Crusader Coronation: Riordan leaves no doubt, dominates Serra to win first CCS Open Division championship
SAN JOSE — When an errant Serra pass stuck to the outstretched hand of Archbishop Riordan cornerback/wide receiver Cynai Thomas, the Crusaders knew one thing that they had long since suspected.
Friday was their day.
Two weeks after falling into a two-touchdown hole in a de facto West Catholic Athletic League championship game against Serra, it was Riordan who jumped out to an early two-score lead in the CCS Open Division championship game at San Jose City College. But unlike in the last edition in San Mateo, which turned into a thriller, the Crusaders kept the pedal down on Friday, continuously fortifying their advantage until it became insurmountable.
All that was left at the end was for Riordan to put the finishing touches on its 33-13 statement victory over Serra – a highlight-reel defensive snag for Thomas, who also grabbed two receiving touchdowns, and one final kneeldown for quarterback Michael Mitchell Jr., who had three TD passes.
“To win an Open Division CCS title, like, that’s something big,” Mitchell said. “That’s never happened before. I know they had one (Medium Division title) in 2007. That was when I was born, which is crazy. But I’m just so proud of this team, and I’m so happy for this school community that we get to enjoy this success that football hasn’t had for a while.”
Archbishop Riordan’s Michael Mitchell Jr. (9) holds the trophy up after Archbishop Riordan won against Serra during the CCS Open Division championship at San Jose City College in San Jose, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
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