ROCKINGHAM — During Wednesday’s practice, offensive coordinator Brad Denson told Richmond’s quarterbacks and running backs that the preparation for a state championship run starts with a team’s willingness to be mentally tough after a grueling 10-game regular season.
Sitting atop the 4A East as the No. 1 seed, the Raiders will begin that journey of chasing the program’s hopeful eighth state title on Friday at home against No. 32 Jack Britt High School.
Denson, a two-time state championship quarterback for the Raiders in 1997 and 1998, also told the position players that the focus is now set on one game at a time for the next six weeks.
That sentiment was echoed by head coach Bryan Till, who added that every practice rep and game situation matters a little bit more from this point forward.
“We really have to believe in our standard of preparation,” Till explained of gearing up for the playoffs. “Our guys have to take pride in playing every play and knowing each of those could be the one that is the difference in the game when it is all said and done. We are not promised anything.”
Coach Kemp McSween directs the offensive line in drills during Wednesday’s practice. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Richmond (9-1) has been hard at work all season preparing for its fifth straight playoff appearance under Till, and 27th straight appearance overall dating back to 1995.
The team has gone 4-4 in the postseason since 2017, Till’s first season, and he hopes to use that experience to help guide the Raiders this fall.
“Hopefully, just like the kids, we as coaches continue to get better,” Till said. “We have experience against a lot of good opponents and know what it takes from a preparation standpoint to get our guys ready and to try and exploit any matchups we see.”
The Raiders will open this year’s postseason against the Buccaneers (4-5), a team they have a regular and postseason history with.
From 2017 to 2020, Richmond and Jack Britt met three times as conference opponents in the Sandhills Athletic Conference. The Raiders won the last two contests (2018, 2019) and didn’t play the Bucs during the shortened spring season.
Leading the all-time series 14-2, Richmond also holds a 2-1 record against Jack Britt in the playoffs. One of those wins was the team’s last state title victory, a 38-35 victory in 2008.
“We haven’t played these guys in a few years, but there is respect for the program that has been there for several years,” Till said of Jack Britt. “We know they will play all four quarters and so we will have to as well.”
Senior wide receiver Cason Douglas catches a pass from Coach Andy Shuler. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
Jack Britt snuck into the 4A East bracket as the lowest-seeded team after finishing fourth in the 3A/4A United 8 Conference. The Buccaneers ended the regular season losing three of their final four games.
Using a platoon of players to run the offense, Till called the Buccaneers “the most multiple of any offense we have played this year, and that is saying something.”
“They have at least four guys who will take a snap, including two quarterbacks, No. 15 (Jackson Powell) and No. 4 (Josiah Burbank),” Till explained. “They also use two running backs in No. 1 (Sincere Baines) and No. 5 (Jemell Vereen).”
“They will line up with five wide receivers and with three tight ends, or line up with both running backs in the backfield and no quarterback,” he continued. “They have one set where four defensive players come in. We have to be prepared for anything we could see.”
Richmond’s defense, which has held opponents to just 18.4 points per game this season, will look to contain Vereen as the top tailback (813 yards on 132 carries and 11 touchdowns) and Baines (589 yards on 101 touches and 8 scores).
Both are on the radar in the receiving game as well, with Baines leading the team with 22 catches for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns. Vereen has 10 catches for 222 yards and Till said wideout Trevaun Allen “has made some big plays” in the passing game.
Burbank has thrown for 494 yards on 35 completions and 5 TDs, while Powell is close behind at 32 completions for 417 yards and 3 scores.
Defensive line coach Spencer Shaw demonstrates pass rushing techniques with sophomore Jacoby Martin (33). (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
On defense, the Buccaneers base out of a 3-4 scheme with multiple coverages.
“The defense has been good the last two years and several of their offensive stars (Allen, Baines, Vereen) also play on D,” Till explained. “They are big, and according to several coaches in Cumberland County, are very physical.”
Linebacker Tyler Jefress leads the Bucs with 101 tackles (11.2 per game) and has added 5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Defensive end Kyle Johnson has a team-high 6 sacks and 18 tackles for loss, defensive tackle Amarie Daniels has recorded 12 TFL and a sack and Zach Pickel has added 4 sacks.
When the Raiders take the field on Friday, their skill, talent, preparation and execution will be a big part of their game plan. But Till also said some intangibles could have an impact on a deep playoff run.
“The big thing with this group is they have a chip on their shoulder and they play together,” Till said. “They know a lot of people wrote us off before the season started.
“There are also several guys on this squad who should have college offers but don’t right now. When you combine those things, these guys want to go out every week and show people just how good they are. They believe in each other and in the fact that we can win.”
Kickoff against Jack Britt is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased using GoFan.co.
Follow the Richmond Observer on Twitter @ROSports_ for live updates.
