ROCKINGHAM — It’s finally game week for the Richmond Raider varsity football team.
For the first time since early Dec. 2019, the Raiders and their coaches have spent the last three days preparing for a specific opponent. Richmond is set to open its season Friday at Pinecrest High School.
Head coach Bryan Till said the jump in the team’s energy has been apparent this week at practice, which is a good sign heading into a game against a Patriots program that is well-disciplined.
“We’ve been practicing fairly well, and it’s amazing to see the guys naturally become more excited when preparing for an opponent,” Till said. “The tempo is upbeat, there’s more noise, some trash talking in a good way, and there’s a pep in the kids’ step.
“Getting to practice for a specific opponent is also a good thing,” he added. “The kids have followed instructions well and it’s unbelievable we’ve finally made it to this point.”
Dating back to the 2014 season, the Raiders are currently riding a six-game winning streak over the Patriots. During Till’s tenure the last three years, Richmond has outscored Pinecrest 95-7, including back-to-back shutouts the last two seasons.
Friday’s meeting will be a clash between the top two teams in the Sandhills Athletic Conference from a year ago, as the Raiders look to start their run at a third-straight conference championship.
The Patriots have the upperhand of getting their first-game jitters out of the way, having defeated Hoke County High School by two points in Week 1 thanks to a late-game safety. Till also noted the Raiders know what to expect when it comes to playing the Patriots.
“Pinecrest has made a name for itself since Coach (Chris) Metzger took over,” Till said. “We know they run the ball a certain way and try to make big plays in the passing game.
“They are well-coached and have a system in place with tons of participation,” he added. “That competition breeds better players.”
Of the Patriots’ win over Hoke County, Till noted Pinecrest “fell in line and ran the power and the option,” and that they “leveraged the ball well on defense.”
Pinecrest ran the ball for over 200 yards in Week 1, and Richmond is gearing up to slow down running backs Nicholas Marella and Savion Kiser. Till explained the more the Patriots run the ball, the more they are able to wear opposing defenses out.
Richmond is also aware of tight end Hunter Neifert, who “caught a bunch of balls” from senior quarterback Braxton Barber, who is new to the position this season. The Patriots run multiple formations, Till said, like twins overlook and a double tight wishbone, which are schemes that “no one else does.”
“We need to adapt, and play and coach football on the fly,” Till said of being prepared. “I want us to fly around, be physical and have fun.
“Our guys are very talented and have been waiting a long time to play. If they play the game they love fast and physical, and limit mistakes as much as possible, we hopefully will play really good on Friday.”
Several players for Richmond will get their first starts at either a new position or as the new No. 1 on Friday. Those include junior quarterback Kellan Hood, who is moving into the role after playing wide receiver last year, and senior running back Jaron Coleman, who is now the team’s go-to tailback.
Experienced receivers like Tremel Jones and Dalton Stroman, along with a sizable offensive line led by senior Jaleel Davis, are also expected to be game-changers for the Raiders.
The secondary and new 4-3 defense will also get its first taste of live action against the Patriots. Like with any first game of a new season, Till anticipates there to be things the Raiders have to adjust to early on, but he believes Richmond will be able to compete against the Patriots.
“A lot of guys are going to play in a lot of places,” Till closed. “With our numbers down a little this year, we’re going to move guys around and do different things on offense and defense. But early in the season, that’s good for us.”
Kickoff between the Raiders and Patriots (1-0) is set for 6 p.m. on Friday in Southern Pines. To purchase digital tickets, click here.
