ROCKINGHAM — Continuing his ROSports exclusive, Richmond head football coach Bryan Till delivers the second of his four parts of his pre-game journal from the 2019 season.
Note from sports editor Kyle Pillar
In this edition, Till’s journal highlights the first four games of the Raiders’ Sandhills Athletic Conference schedule, which were during Week 6 through Week 9. For the second-straight year, Richmond would sweep its SAC opponents and earn its second consecutive conference title with an exciting win over rival Scotland High School (which will be featured in the third installment).
During the first four games of conference play, the Raiders defeated Purnell Swett, Pinecrest, Jack Britt and Hoke County high schools. In a 35-0 win over the Rams in Week 6, weather shortened the game to just two quarters before both coaches agreed to call the game.
It marked the first time in program history two games in a single season (Anson and Purnell Swett) were called at halftime.
The Raiders opened SAC play with back-to-back shutouts over the Rams and Pinecrest (36-0). Their first real test came against Jack Britt, when the Raiders trailed for the first time all season 21-19 early in the third quarter. But seven rushing touchdowns, four by Jaheim Covington, and 34 unanswered points led to another win.
Against Hoke County, Richmond used a running clock in the second half to defeat the Bucks 49-14. The win made it an 8-0 overall start for the Raiders, and proved to be the 43rd time in 44 tries Richmond defeated Hoke County.
Below is the start of Till’s journal.
Purnell Swett, Week 6
Crazy day and tough week. Several of our guys have had detention for tardies to class and therefore had extra duty after practice. We have practiced well in spite of that, but it has made it tough to believe in them this week.
I feel like it is important they know we believe they can do the job, but when your belief is affected in one area it makes it hard to communicate belief in another. On top of that, I had to be in the cafeteria all day today in order to have enough coverage. Typically I don’t on a Friday but we are part of a team in the building, too, and I have to do my part when needed.
After that, the pregame meal was late getting started. Being off schedule anytime just about gives me an ulcer, but especially on Friday when the schedule and routine gives me comfort. We are back on schedule now and the meal was good so my system is calming down. This type of day makes me question whether I am 100%. I have to be able to give the boys my best since I expect it from them.
God, my prayer tonight is that You would calm my emotions enough that I can think clearly, but allow the boys to see how much I care for them and this team. Guide my heart and mind to Your will in spite of the distractions. Let me make it about the team and not my discomfort.
Pinecrest, Week 7
I love you Lord, and I lift my voice to worship You, oh my soul rejoice. Take joy my King in what You hear. Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear. Great devotion about salt and light tonight by Hamlet First Baptist Pastor Allison Farrah. Lord, I pray that my light would so shine before men that it would reveal You in everything this team does tonight.
These guys are extremely disciplined and play hard. They also do some things we really don’t see the rest of the year. I think our guys are prepared and they know their rules on defense, but anything can happen. Lord, I give You praise for tonight in advance.
It is my mom’s birthday and would love to get the win for her on this night. Help us be our best against a worthy opponent. So many moving pieces that Your strength is all that will suffice. Lord, please keep our boys safe and healthy as we go forward.
Jack Britt, Week 8
Early entry this week with the road trip. Hard to get a rhythm on Fridays because there is always something going on. Control what you can. I thank you Lord for the men you have put together to lead this team. I pray for Your wisdom in their minds and hearts tonight.
Thank You for our young men and give us all the ability to work well together tonight. The last time we were at Jack Britt we fractured as a team, and as a coach it has stuck with me. I pray so deeply now Lord for UNITY in all circumstances tonight. Help this team to be as one and to LOVE each other. Thank you God for your confidence and peace in this.
Hoke County, Week 9
Lord I just give thanks to You for bringing this community together is so many ways. We have won the Panthers’ helmet contest and will be getting 24 brand new helmets at no cost. SO many in our community committed to voting and making sure this happened.
This comes on a day when we play a much improved Hoke County team that has given everyone all they wanted when it comes to playing on Friday. They have won more games this year than in the last 4 years combined. We need to play together! On top of that one of our starting LBs had to have an emergency appendectomy on Monday and won’t be playing.
Our top starting corner didn’t practice until Wednesday with some significant bruising in his shoulder that decreased his mobility until then. Practice has been good but we have had to really rep a lot of different guys and you never know if they will respond on Friday the same way they do in practice since it will be at a different speed.
On top of that, I will be sitting one of our starting DEs for discipline. He has had a rough week in general and I pray that God can continue to move in his life. God, please protect our boys tonight and help them to bring the best of what You have given them. We Love You and thank You for everything.
ROSports will publish the third of this four-part series later this week.
