Life continues to be grand for fans of Richlands High School football.
Despite heavy graduation losses, the Blue Tornado recently won the Southwest District title for the fifth consecutive season.
Tonight at 7:30, Richlands (7-3) begins its quest for a fourth straight Region IV, Division 3 title with a first-round playoff game against Piedmont District co-champion Patrick County.
While versatile senior quarterback Joel Elswick has generated the most attention for Richlands, coach Greg Mance said the success story begins with the basics.
“Defense wins championships,” Mance said. “We spend a lot of time on it, and we take a lot of pride in it.”
The Richlands defenders have spent the past week preparing for John Harris, a 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior running back who has rushed for more than 2,000 yards.
Harris managed just 32 yards last season as Patrick County lost a 49-14 decision at Richlands in the first round of the playoffs.
Elswick leads the Richlands offense, passing for 11 touchdowns and running for 15.
Patrick County (7-3) was in line to host Richlands before dropping a bitter 22-21 decision to Tunstall two weeks ago. A Tunstall defender returned a fumble 97 yards for a touchdown as time ran out, then PC allowed a two-point conversion.
In the other Region IV, Division 3 playoff game, Tazewell (8-2) will host SWD rival Graham (4-6) Saturday at 1 p.m.
Tazewell features Wake Forest recruit Matt Muncy, who has rushed for 796 yards and caught 30 passes for 517 yards.
Graham, coming off a 47-6 loss at Carroll County, relies on running back Dominique Lane (984 yards rushing, eight touchdowns) and steady junior quarterback David Marrs.
REGION D, DIVISION 2
Few matchups in Southwest Virginia offer more history than tonight’s matchup at Legion Field between Powell Valley (5-5) and Gate City (8-2).
The longtime rivals met on Oct. 17, with Gate City posting a 13-0 win. Gate City also stopped the Vikings, 14-6, in last season’s regional title game.
Players to watch for GC include quarterback Tihlee Anderson (1,115 total yards), sophomore fullback Joseph Vaughn (857 yards rushing) and senior center Quinton Jones (6-5, 280).
Myron Pinkston (1,000 yards) and Jordan Martin (657 yards) lead the potent PV running game. Pinkston was hurt in the first quarter of last season’s regional championship in Wise.
Lebanon (7-3) travels to J.J. Kelly (7-3) in tonight’s other Region D, Division 2 game. Lebanon is seeking its first regional title 14 years.
agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement