Richmond Hill High School may no longer have a shot at the state playoffs, but the Wildcats (5-4) can still make a statement Friday when they travel to Augusta to take on Evans.
"We've got an opportunity to have a winning season and a chance to tie the second best record in the history of the program," RHHS coach Lyman Guy said before practice Monday. "That's something to shoot for."
The Wildcats, who are 1-4 in Region 2A-AAAA, lost any hope for a state playoff berth in last week's 38-19 loss to Brunswick at Glynn County Stadium.
It was a game at least somewhat similar to the team's 44-27 loss to Glynn Academy two weeks earlier.
In short, the Wildcats, who had two touchdowns called back on penalties against the Pirates, fell behind early, mounted a comeback but came up short. Same thing against Glynn Academy, almost.
"They're tough down there," Guy said. "I thought our kids and our coaches showed a lot of character and discipline in that game."
Now, Guy sees similarities between Evans and the Wildcats. The Knights finished 3-6 overall and 1-4 in the north subregion (2B-AAAA). Among its setbacks, Evans suffered narrow losses to South Effingham (17-12) and Greenbrier ( 21-17) but knocked off Effingham County, 28-27.
"They are a lot like us," Guys aid. "They had several games where if things had gone their way they'd be setting at a second or third seed and looking at a possible trip to the state playoffs. They're a very athletic team and they're going to be a quality opponent. We've got our work cut out for us."