ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Senior High School athletics will return in full force this week following spring break.
Several programs will continue their regular seasons, football will begin its run for a 4A state championship and the final round of spring sports kick off with the first day of official practice on Monday.
Tickets for all of Richmond’s home games and matches can be purchased online by clicking here.
Lady Raider softball looks to return to win column
After dropping its last two games, the Richmond softball team will look to right the ship with two games this week. The Lady Raiders are 4-3 against Sandhills Athletic Conference opponents, and start with a home game against Pinecrest (1-5) on Monday.
Head coach Mike Way and company will then head to second-place Jack Britt (5-2) on Wednesday for a pivotal conference matchup. In the Lady Raiders’ first games against Pinecrest and Jack Britt, they mercy-ruled both teams by scores of 11-1 and 13-3, respectively.
Richmond currently sits in fourth place, a game behind Scotland. Both matchups will be varsity only, and begin at 6 p.m.
Lady Raider soccer trying to stay near the top of the conference standings
Head coach Chris Larsen and the Lady Raider soccer team have won five straight matches and will look to remain near the top of the SAC standings. With a 6-1 record, Richmond stands alone in second place behind Pinecrest (8-0).
The Lady Patriots will visit Richmond on Monday at 7 p.m., and the home team will look to avenge its only loss of the season to the conference leaders. Another key SAC matchup will take place Wednesday at third-place Jack Britt (4-2-1). The Lady Raiders earned a 2-1 win over the Lady Buccaneers on March 22.
During the current winning streak, the Lady Raiders have outscored their opponents 20-4. Play against Jack Britt is varsity only and will start at 6 p.m.
Raider tennis returns to action with pair of doubleheaders
The boys’ tennis team ended play ahead of spring break with a pair of wins over Jack Britt to even its record at 2-2.
Richmond will look to better its conference mark with a home match against Hoke County on Tuesday, followed by a road trip to Lumberton on Thursday. Both matches will be doubleheaders, slated to begin at 4 p.m.
Richmond golf teams head to Pinehurst No. 5
Continuing their respective seasons will be the Richmond boys’ and girls’ golf teams on Monday at Pinehurst No. 5. It will be the teams’ fourth regular-season match of the spring, and the first time playing the Ellis Maples designed course.
The Raiders have finished second in the last two matches and hold a second-place standing in the SAC with 18.5 points, a full point ahead of rival Scotland. The Lady Raiders have taken third in all three previous matches, earning 18 points, one ahead of Lumberton.
Richmond will tee off in the first flight Monday at 2 p.m.
No. 4 Raiders host No. 5 Middle Creek in first round of 4A East playoffs
The NCHSAA released its playoff brackets on Saturday, and despite only playing three regular-season games, the Raiders earned a home game in the first round. Having won the SAC with a perfect winning percentage, Richmond and head coach Bryan Till received the No. 4 seed in the 4A East.
Not competing in the 4AA bracket for the first time since subdivided playoffs started in 2001, Richmond (3-0) will welcome in No. 5 Middle Creek High School (6-1). It will be the first meeting in history between the two programs on the gridiron.
Richmond returned to practice last week after following COVID-19 protocols, which cost the team its final three regular-season games. Kickoff against the Mustangs is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday and the Richmond Observer will preview the matchup later this week.
Final slate of spring sports begin official play ahead of openers
Per the NCHSAA’s modified sports calendar, Monday is the first day of tryouts for the final four remaining high school spring sports: baseball, girls’ tennis, boys’ and girls’ track and field and wrestling.
There is a two-week window for teams to conduct tryouts and hold practices and scrimmages before regular seasons begin on Monday, April 26.
