Neither a lengthy first-quarter weather delay nor swamp-like field conditions Friday night could slow down the Richmond Hill High School offense.
After nearly an hour and a half waiting for lightning to clear the area, the Wildcats, led by senior quarterback Dominique Allen, scored 26 unanswered points in the second quarter and went on to record a 39-0 win over Beach High School.
The win improved Richmond Hill to 2-0. The Wildcats have yet to allow a point while outscoring opponents 88-0. One reason for the improved defense has been the addition of secondary coach Tommy Hensley.
"He has brought a ton of intensity and discipline to the team," quarterback Dominique Allen said. "During 7-on-7 in practice he’s constantly reminding players to corral the ball, everyone is running wide-open."
Richmond Hill head coach Lyman Guy said Hensley and offensive line coach Josh Eads "both have added experience and knowledge of the game that has supplemented our existing staff very well."
The game
Richmond Hill struck first with 7:19 left in the first quarter on a 5-yard run from fullback Tee Young. Not long after, lightning had surrounded the area and play was delayed with 5:43 still left in the first quarter.
Once play was resumed more than 90 minutes later, quarterback Dominique Allen broke a few tackles and broke free on a 30-yard touchdown carry on the first of four touchdowns the Wildcats’ scored in the second quarter.
Three of those four touchdowns came from Allen.
"I believe this is probably one of the best teams RHHS has had in a while," Allen said. "Though we have lost key players in TJ Franklin and Alex Cruz from last season, we make up for it with our hard work that we have put into this season. Our team is one huge family and we are willing to go to war for one another and be there for one of the guys if they are going through some hard times. That’s what you need in order to be successful on the field."
Allen finished up the night with 122 rushing yards and three TDs.
After a 100-yard rushing performance last week against Johnson High School, senior running back David Katzman finished the night with 54 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
Katzman’s TD was set up by an interception from defensive back Quanzell Blow, his second of the year.
Junior linebacker Zhane Roberts led the defense with five solo tackles, two assist and a fumble recovery.
Junior wide receiver/quarterback Nick Fitzgerald opened up the third quarter with a thrilling 64-yard run for a touchdown after breaking three tackles.
Yet despite the team’s impressive start, Guy urged caution.
"It’s a great start, but I think its to early to determine where we are as a team."
The Wildcats will attempt to continue their winning streak as they host the Savannah High Blue Jackets on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat Stadium.