Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
After a bye week, Richmond Hill’s football team will face another major test when they host Colquitt County Friday night at Wildcat Stadium.
Two weeks ago, Richmond Hill dropped a 24-23 decision at East Coweta when they had a field goal attempt blocked on the game’s final play that was their first loss (5-1) of the season.
Colquitt (4-2), a perennial state power that advanced to the second round of the state playoffs last season, is coming off a 30-19 win over Rickards, their second straight victory.
Wildcats’ head coach Matt LeZotte anticipates another tight battle against Colquitt, who defeated Richmond Hill, 28-21, last season. Colquitt has won the last four meetings.
“Colquitt is Colquitt,” said LeZotte. “They’re one of the premier programs in the state, and you know exactly what you’re getting when they show up. They’re going to be physical, well coached and have really good players all over the field. They’ve played an extremely challenging schedule, so the record doesn’t tell the whole story.”
Through six games, Wildcats’ quarterback Gunner Mobley has completed 56 of 99 passes for 694 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions. His prime targets have been Eli Grant, who has caught 20 passes for 332 yards and five touchdowns, and Nick Cameron, who had 16 receptions for 183 yards with four scores.
Running back CJ Menzie has rushed for 561 yards with three touchdowns.
Defensively, Layton Steigelman has a team-high 34 tackles, Jaylon Deal has 31, Jeremiah Jones has 28, and De’Vion Smalls-Clark has 24. Jaleal Barnard has three sacks and 22 tackles, and Grant has two interceptions.
Colquitt is led by quarterback Khi Mitchell, who has completed 74 of 114 passes for 1,010 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. Michell also has 356 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Antwan Lockett has 24 catches for 436 yards with four touchdowns. Jason Stephenson Jr. has 229 yards with four touchdowns.
LeZotte knows the challenges ahead with Colquitt.
“It starts with their quarterback, Khi Mitchell,” said LeZotte. “He gives them a different dimension because he can throw it and hurt you with his legs. Antwan Lockett is a really talented receiver who is averaging about 87 yards receiving per game, and Jason Stephenson gives them another weapon in the backfield. They have enough pieces that you can’t just take one guy away and feel like you’ve solved the problem.”
Defensively, the Packers are led by Josh Alford with 44 tackles, and Lavorice Blythe with three sacks and 28 tackles.
LeZotte anticipates a highly contested tussle.
“They’re physical and athletic, especially in the box,” said LeZotte. “They have guys who can create pressure without having to manufacture it all the time, and that’s always difficult offensively. They do a great job of creating negative plays. The biggest challenge is staying ahead of the chains and not allowing their front to put you in obvious passing situations.”
Against Colquitt, LeZotte knows his team must stay focused and win the turnover battle.
“I think we match up well, but we have to play extremely disciplined football,” stressed the head coach. “ Last year was a one-score game, so our guys understand we can compete with them.
“But against a team like Colquitt, you can’t give away possessions, lose the explosive-play battle or have those little mistakes that put you behind the chains. We have to play our style of football and make them earn everything.”