ROCKINGHAM — A different looking opponent is on the docket for the Richmond Raider football team in its second week.
In the wake of the Raiders’ near upset against a top-five ranked team last week, a wealth of support has flowed through the community ahead of Richmond’s home opener.
With “Beat Butler” signs popping up at local businesses, the Raiders are now 24 hours from hosting Butler High School in its home opener Friday.
Hoping things go a step further in the right direction, Richmond and first-year head coach Brad Denson are looking to punch into the win column after coming up a touchdown short a week ago.
Denson noted that the early-season hype is appreciated and beneficial to the Raiders’ preparation for the Bulldogs, but added that there is still more work to be done.
“There is some excitement and buzz around us right now and that’s great,” Denson shared. “However, the reality is that we are 0-1 and we lost in week one.
“Did we play well? Yes, but it wasn’t good enough to win,” he added. “So we have to get it fixed and find a way to get in the win column.”
Marching into Raider Stadium Friday will be the Butler Bulldogs, a team which made it to the fourth round of the NCHSAA 4A state playoffs last year. A familiar non-conference opponent for Richmond, the Raiders and Butler have played each season since 2013, save for the 2020 season.
The Raiders have won four of those 10 meetings, the most recent in 2021 at Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. In the past two meetings, however, Richmond has been outscored 90-20.
Hoping to end that slide and win the team’s first non-conference game since Sept. 9, 2022, Denson and the Raiders are preparing for a team that will take a different approach than Seventy-First.
“This week is much different than last week when it comes to schemes,” Denson explained. “Seventy-First is a downhill run-heavy team with some large humans coming at you. Butler is pass heavy but they have a run game as well.
“We have to play sound defense and be aware of situations,” he continued. “Their QB can spin it and can make decisions quickly. Hopefully we are good with our assignments and coverages, and with that we can get some pressure on them and possibly force a turnover or two.”
In week one, Richmond created defensive pressure but wasn’t able to recover any turnovers.
The Bulldogs (0-1), who were blown out 64-14 last week by Rolesville High School, will be led by senior quarterback Zachary Lawrence. Under center last season for Butler, Lawrence was the starter that led the team to a 40-point win.
During last season’s meeting, the Bulldogs also used a strong return game to break the game open, including two punts that were taken back for a score.
Trying to learn from the miscues last season, in addition to a team that is a year more experience, the Raiders are geared up for what will be a versatile Butler offense.
“Butler will run multiple formations, but it’s nothing that we have not seen before,” Denson explained. “(Lawrence) is what makes them go, and coming off of his performance from last year against us, I’m sure he will be locked in.”
In containing the Butler offense, Denson said “assignment football is key this week.”
Richmond’s defense stood tall against a strong rushing attack by Seventy-First last week. Now a week more battle tested, the Raiders hope to expose the same weaknesses of Butler’s offense that Rolesville did a week ago.
“Defensively, they are an even front team with four downed lineman,” Denson shared. “And they run several coverages on the back end. Their defensive ends are athletic and their outside linebackers, especially No. 8 (Jeremy Nixon) can play.
“In the secondary, they have several guys who understand their defensive schemes. We look forward to seeing an even front this week and think we have a good game plan going in. Execution on the offensive end is key this week.”
Richmond’s offense showed its potential in its first game, especially in the second half and its 21-point third quarter. Junior quarterback Evan Hodges took control of the offense for the entire second half.
This week in practice, Hodges has taken the majority of first-team reps while fellow junior quarterback Domonic Tillman has split time with Hodges.
Knowing the power and influence a full stadium can make, Denson’s message to Raider Nation is clear:
“Be there, be loud and support these guys. They deserve it,” Denson said. “They feed off of you and I think that was evident last Friday when the crowd started really getting into it.
“Friday night will be a great family type of atmosphere and should be a really good time,” he closed. “I hope fans will be there early and be in green and gold. We need everyone there because it takes the entire community to make this thing go.”
Kickoff between the Bulldogs (0-1) and Raiders (0-1) is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and will be sold online at GoFan or at the gate (cash).
Sports editor’s note: Official stats for Butler or Richmond were not available on MaxPreps at the time of publication.
