Senior linebacker Andy Riordan completed his football career at Helena High as the school's third-leading tackler of all-time. For his career, Riordan (pronounced REER-dun) amassed 233 total tackles, including 114 solo tackles and 119 assisted. This places him behind record-holder Andy Petek (1994-96) at 354 tackles, and Zach Butala (1997-98) with 280.

Riordan started out as a center with the Bengals' freshman team, and then played defensive end on the sophomore squad. He switched to linebacker last year, and said that he learned quite a bit about the position from Jake Schwaller.

As a junior, he posted 99 tackles. He led the team this season with 134 total tackles and 69 assists, while tying for the most solo tackles at 65, with Jackson Lang. Riordan was second with three fumble recoveries, third with 267 defensive points, and tied for fourth (with Riley Kurtz) with three quarterback sacks.

Riordan, at 5-foot-10 and 185-pounds, earned back-to-back honorable mention all-state selections his final two years.

He is on pace to earn seven letters; four in wrestling, two in football and one in track.

On the mats, he went 18-12 last year and placed fifth at the Class AA tournament.

In the weight room, his best lift is a 265-pound bench press. On the gridiron, he was timed in 4.94 seconds in the 40-yard sprint.

"Andy is an incredible all-around kid," said HHS grid coach Tony Arnston. "He's a good student and a hard worker. He was great captain for us and a tremendous linebacker. He got our 'Snot Bubbler' award this year as the team's hardest hitter on defense. You just can't ask for a better kid than Andy Riordan."

QWho has had the most influence on your athletics?

A My dad, Kevin Riordan. He always pushed me to be better, and taught me about class. To walk off the field with your head held high when you lose, and don't rub it in when you win.

Q What is the funniest thing you've seen in sports?

A Last year when we beat West, seeing how far down the sidelines (defensive) coach Scott Evans sprinted when we intercepted a pass. He ran maybe 30 or 40 yards.

Q What's your favorite class, and who's your favorite teacher?

AI'll have to say chemistry, and Mr. Shenkel.

Q What are some of your hobbies?

AOutdoor stuff, camping, lacrosse. I played lacrosse in Colorado before we moved to Helena for my freshman year. We're trying to get a lacrosse league started here.

Q Who's your favorite NFL player?

AJohn Lynch of the Broncos, because even though he was undersized, he could still hit harder than almost everybody.