To parody the song, it was the night the lights went out on Valdosta in Richmond Hill.
Being a reported 23-point underdog to the fourth-ranked and undefeated visiting Wildcats (7-1), Richmond Hill stunned the annual state powerhouse, 35-14, during the final regular season game at Wildcat Stadium – their home for over 30 years – before a euphoric capacity crowd.
When Richmond Hill gained possession with 2:20 remaining in the game, their stands and band stands erupted to celebrate one of their recent bigger victories as well as a perfect way to close out their stadium.
In spite of his team being placed in a heavy underdog role, Richmond Hill head coach Matt LeZotte didn’t have any doubts. Valdosta did play without starting quarterback Todd Robinson.
PHOTO: Fumbled caused by Wildcat Defense
“Our guys just expect to win,” stressed Lezotte. “I’m not surprised if we put together a full game. They played without one of the better players, and he is a difference-maker.
“We found a way to be competitive and follow through with the game plan. We found a way to get our guys focused and let them remain focused for four quarters, and that was the result.
Coming off their lone loss in a 28-10 defeat to Camden County last week, Richmond Hill (6-1) took control early, shutting down Valdosta’s high-powered offense. The Wildcats did pull off a fake punt on a quick inside snap, but they were flagged for illegal motion.
Valdosta was plagued by untimely penalties the entire game, as they were flagged nine times for 70 yards.
Richmond Hill leading rusher Joshua Troupe had 40 yards at halftime, but he bullied his way in from seven yards for the first Wildcat score and a 7-0 lead with 3:13 left in the opening quarter.
PHOTO: RHHS offensive line opening hole for #2 Joshua Troupe
In the opening half, Caleb Easterling (six carries, 49 yards) broke free on a 36-yard touchdown jaunt, and Kirk Scott found pay dirt on a 23-yard sprint that helped the Wildcats to a 21-14 halftime advantage. Richmond Hill grinded out 226 yards on the ground.
PHOTO: RHHS QB Kirk Scott leaping into the ZONE for one of the Wildcats first half touchdowns.
Easterling ended a Valdosta fourth-quarter drive with a leaping interception.
PHOTO: Caleb Easterling starting his 36-yard touchdown jaunt in the second quarter
Valdosta gained momentum back in the opening half when they recovered a fumbled punt and punched it in behind Marquis Fennel’s four-yard run that narrowed it to 21-7. Fennell, who ran for 147 yards, later scored on a 35-yard dash before the half ended.
Troupe found his way in the second half, and he finished the night with 141 yards with three touchdowns, one a clinching 37-yard scamper that boosted the Wildcats’ lead to 35-14 with 2:43 remaining.
Like his coach, Troupe was confident his team could pull it out.
“We have a lot of fight in us,” said Troupe. “We showed we could win the big game, and how big our family really is. My teammates gave me plenty of opportunities.”
It also had an ideal ending for Troupe, sealing the victory with his final score. “This is the biggest win for me here,” gushed Troupe. “I felt like I was going to cramp running into the end zone, but it was a really good feeling. This shows we are going to states.”
LeZotte sees a strong chemistry and bond as his team moves ahead. Defensively, Gabe Bauman has 12 tackles and a sack, and Lee Johnson has eight stops.
PHOTO (l-r): RHHS Linbackers Gabe Bauman and Lee Johnson (pink socks) eyeing up the play and ready for another Wildcat defensive stop!
“Our guys played really well,” stated LeZotte. “I just needed to stay out of the way and let them play. We let the chips fall and wanted to see what happened.
“I think I have the best coaching staff in the state. I think we outcoached them tonight. It was clearly evident. It’s a really special environment to be part of Richmond Hill football right now.”
| RICHMOND HILL 35, VALDOSTA 14 | |||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
| Valdosta | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 14 |
| Richmond Hill | 7 | 14 | 0 | 14 | 35 |
| First Quarter | |||||
|
RH- Joshua Troupe 2 run (Cannon Kuryla kick) |
|||||
| Second Quarter | |||||
| RH – Caleb Esterling 36 run (Kuryla kick) | |||||
| RH – Kirk Scott 23 run (Kuryla kick) | |||||
| V –Marquis Fennell 3 run (Johnson kick) | |||||
| V- Fennell 35 run ( Johnson kick) | |||||
| Fourth Quarter | |||||
| RH – Troupe 5 run (Kuryla kick) | |||||
|
Records— RHHS 7-1, 2-1 Region 1- 6A; Valdosta 7-1, 2-1 Region 1- 6A Next Up: Richmond Hill at Lowndes |
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WEEK 10 FINAL SCORES
Monday, Oct. 14
Lakeside-Evans 58, Effingham 38 *
Evans 35, South Effingham 0*
Tuesday, Oct. 15
Greenbrier 34, Bradwell 22*
SE Bulloch 28, Liberty County 19 *
Thursday, Oct. 17
Coastal HomeSchool 68, Harvest Christian Academy 8*
Friday, Oct. 18
Richmond Hill 35, Valdosta 14*
Bradwell 37, South Effingham 21*
Effingham County 37, Greenbrier 7*
Benedictine 40. Wayne County 0 *
Warner Robins 34, New Hampstead 22*
Beach 43, Groves 18 *
Calvary Day 49, Johnson 7*
Windsor Forest 33, Islands 14 *
Jenkins 18, Long County 17 *
Toombs County 33, Savannah Country Day 21*
Jenkins County 34, Bryan County 0*
Screven County 21, Savannah High 0 *
Bulloch Academy 55, St. Andrew's 0 *
Vidalia Heritage 40, Memorial Day 20
Photo Credit: Prep Sports Report
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Optim Orthopedics is a familiar face on Savannah's prep sports scene, extending their support from the gridiron to the court. Their dedication to local athletes goes beyond logos, offering crucial medical support to nine powerhouse high schools:
• Dr. Don Aaron: Bryan County Middle/High School
• Dr. David Sedory: Benedictine Military, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
• Dr. David Palmer: Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
• Dr. Thomas Alexander: Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent's
As Southeast leaders in fellowship-trained orthopedic surgery, Optim Orthopedics proudly sponsors the Prep Sports Report. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game!
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