ROCKINGHAM — Just like several other Richmond Senior High School fall sports programs, the boys’ soccer team kicked off its first official week of practice on Monday and Tuesday.
The Raiders have battled the afternoon heat, practicing for two hours each day in preparation for their season opener in two weeks. Out for his second season as the head coach is Chris Larsen, who is looking to claim Richmond’s first Sandhills Athletic Conference title since 2016.
Joining him this fall will be 13 seniors, among them many returning starters from a season ago. Richmond finished the 2018 tied for second place with Hoke County High School, but Larsen hopes that a rigorous summer regimen, coupled with his team’s experience, will propel the Raiders back to the top.
The senior class this season includes: Evan Baxley, Drew Davis, Cole Deane, Luke Hawks, Lee Hayden, Noah, Jordan, Justyn Leviner, Kevyn Leviner, Michael McLaurin, Joey Nicholson, Chandler Sinclair and Blaise Steadman.
Also back is starting junior goalkeeper Kaden Walker. New to the varsity team this year are juniors Noah Aiken, James Ammons, Hector Castro, Johan Chavez, Cale Luckey, Jaxon Mabe, River Meacham, Karym Ojeda, Bradford Pittman, Bryan Stanback and sophomore Alex Medina.
In this edition of Raider Video Chats, viewers will hear from Larsen, Davis, Hawks, Hayden and Jordan, as they discuss the upcoming campaign.
Chris Larsen, head coach
Larsen used the summer break to get several practices in each week to get ready for his second season at the head of the program. In his video, he discusses what was accomplished over the summer as well as what he expects such a strong returning group can do this year. (click photo for video)
Noah Jordan, senior midfielder
Jordan is a three-year returning starter who has been a staple in Richmond’s midfield the past two seasons. As one of the leaders among this year’s squad he talks about how he’s going to maximize those responsibilities and what some attainable goals are for the Raiders. (click photo for video)
Drew Davis, senior center back
Davis’ role as center back is to make sure everything stays in front of him and the keeper. Another one of Larsen’s returning starters, Davis discusses what it’s going to take to get over the hump and win a conference title, as well as what it’s like playing for Larsen. (click photo for video)
Lee Hayden, senior striker
This fall, Hayden will make the transition from playing midfield to becoming a striker. Over the summer he played in the Powerade State Games and notes how that experience will help him in the months to come. He also explains what it means to him to be a Raider soccer player. (click photo for video)
Luke Hawks, senior forward
As a junior, Hawks exploded onto the varsity scene and scored eight goals. In his video, he explains how he’s hoping to maintain a hot foot this fall, while also describing the sense of this year’s team as a “family.” (click photo for video)
The Raiders will scrimmage SAC opponent Hoke County High School on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
