Richmond Hill senior captain midfielder Nick Krull anticipated his team's strong season, but his expectations have been more than met.
The Wildcats will enter the postseason next week with an overall 15-3 record and a Class 7A Area One regional championship with an unblemished 10-0 mark. Last season, Richmond Hill finished with a 10-8-2 slate and a 5-3 region record.
Krull sees his fellow upperclassmen setting the pace.
"I was not expecting this season to go as well as it has," beamed Krull, who leads the team with 19 goals and 17 assists. "I'm very proud of this team and everything we've accomplished so far."
"I believe that the seniors and the juniors have taken responsibility of the team and are pushing everyone to be the best versions of themselves."
Head coach Steve Peterson echoed this player's sentiments.
"I was expecting a solid season, but not a great season," noted Peterson. "The captains and the seniors on this team this year have really taken ownership."
Along with Krull, Peterson cited senior striker Cooper Allen (20 goals, three assists), sophomore defensive midfielder John Lopez (six goals, five assists), winger Noah Dixon (three goals, five assists), and center midfielder Cole Morgan (four goals, 13 assists).
"Cooper Allen is a tenacious offensive player," stressed Peterson. "Lopez is a tough defensive player and dynamic player in traffic, and Dixon anticipates ball movement on both sides of the ball. Morgan is a playmaker on both sides of the ball.
Peterson also has seen consistent play from junior winger Grayson Lucas, who is viewed as an explosive and smart playmaker, and fellow junior wingback Jiwon Lim, who has versatility, speed, and counterattack methods.
Sophomore goalies Kavi German and Jackson Haldeman have seen equal time in the nets and have been consistent.
Krull understands his role on the team and believes his team has reached another level, notably after a tough 2-1 victory over Lambert early in the season.
"I see my role on the team as a leader who gives it all they have every game," said Krull. "While having fun, I am still hard on people, trying to help them be better. I feel Richmond Hill has gained respect from the Atlanta teams because we were not respected last year. But looking at our record, they cannot feel the same as last year.
"Right now, we are recovering with injuries and will peak at the right time. Against Lambert early in the season, we fought together and played the best we have."
Peterson has watched his players gel together, and he has also reached his own level of satisfaction heading into the postseason. The Wildcats recently had an emotional 5-4 victory over Savannah Country Day, one that can be a springboard for the playoffs.
"Our win over SCDS was dramatic and an impressive comeback," boasted Peterson. We are working better together each game, but we still have some important work to do before playoffs. We are getting ready to peak.
"It was my four chance to win the region, and we finally did it. To be 10-0 in the region and with 15 wins overall, I'm very proud of these guys putting the team first. These players' commitment to each other and improvement has been the difference this year."
In the opening round of the GHSA Class 6A playoffs, Richmond Hill will host North Paulding High School (12-6) on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The kickoff time is still to be determined, so stay tuned for updates.
PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Richmond Hill High School Athletics Department social media page
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