ROCKINGHAM – As Richmond County has made itself a notable football community, local youth players are now finding success on the field.
As featured in an earlier article, the Richmond Youth Football Association is not only giving youngsters a chance to play the game, but helping develop the county’s product and potential.
Team president Errol Hood, who has a storied playing career himself at the University of North Carolina, is leading the charge as the “Baby Raiders” continue their season. Along with vice president Joe Padilla, Hood has established a four-team Richmond County squad (8U, 10U, 12U and 14U) that has received commendable state ranking honors.
A part of the Amateur Athletic Union, the Youth Raiders hosted the Oak City Seminoles at Ninth Grade Academy Saturday. Below are Saturday’s results:
14U: Raiders 30, Seminoles 14
Coached by Hood, the No. 2-ranked Raiders improved to 5-0 on the year. Quarterback Kellan Hood scored three total touchdowns, one through the air and two on the ground. Ciaran Hyslop added a rushing touchdown of his own.
Defensively, the 14U team played lights out, as JD Lampley had a huge day in the Seminoles’ backfield. Cason Douglas added to the mix with an interception.
12U: Seminoles 41, Raiders 0
No highlights reported. The 12U team is 1-4 on the season.
10U: Raiders 54, Seminoles 0
The 10U team, which is ranked No. 4 in the state, also improved to 5-0. Ke’Onta Pegues had three touchdowns, and Keidreion Crump added two more. Bobby Little scored one touchdown.
Quarterback DaQuan Young went 4-7 passing, with 100 yards and a 45-yard touchdown pass. He also had three tackles.
Joe Parsons and AJ Covington each had four solo tackles on defense, and Covington also had a touchdown.
“I’m very proud of the kids for focusing to keep on winning,” head coach Travis Byers said. “Hopefully we make it to Florida (for the playoffs) like the 14U team did last year. The team enjoys making the county proud.”
8U: Raiders 38, Seminoles 25
The 8U team started the day off with a victory, as the No. 11-ranked Raiders improved to 3-2 on the 2017 campaign.
Andre Streeter had two rushing touchdowns and threw for another one. Chance Crowder and Jaziah Cooper each had one rushing touchdown.
“We really would like to get more community support for our home games,” Padilla said. “We have our next home games Saturday, October 14, at Ninth Grade Academy. We encourage the community to come out and support all four teams.”
The 8U team kicks things off at 10 a.m., followed by 10U at 10:30 a.m., 12U at 1 p.m. and 14U at 2:30 p.m.