With the memory of their fast start fading the Wildcats continue to find themselves increasingly challenged week by week as they slog through the meat of the region 2A-AAAA schedule.
That was evident Oct. 22 when they traveled to Waycross to take on the top defensive team in the region, Ware County (6-2,3-1). The result was a 49-0 whitewashing by the Gators.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Wildcats (3-5, 0-4), who host the best offensive team in the region Friday, when they welcome Brunswick to town. The Pirates are in first place in the region with a 6-2, 4-0 record and are scoring 33 points per game. In contrast Ware County is (6-2, 3-1,) and giving up only 7 points per game.
Richmond Hill mustered five first downs against Ware County while picking up just over 100 yards total offense. The game was decided in the second quarter when the Gators added 28 points to their 14-0 lead. On defense the Cats were led by Mark Smith with five solo tackles and two assists. In spite of the one-sided loss the Wildcats have had some success statistically this season.
Some of the unofficial statistics gathered year to date:
Eli Thompson is having a banner senior season leading his team in rushing with 372 yards at a 4.8 ypg average and scoring seven touchdowns. TJ Franklin is close behind with 320 yards and an incredible 9.4 ypg average. But most impressive is that seven other Wildcats have shared in carrying the ball a trait that makes the Wildcats a very deep backfield.
The Wildcat kicking game has also been one of its biggest success stories.
Both Logan Rooker recently and Guilerme Santos earlier, have been very accurate in their kicking games. Santos has kicked 21 extra points and two field goals and Rooker has added four points and two field goals of his own including a 36-yard attempt.
The defense has also been a team effort: 11 players have solo tackles in the double digits among the leaders are: Joshua Miller (30), Thomas Blige (30), Mark Smith (26), Josh Bryant (22), Richard Cohen (20), Conner Beeson (20). While the Wildcat backfield has been beat a few times they have four interceptions and have played exceptionally well in run coverage.
The Wildcat receiving corps, maybe the most under utilized unit in head coach Guys run first option, have four touchdowns while racking up 465 yards on 34 catches. They are led by Vernon Jackson, Alexander Cruz, Evan Stone, Hank Ferendo and David Katzman.
Most of the passing has been provided by Thompson, who has completed 54 percent of his attempts for 388 yards and three touchdowns, but look for Dominique Allen to get more playing time at quarterback now that he is healthy and the season is winding down.
Logan covers RHHS sports.
That was evident Oct. 22 when they traveled to Waycross to take on the top defensive team in the region, Ware County (6-2,3-1). The result was a 49-0 whitewashing by the Gators.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Wildcats (3-5, 0-4), who host the best offensive team in the region Friday, when they welcome Brunswick to town. The Pirates are in first place in the region with a 6-2, 4-0 record and are scoring 33 points per game. In contrast Ware County is (6-2, 3-1,) and giving up only 7 points per game.
Richmond Hill mustered five first downs against Ware County while picking up just over 100 yards total offense. The game was decided in the second quarter when the Gators added 28 points to their 14-0 lead. On defense the Cats were led by Mark Smith with five solo tackles and two assists. In spite of the one-sided loss the Wildcats have had some success statistically this season.
Some of the unofficial statistics gathered year to date:
Eli Thompson is having a banner senior season leading his team in rushing with 372 yards at a 4.8 ypg average and scoring seven touchdowns. TJ Franklin is close behind with 320 yards and an incredible 9.4 ypg average. But most impressive is that seven other Wildcats have shared in carrying the ball a trait that makes the Wildcats a very deep backfield.
The Wildcat kicking game has also been one of its biggest success stories.
Both Logan Rooker recently and Guilerme Santos earlier, have been very accurate in their kicking games. Santos has kicked 21 extra points and two field goals and Rooker has added four points and two field goals of his own including a 36-yard attempt.
The defense has also been a team effort: 11 players have solo tackles in the double digits among the leaders are: Joshua Miller (30), Thomas Blige (30), Mark Smith (26), Josh Bryant (22), Richard Cohen (20), Conner Beeson (20). While the Wildcat backfield has been beat a few times they have four interceptions and have played exceptionally well in run coverage.
The Wildcat receiving corps, maybe the most under utilized unit in head coach Guys run first option, have four touchdowns while racking up 465 yards on 34 catches. They are led by Vernon Jackson, Alexander Cruz, Evan Stone, Hank Ferendo and David Katzman.
Most of the passing has been provided by Thompson, who has completed 54 percent of his attempts for 388 yards and three touchdowns, but look for Dominique Allen to get more playing time at quarterback now that he is healthy and the season is winding down.
Logan covers RHHS sports.