PREP FOOTBALL: Elswick shines in Richlands route

BY ALLEN GREGORY
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

RICHLANDS, Va. – Joel Elswick spent the past week studying for an exam.

The Richlands senior watched film, stayed after school with his teammates and consulted with his mentor.

That extra work paid dividends Friday, as Elswick delivered a spotless performance in the opening round of the Region IV, Division 3 football playoffs.

Elswick threw for 296 yards and four scores to guide the Blue Tornado to a 41-14 decision over the Patrick County Cougars.

Richlands (8-3) faces the winner of today’s Graham at Tazewell game next week. Tazewell is the top seed in the region.

It was clear that the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Elswick was prepared early Friday. He connected on his first nine pass attempts and was 19 of 22 overall.

“This was probably one of the best games I’ve ever had,” said Elswick, who also ran for a score. “The credits goes to my wideouts for getting open and my linemen for giving time to throw.”

Four different receivers caught touchdowns from Elswick, who completed seven passes for 74 yards on the first scoring drive.

“We spent a lot of extra work on timing and watched a ton of film this week,” Elswick said. “Our coach [Greg Mance] is one of the best in the business when it comes to breaking down coverages and seeing what areas you can exploit.’’

Patrick County, making just the second playoff appearance in school history, could not slow the Richlands quarterback.

“[Elswick] would be an all-american if he played us every week,” PC head coach Brad Dalton said. “He hit his spots and we didn’t have an answer for him.”
Richlands senior receiver Christian Hearl said that his quarterback has all the correct answers when it comes to the passing game and the spread formation.

“Joel makes the right reads and he really sees the weakness in a defense,” Hearl said. “Our coaches put Joel in different situations throughout this week in practice, and he performed just like he did in the game.”

According to Mance, Elswick has added new dimensions to his arsenal over the past two years of passing camps, practice and tutoring. Elswick led the Blues to a state title berth last season.

“Joel played real well at Graham, but this was the best I’ve seen him,” Mance said. “He put some balls in there tonight when he had very little room, and our receivers made some great catches.”

The performance of Elswick is more impressive when you consider the Blues rushed for just 100 yards. Starting tailback Taylor Sizemore (44 yards) was forced out in the second quarter with a concussion.

From hitches and swing passes to fade patterns, Elswick was on target. Lineman Nathan Mitchell (6-2, 295) and Cody Lee (5-11, 300) helped make the Richlands leader comfortable.

“We played well in all areas on offense, and I was very proud of how our defense responded against a running back (John Harris) that I’m sure will go to the Division I level,” Mance said.

Harris entered the game with more than 2,000 yards rushing for Patrick County. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior displayed his speed on the opening drive for the Cougars, as he broke a 60-yard scoring run.

The was the lone highlight for Harris, who finished with 196 yards rushing on 27 carries against the physical Richlands defense. Harris is considering an offer to play at VMI.

“John has been a little gimpy since hurting his ankle in our seventh game and he hasn’t been his old self,” said Dalton, who played football at Ferrum College.

We didn’t hold our blocks as well as we should have, but Richlands had a lot to do with that.

“Richlands has been in the state finals three years in a row. That says something about their program.”

The Cougars (7-4) were hurt by three turnovers and 12 penalties. Richlands was penalized 11 times.

Linebackers Derek Jackson and Chuck Payne led the Richlands defense.

Mance gave his quarterback a passing grade.

“Joel is a great student of the game, and he’s getting better all the time,” Mance said.

agregory@bristolnews.com|(276) 645-2544

Patrick County 7 0 0 7–14
Richlands 7 14 6 14–41
Scoring Summary
PC-Harris 60 run (Reynolds kick)
R-C. Hearl 16 pass from Elswick (R. Strong kick)
R-B.Strong 13 pass from Elswick (R. Strong kick
R-Elswick 1 run (R. Strong kick)
R-Keene 19 pass from Elswick (kick failed)
R-Bartoski 15 pass from Elswick (R. Strong kick)
R-E. Hearl 12 run (R. Strong kick)
PC-Harris 11 run (Reynolds kick)
Team Stats
First Downs: PC 10, R; 21 Rushing Yards: PC 37-206 R 34-100; Passing Yards: PC 6, R 296; Comp.-Att.-Int.: PC 1-5-1, R 19-22-0;Penalties-Yards: PC 12-90, R 11-85; Fumbles-Lost: PC 2-2, R 1-0; Punts-Avg.: PC 3-45, R 3-30.