Even though the Richmond Hill Wildcats football team had the week off, if you drop by the practice field, the group is still working. One could probably see junior wide receiver Derrick Lum III making incredible catches from Kirk Scott, lots of motions and run plays or even hear head football coach Matthew LeZotte talking to the players about safety and the importance of taking care of and protecting themselves while playing the game.
One may also hear LeZotte give a motivating speech to guys that may want to see the field and get some playing time. “We are looking to find the best 11 and put them on the field,” LeZotte said. “You have to create value for yourself. Make us have to play you, because of how hard you work, and how well you do. Make it hard for us to not let you in the game. You create your value on this team!”
After the bye week, the Richmond Hill Wildcats will play host to the second of two teams in a row that are from ‘TitleTown, USA’, as the Lowndes Vikings will come to town for what will be one team’s chance to continue their season, and another team’s misfortune of sitting at home in the playoffs.
Richmond Hill (4-4, 0-2) is in a win-or-go-home situation, against the Lowndes Vikings (4-3, 0-1). Both teams have found themselves in a spot that neither of them would like to be in. “This will sort of be the Super Bowl for us,” LeZotte chuckled. “We have got to get a win against those guys, and it’s not going to be an easy one. I mean you’re talking about a perennial powerhouse in those guys that are not far removed from playing in the state championship game (2019).”
In year nine of his tenure at Richmond Hill, LeZotte says although the record may not indicate it to most, he feels as though the program is having a fantastic season. “You know, in our profession, your success is often determined by wins and losses,” LeZotte said. “But I look at it a bit differently. We have shown a lot of progress and we have grown really fast. I look at it as, ‘Are we getting better?’ and I say the answer to that is yes.”
“We have a very enjoyable group of guys this season,” LeZotte said. They are all hard workers and they have had positive seasons as a unit, and individually. These guys are ready each week and they give all they have every day, including Friday nights.”
Several players have contributed to the success of the season, and LeZotte is pleased with the way they carry themselves. “Brandon McDonald is a guy that is doing big things for us on both sides of the ball. Ho’o Naki is an offensive lineman and tight end that has come along well, and he compliments our great offensive line really well. Kirk Scott has played some great ball for us this year, as well as Josh Troupe. Gabe Bauman has been our guy on defense all year long. He has that blue-collar approach to the game and does a great job for us.”
LeZotte is the winningest coach in the history of the football program, and that is not something that he takes lightly. “Man, it means a lot to me,” LeZotte said. “All the players and coaches that have come through during our time deserve the credit. I was told when I accepted the job here, that this was a coaching graveyard and it was the toughest job around. But I think these players and coaches have proved that you can win anywhere. It just starts with belief. You have to have the guys to buy into what it is that you are selling them on. We have some phenomenal men here on staff that happen to also be coaches for us. I feel as though we have one of the best coaching staffs in the state. The kids believe in us and what we want to accomplish. We have had 6-7 straight years of playoff runs and it all started with the vision and the belief that it could be done.”
Richmond Hill will host Lowndes High School at Wildcat Stadium on Friday, October 27. Kickoff is set for 7:30 pm.