Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

When Braden Parsons tore his hamstring in April, the Richmond Hill senior running back was anxious to play in the season opener. And he made the most of his moment.

Parsons replaced C.J. Menzie, who temporarily left the game with cramps, darted 29 yards into the end zone off a handoff that helped the Wildcats to a 22-21 victory over Effingham County.

Richmond Hill will look to gain its second straight victory when they host Liberty County (0-1) Friday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff. This is the first meeting between the two teams in 2019.

Parsons thought the win could be a catalyst for the rest of the season.

“After just coming off of an injury it felt amazing to get the go-ahead touchdown,” said Parsons. “ My O (offensive)-line blocked it up beautifully. This win was big for us because it sets the tone for the rest of the season. A lot of people doubt us and our ability to win against the opponents we play but we will just continue to get better as the season progresses.”

Liberty lost its opener to Wayne County, 24-21, in a tight battle throughout the game. Senior running back Noel Best ran for 116 of the Panthers’ 168 yards rushing. They had 138 yards passing.

Defensively, Liberty gave up 203 yards passing and just 33 yards on the ground.

That could be an obstacle for Richmond Hill, who accumulated 208 yards rushing behind C.J. Menzie’s 116 yards.

However, Wildcats’ head coach Matt LeZotte doesn’t plan to deviate from his running game, which is a staple of the offense.

“Their athleticism plays well in space,” said LeZotte about his opponent. “They don’t have too many weaknesses.

“If we’re going to be successful late in the season, we’re going to have to run the football. There’s no better way to test it than to do it early in the season.”

Senior defensive lineman Tre’ Brown, a Gardner-Webb recruit, was satisfied with his team-high 10 total tackles (three for loss), a sack, and two hurries, and a blocked extra point against Effingham County.

“I felt good about my performance last Friday,” said Brown. “I was able to play physical, make plays, and just do my job for the team.”

He sees Liberty as another major test along the way.

“I think Liberty is a good matchup for us, and we’re going to have to stay focused and execute because every game is important,” reflected Brown. Getting the win was huge, especially with how tough and physical the game was. We fought through it together and found a way to come out on top, so I’m proud of the team.”