ROCKINGHAM – There have been two phrases tossed around social media and Raider Stadium this fall regarding the Richmond Senior High School football program — they are “Raider Magic” and “it’s an eight year.”
It’s true that the Raiders’ uncanny ability to win a 4AA state football title in every eighth year of the last four decades can’t be denied. Raider Magic comes in many shapes and sizes, but can oftentimes be connected to big plays or special moments on the gridiron. And these reasons are what what led a former Raider state champion to organize and host a special eight-year championship reunion this Friday.
Wesley Jackson, who was the kicker on the back-to-back Richmond state title teams in 1997 and 1998, has been busy this fall reaching out to dozens of men who all share one thing in common — being a part of an eight-year championship team. Jackson’s hope is to reunite the four eight-year championship teams at Richmond’s game against Scotland High School Friday, as the Raiders look to clinch their first conference title since 2010.
“This is our second year having an event honoring a state championship team,” Jackson, who owns WJ Premiere Real Estate, explained. “Last year we had an event for 20-year anniversary of the 1997 state championship team. This year we are honoring all the ‘eight year’ state championship teams from 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008. I’m personally excited about seeing guys from the 1988 team.”
Former players from any of the championship teams will be granted entrance to the stadium Friday at the field house entrance and be allowed to meet and greet in a special sectioned off zone ahead of kickoff. Pregame pizza and drinks will be served and players are welcomed to stay in the area throughout the game. The pinnacle of the evening, as explained by Jackson, will be to have the four rosters recognized during halftime.
“There is something magical about playing football at Richmond,” Jackson shared about why the reunion is important. “In particular, the years ending in eight. I think Coach (Bryan) Till and the entire staff has really bought into the ‘magic,’ and I think it’s important to honor our past. I also think it’s important for the current team to be able to interact with those that went before them.
“I love Richmond County and I love the Richmond Raider football,” he continued. “I could talk for days about how it impacted my life. There are many reasons why I’m doing this, but for one, I want to honor the tradition, and two, I want it to continue to impact lives.”
Richmond will look to end a seven-year losing streak to the Fighting Scots on senior night Friday, and look to win its eighth-straight game. The Raiders have made easy work of their previous five Sandhills Athletic Conference opponents leading up to Scotland. While many of the current players and coaches are aware of the “eight year” tradition, the words around the locker room this season has been “our year” in hopes of taking home the coveted state title.
“I think this team is special, but I think that is by design,” Jackson said of the 2018 Raiders. “I really love the culture change we’ve seen this year. These kids look like they have bought in. It almost feels magical.
“I’d like to thank Coach Till, Coach (Brad) Denson, Athletic Director (Ricky) Young and Mr. (Jim) Butler,” he concluded. “They are so supportive of this program and we couldn’t do it without them. I’d also like to thank the Richmond Observer for covering Richmond athletics to the extent that it does. I think people underestimate how important it is to cover local athletics.”
Kickoff against the Fighting Scots is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Raider Stadium.
