ROCKINGHAM — A special send-off for the Richmond Senior High School football team is being organized by community members and fans.
The No. 4 Raiders will travel to No. 1 Cardinal Gibbons High School for the second round of the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs Friday, but ticket sales to the game are limited due to COVID-19 protocols.
Hoping to strike up a little Raider Magic and show the team the community’s support, Dr. Mary Catherine Moree is spearheading the event and asking fans to line US 1 North as Richmond’s buses depart the high school.
Moree graduated from Richmond in 2002, and her husband Joey Moree, an assistant principal at Rockingham Middle School, also graduated from Richmond in 2000.
“Joey and I have been lifelong Raider fans, and there are not many games that we miss,” Dr. Moree said. “When I was in med school, we traveled from Greenville to Raider games. Most people know we are a die-hard Raider family.
“We are disappointed we won’t be able to go, but we thought this would be something nice to show the boys support from their community as they leave the county,” she added. “Raider fans travel well, so this is a good way for people who can’t go to show their support.”
Only 350 tickets will be made available to Richmond’s fanbase for Friday’s game, with players’ families getting the first opportunity to buy them.
Moree is encouraging fans to line up along US 1 North around 3 p.m., as the Raiders are slated to leave Richmond at 3:10 p.m.
She’s spoken to officials at Freedom Baptist Church and said the church’s parking lot will be made available for the event. Richmond County Hospice, located just north on US 1 from Freedom Baptist, will also participate.
“We’d love for fans to show up in their green and gold,” Moree said. “My children will be making signs, and we hope others will bring signs, cowbells and whatever else they can to be as enthusiastic as possible.
“My kids know on Friday nights we’re going to Raider Stadium or traveling to watch the team,” she added. “My son wants to play for the Raiders and my daughter wants to cheer for them. This type of event is what makes our community so special.”
Head coach Bryan Till echoed Moree’s statement, adding he believes it’s important for the team to see the community’s support on game day.
“This is one of the things that is so special about Richmond Senior,” Till explained. “We have an entire county to back us, even if most fans can’t be at the game.
“To show that support would mean the world to our kids,” he closed. “They’ll see that the community cares, and I think it’s important for our young people to feel that support.”
Kickoff between the Raiders and Crusaders is set for 7 p.m. on Friday. For live, in-game updates, follow RO Sports on Twitter: @ROSports_.
