ROCKINGHAM — At the close of Monday’s practice, Brad Denson reminded the Richmond Senior High School football program of two things.
One — it’s rivalry week.
And two — Thursday’s meeting with Pinecrest High School has conference championship implications on the line.
The Raiders will continue their hopeful quest of finishing out the regular season undefeated when they make the trip to Pinecrest Thursday.
School officials announced Monday afternoon that the Sandhills Athletic Conference game would be played a day earlier than scheduled due to the threat of inclement weather.
“Having the short week does change us up a little, but we will make it work because that’s what we do,” Denson explained. “Pinecrest is coming off of a bye week, so they have had plenty of time to prepare for us.
“We feel good about being ready, but when it comes to game night, you just start to get in the flow and it comes naturally.”
The meeting between the Raiders (3-2, 1-0 SAC) and Patriots (4-0) has intensified the past handful of seasons. Richmond leads the all-time series 41-5, but the Patriots have earned two of those five wins in the past two seasons.
While the tide has shifted in favor of Pinecrest the last few years, Denson said the Raiders aren’t focusing on that as much as they are on sticking to their preparation methods that have proven successful.
That said, there is a little extra edge to a rivalry game on the road.
“We don’t prepare any differently, we’re still going about our business as normal,” Denson said. “However, there is usually a little more energy and focus on a rivalry week.
“Every game is a big game for us because it’s the next one up, but I will be honest, there is a little more that goes into one of these. Rivalries are always a great atmosphere and fun to play in, and hopefully this one isn’t anything different.”
The Patriots and head coach Nick Eddins, who has ties to Richmond, are 4-0 through their first four games and are coming off a bye week.
While its record is perfect, Pinecrest has played teams that are a combined 5-11 this season. It’s only win over a team with a winning record was in Week 4 against New Hanover High School (2-1), which was a comeback victory in overtime.
Taking all of that into consideration, the Raiders are hoping to put an end to the Patriots’ perfect start, as well as the two-game skid to their Moore County neighbors.
Part of the approach, Denson said, is sticking to what Richmond knows it’s capable of doing. And not losing sight of what’s important.
“We say it all the time to the guys — ‘we are not playing an opponent, we are playing the game,’” Denson said. “If we play the game the way it’s supposed to be played, normally things take care of themselves.
“Obviously, we need to take care of the football, create a turnover or two, play great special teams and just do what we are coached to do on each side of the ball. If we do that, I feel confident we will be fine.”
The Patriots’ offense will be another layered opponent for Richmond that has similarities to Butler, Cardinal Gibbons and Myers Park.
Quarterbacked by senior Cody Hansen, Pinecrest uses a couple of running backs and a few wide receivers to do most of its offensive damage. The Patriots are averaging 46.3 points per game on offense, while allowing 30.5 points on defense.
Hansen is 42-of-67 passing this season with 445 yards, seven passing scores and three interceptions.
Senior Elijah Melton and sophomore Eric Melton are the top-two wide receivers. Elijah Melton’s 18 receptions and 133 yards lead the team, but his other stats are comparable to Eric Melton Breck Bosanko. Both have nine catches for 131 yards and three TDs.
Out of the backfield, Richmond’s rush defense will look to slow down senior Zymire Spencer (64 carries, 534 yards) and junior Chris Najm (49 rushes, 450 yards). The two running backs have combined for 16 scores.
“On offense, they are multiple,” Denson noted. “They have a couple of go-to running backs and a couple of go-to receivers out on the perimeter. Their QB is very shifty and smart, as well.
“They will RPO (an opponent), so we have to again do what we are coached to do. We will be challenged on the defensive side of the ball with all of their playmakers and scheme but I think our guys are up for it.”
On the other side of the ball, Pinecrest has struggled at times this season to limit opposing offenses from scoring. Against Middle Creek in Week 3, the Patriots allowed 55 points in a seven-point win.
Top tackles include junior linebacker Cole Harrison (24), junior Tanner Corwin (19) and senior Kamari Ingram (16). As a team, Pinecrest has only recorded four quarterback sacks in four games.
“They run different fronts and mix the coverages well,” explained Denson. “We have to be able to decipher what front and coverage they are in and just do what we are coached to do from there.
“Our staff has done a great job throughout the year of putting game plans together, and this one is no different.”
Denson, who will make his coaching debut against Pinecrest, reiterated the imperativeness of Richmond County’s football fans making the trip north up U.S. Hwy 1 despite it being a school and work night.
“It’s a big game with conference championship implications on the line,” Denson pointed out. “It’s at their place, it’s a rivalry, on the field we don’t like each other and we just want to win. We need Raider Nation to show up.
“Yes, there is a chance of rain, but there is also a chance that it doesn’t rain. They make things called rain jackets, rain suits, ponchos, umbrellas or whatever you would like to keep the rain off of you. Go buy one or dig deep in the closet to find yours and come out and support these guys.
“It’s amazing to turn around when we are on the road and see the stands full and then watch our guys feed off of it,” he closed. “Remember, game time is 7 p.m. so leave work and be at the stadium by 6:45 p.m. to go get a win. We need the Raider faithful!”
Kickoff has been moved to an earlier 7 p.m. start time Thursday. Tickets, which are $10 apiece, can be purchased by clicking here.
