ROCKINGHAM — Senior soccer player Jesus Castro has been named the first Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week, presented by HWY 55, of the 2023-24 school year.
A four-year returning starter for head coach Chris Larsen and the Raiders, Castro helped the team to a season-opening victory.
Castro has proven to be a facilitator on the field as a center midfielder, and has earned himself his third career recognition. He was an Athlete of the Week for soccer once during his sophomore and junior seasons.
Athletic Profile
Year: Senior
Fall Sport: Soccer
Position: Center Midfielder
Years on Varsity: 4 years
“ON THE PITCH” WITH JESUS CASTRO
The Raiders opened play last week with a pair of non-conference matches and netted a 1-1 record.
Castro was a key part of a 3-2 season-opening victory at home against St. Pauls High School last Tuesday. He registered Richmond’s first goal of the fall and added a pair of assists.
In the 11th minute, Castro took a free kick from about 30 yards. His shot arced into the box and bounced one time past the keeper along the right post.
St. Pauls tied the game entering halftime and it was Castro’s dishing of the ball that helped the Raiders get the win.
Trailing 2-1 in the second half, Castro took another free kick in the 56th minute. His shot went on frame and there to put it in the net was senior James Eason, the first of his two goals in the match.
An exciting finish to the game got started by Castro in the final 90 seconds. Taking the ball across midfield, he sent a long overhead pass to Eason down the right side.
Going 1v1, Eason slotted the game-winning goal on the assist from Castro.
Richmond (1-1) will return to action on Monday against non-conference Independence High School (2-0), beginning at 7 p.m.
RAPID RESPONSE VIDEO WITH JESUS CASTRO
Watch a video interview of Castro, who discusses his performance against St. Pauls, the Raiders start to the season and answers a couple of fun questions.
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
