For three quarters Friday night, the Richmond Hill Wildcats had Georgia's No. 5-ranked football team on the ropes.
The Wildcats led undefeated Lowndes 15-14 heading into the fourth quarter before the Vikings scored 22 unanswered points to pull away for a 36-15 victory.
Richmond Hill running back CJ Menzie battles a Lowndes defender near the end zone during the Wildcats' 36-15 loss. Menzie rushed for 97 yards and scored both Richmond Hill touchdowns. (Photo by Tyler Boyce, Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent)
Richmond Hill entered the game with a 5-3 record, while Lowndes came in undefeated at 7-0 and ranked No. 5 in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's statewide rankings.
Heading into Friday night, the Wildcats were heavy underdogs, and few expected the performance they would deliver.
On the first possession of the game, Lowndes wide receiver Kaevone Thomas caught a pass from quarterback Jayce Johnson and took it all the way for an 80-yard touchdown.
The Wildcats immediately answered with their own 80-yard drive, ending with a 6-yard rushing touchdown by CJ Menzie. Lowndes scored another touchdown near the end of the first quarter to take a 14-7 lead.
But at the beginning of the second quarter, something interesting happened.
After a punt by Richmond Hill's Shane Tucker went out of bounds at the Lowndes 8-yard line, the Wildcats' defense pushed the Vikings back to their own 2-yard line.
Then came an uncommon situation. A Lowndes offensive lineman was called for holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety for Richmond Hill and cutting the Vikings' lead to 14-9.
Late in the second quarter, Richmond Hill scored another touchdown, but a failed two-point conversion left the Wildcats with a 15-14 lead at halftime.
Richmond Hill teammates celebrate near the end zone during the Wildcats' game against Lowndes. Richmond Hill led 15-14 at halftime before falling 36-15. (Photo by Tyler Boyce, Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent)
It has been rare to see Lowndes trailing at halftime this season. The Vikings had previously trailed Jenkins 6-0 during their Aug. 21 matchup.
Richmond Hill kicker and defensive lineman Shane Tucker spoke about the energy in the Wildcats' locker room at halftime.
"Obviously Lowndes is a big rival so it felt good to have the advantage going into the half. Everyone was hyped, and that's probably the most amped-up I have seen our team this year. We needed the momentum, but we also needed to realize the game wasn't over and to focus on what we had to fix before the third quarter."
The third quarter kept the game close, with neither team managing to score.
Richmond Hill quarterback Gunner Mobley looks for running room against Lowndes defender during the Wildcats' 36-15 loss. (Photo by Tyler Boyce, Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent)
But in the fourth quarter, Lowndes put up 22 points while holding Richmond Hill scoreless to seal the 36-15 victory.
It was a tough loss for the Wildcats, especially considering they held the lead heading into the final quarter. The loss extended Richmond Hill's losing streak to four games and dropped its region record to 0-3.
Wildcats head coach Matt LeZotte also shared his thoughts after the game.
"I was really proud of the way our guys competed against a very talented Lowndes football team. We came into the game with a great mindset, played with tremendous effort, and showed the type of toughness and resiliency that we've been emphasizing within our program… To have a 15-14 lead heading into the fourth quarter speaks to the preparation, execution, and determination our players brought to the field."
Among Richmond Hill's standout players was senior running back CJ Menzie, who rushed for 97 yards on 18 carries and scored both of the Wildcats' touchdowns.
Senior wide receiver Eli Grant also had a strong performance, finishing with nine receptions for 97 yards. Grant also had a potential touchdown catch ruled out of bounds and earned this week's Plantation Lumber & Hardware Player of the Game honor.
A Richmond Hill receiver Eli Gran makes a catch near the back of the end zone against Lowndes. Grant finished with nine receptions for 97 yards. (Photo by Tyler Boyce, Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent)
Although it was a tough week for Richmond Hill, the Wildcats showed they could compete with one of Georgia's top teams.
If the offense can continue to improve as it has over the past few weeks, Richmond Hill will look to carry that momentum into its final regular-season matchup.
The Wildcats are scheduled to travel to Valdosta on Friday, Nov. 6, for an 8 p.m. kickoff.
Richmond Hill running back CJ Menzie prepares for a Wildcat snap against Lowndes at Wildcat Stadium. The Wildcats led through three quarters before the Vikings pulled away. (Photo by Tyler Boyce, Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent)
LOWNDES 36, RICHMOND HILL 15
| Lowndes | 14 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 36 |
| Richmond Hill | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 15 |
Scoring Summary
First Quarter
L—Kaevone Thomas 80 pass from Jalen Jackson (PAT Good)
RH—CJ Menzie 6 run (PAT Good)
L—Jayce Johnson 17 Yd pass completed to Mason Woods for a TD.(PAT Good)
Second Quarter
RH—Safety, Lowndes holding penalty in end zone
RH—Menzie 2 run (2 point conversion failed)
Fourth Quarter
L— Jayce Johnson 36 Yd Rushing TD (2 point conversion Good)
L—Kaevone Thomas 78-yard rushing TD (PAT Good)
L—Jayce Johnson with a 6 yard rushing TD(PAT Good)
Records — Richmond Hill 5-4, 0-3 Region 1-7A; Lowndes 8-0, 2-0 Region 1-7A.
Student Correspondent Note: Tyler Boyce is a Richmond Hill High School student and a member of the Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent Program, where local high school students cover their schools, interview athletes and coaches, take photos and videos, and gain real-world sports journalism experience.
The Prep Sports Report Student Correspondent Program is proudly sponsored by Optim Orthopedics, supporting Savannah-area student-athletes and the next generation of sports journalists.
Photo credit: Tyler Boyce, Richmond Hill High School student and a member of the Prep Sports Report/Optim Orthopedics Student Correspondent Program
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Optim Orthopedics presents Prep Sports Report’s 2026 high school football coverage.
Optim Orthopedics team physicians include Dr. Don Aaron (Bryan County), Dr. David Sedory (Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County), Dr. David Palmer (Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham), and Dr. Thomas Alexander (Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy).
