ROCKINGHAM — For the last time in this four-part ROSports exclusive, Richmond Senior High School head football coach Bryan Till shares his pre-game journal from the 2019 season.
Note from sports editor Kyle Pillar
In this final installment, Coach Till highlights the Raiders’ playoff run. Richmond entered the 4AA postseason undefeated with 11 wins, and received a first-round bye following being tabbed the No. 1 seed in the West bracket.
A lot of outside talk took place about how the West bracket was “too tough” or “not fair” for the Raiders to play in. Instead, Till and the Raiders grabbed the proverbial bull by the horns and made one of the most impressive playoff runs by Richmond in recent memory.
Not one to shy away from a tough challenge or an opportunity to see his players put together a complete team win, Till was adamant from the start that the Raiders could do damage in the playoffs and were fearless.
Some said the Raiders didn’t want the “smoke” of teams like Myers Park High School, but rather Richmond created its own storm and showed they deserved to be the No. 1 team in the 4AA West.
In round two, Richmond held off a tough No. 8 Hough High School team, 36-27, to set up a much-anticipated rematch with Myers Park in the third round.
Meeting for the second season in a row in the same round at the same location, the Raiders used a career-high four rushing touchdowns from Caleb Hood to diffuse the smoke of the Mustangs and advance to their first regional championship in 11 seasons. The Raiders mounted a comeback win to defeat the Mustangs 35-32.
However, Richmond’s season would come to an abrupt end in the West regional finals, suffering a 38-7 loss to Vance High School. Although the Raiders would come up short in achieving their goal of winning a state championship, Till talks about the magical playoff run, which starts below.
Second Round, Hough
We had a bye last week in the first round and only practiced two days outside due to the weather. One of our starting DEs hasn’t practiced since our last game and won’t play tonight, even with the bye. I really thought he would be okay because it was back spasms, but it has taken him so long for them to loosen he isn’t ready for tonight.
One of our coaches had a grandmother pass away last week, another one had to have his newborn seen for an eye issue. Two of our players had grandparents pass away this week. It really is amazing how all of these lives intersect. I hope we were some comfort to these guys and players.
We talk about it being bigger than football and we want that to show. However, there is always that lingering doubt that clouds your mind. The team we play this week is extremely talented but many of them are from all over Charlotte via transfers in the last couple of years.
Of course, we are the exact opposite of that. These young men have basically grown up here and dreamed of this opportunity. Let our bond be our strength! Lord, I pray that You will help them to fulfil their dreams tonight and the next several weeks. I pray for their safety and for them to love one another through all circumstances. Love is strong and it is our ultimate weapon. I pray for love among these young men and their coaches.
Third Round, Myers Park
We have really been looking forward to playing these guys. This team ended our season last year and playing them again this year gives us a shot at redemption. It can’t just be about that though. It has to be about what we are doing to play well.
The emotion will burn off quickly and how we handle it will be big. Love for each other and teamwork will be most important. The offense will need the defense to get stops and the defense will need the offense to score. If either one has a bad possession then the other side has to pick it up.
Special Teams will be big as well. We can’t give up a score or big return, but they also block punts well. Field position will be our ally if we can get it and keep it. With it being Thanksgiving week I feel like the players and coaches have handled it extremely well. Lord I ask You for calm in my spirit and wisdom in my thoughts. Give us the ability to play with the gifts You have given us tonight and we will give You glory, regardless!
Round Four, Vance
Tonight we face the defending Western champs. I am really nervous for this game as compared to last week. I am writing this at 11:05 a.m. instead of after school in order to get my mind right. There seems to be a lot of unknowns and those make me nervous.
Last week I was more excited. This defense is definitely the best we have faced, but people try to make them sound like it is impossible to score on them. Our offense has been almost unstoppable for four quarters this year so something has to give.
Their offense has some explosive guys but nothing we haven’t seen in the last two weeks. If we can win on defense and give our offense the ball in great situations, I feel really good, but just the unknown… What if they onside kick, what if they go up top on the first play, what if, what if.
These thoughts are counterproductive and I have to shut them out. Lord give me Your wisdom. With that there will be peace. I will work to control what I can and leave the rest up to You. I thank You for showing my family love and taking care of all that really matters. Let me be at my best tonight for these young men and coaches.
Actually, Lord, make me better than what I could be alone. In Your strength Lord.
4:10 p.m. — Two older men came in tonight during pregame. One used to work here and one used to play here. They have some interesting things to say… It’s interesting that they even came in actually. You never know what is going to happen around here. Just need to keep the routine. Thank you Lord for that blessing.
State Championship Week
Tough not playing this week again this year. Getting the equipment ready and put up, going to a recruiting fair, meeting with college coaches, so we are still so busy… I just would rather be busy planning and practicing…eventually.
I have to say that I am extremely proud of this group of men. Looking forward to seeing their future and what it holds… Hard to believe this is the last entry of the 2019 season. GO RAIDERS!!
