles were still going well into training camp, and a few won’t be fully decided until a few weeks into the regular season. 

The quarterback battle between returning starter Brayden Moore and Davis Taylor is one Parks has been keeping an extra close eye on. 

2026 schedule 

Week 0 - vs. Cane Bay - Aug. 21

Week 1 - vs. Gray Collegiate - Aug. 28

Week 2 - at Spring Valley - Sept. 4

Week 3 - at Midland Valley - Sept. 11

Week 4 - vs. Keenan - Sept. 18

Week 5 - vs. AC Flora - Sept. 25

Week 6 - vs. Chapin* - Oct. 2

Week 7 - BYE - Oct. 9

Week 8 - at Dutch Fork* - Oct. 16

Week 9 - vs. White Knoll* - Oct. 23

Week 10 - at Lexington* - Oct. 30

Note: (*) indicates a game against a region opponent