ROCKINGHAM — A pair of freshman goal scorers helped the Richmond Senior High School junior varsity boys’ soccer team to its first win of the season on Tuesday.
On the pitch for the first time this winter after following COVID-19 protocols, the JV Raiders and third-year head coach Tad Hamilton defeated Jack Britt High School by a final score of 2-1.
It was the first time in over 15 months that the JV team played a competitive match. Richmond missed its first scheduled game with Pinecrest High School last week because of pandemic guidelines and didn’t play against Purnell Swett High School on Saturday because the Rams don’t have a JV program.
With all of the anticipation building, Hamilton said half the battle on Tuesday was getting his team back to game speed and dialed in.
“I’m proud of the guys and how we played,” Hamilton commented. “It was our first game, so we had to adjust and get used to playing in a competitive match again.”
Putting the Raiders on the board in the first half was freshman Noah Williams. He scored on a penalty kick in the 30th minute.
Fellow freshman James Eason scored the game-winning goal in the 60th minute. Sophomore Ayden Mabe “provided a beautiful cross for the assist” on Eason’s goal.
Part of getting into the groove for the JV Raiders was adjusting to a new scheme, Hamilton explained.
“We ran a new formation, a 3-4-3,” Hamilton noted. “It was brand new to the guys, but they did well. We have a lot to work on, but I’m positive we can move forward and improve.”
The JV Raiders (1-0 SAC) will have a quick turnaround and play another home match on Thursday when they welcome in Hoke County High School. Action is slated to get underway at 5 p.m.
