Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Richmond Hill may have seen a microcosm of their upcoming season Friday night in the 22-21 victory over Effingham County in their season opener at Wildcat Stadium.

They showed grit, determination, fortitude, heart, and also..had a little luck.

Tre’ Brown blocked Effingham's extra-point attempt that would have tied the game with 2:06 remaining to nearly seal the deal with 2:06 remaining in the game on a long night in the match that was delayed for an hour after the first three minutes due to a thunderstorm.

From there, Richmond Hill caught a break when Effingham was flagged for a penalty for touching the squibbed kickoff before it went 10 yards. The Wildcats ran out the clock behind the running of senior CJ Menzie, who rushed for 116 yards on 24 carries with touchdown and also for 51 return yards on kickoffs.

The Wildcats also benefited when senior Jeremiah Jones picked off Effingham quarterback Matthew Dillon’s pass with the Rebels driving for a potential two-score advantage with them leading 15-14 at the time.

Six plays after Menzie left the field with cramps, senior Braeden Pearson sprinted 29 yards into the end zone. Quarterback Gunner Mobley found Nick Cameron in the corner of the end zone for a two-point conversion that pushed the Wildcats ahead, 22-15, with 2:53 left in the game.

Wildcats’ head coach Matt LeZotte figured his team could take advantage of Dillon, who threw for 199 yards with a pair of touchdowns.

“We knew he would throw it to us eventually,” noted LeZotte. “It wasn't a matter of if , it was a matter of when. “We were going to get to him, and it happened at the time when we needed it to happen.”

Effingham was ready to tie the game after senior running back Jmere Doe-Davis broke free for a 66-yard dash. Doe-Davis lived up to his billing as one of the state’s premier backs, as he shed his share of tackles on his way to a 148-yard rushing night. He also caught a 69-yard pass from Dillon that gave the Rebels a 9-7 halftime advantage.

Even though Effingham got on the board with a 36-yard field goal, they had an extra-point blocked by Jones and another attempt hit the goal post and veered off left.

Richmond Hill took the lead at 7-3 and mounted a nine-play, 56-yard drive that was aided by a pass interference call. Menzie plowed his way over from two yards for their first lead. Menzie’s 22-yard kickoff return gave the Wildcats good field position.

The Wildcats pieced together an 11-play, 52-yard drive and capped it when DJ Porter scooted into the end zone for a 14-9 advantage with 7:11 left in the third quarter.

Menzie, a Benedictine transfer last season, was grateful for the victory and his support.

“I just trusted my O-line (offensive line) and my quarterback,” said Menzie. “We just keep pushing every day. They knew what they had to do and executed it perfectly.

“We needed this to start off the season. It was a great game and we all have to keep working.”

LeZotte also knew the line play was a major difference in the game. The Wildcats’ defense also was a factor ,as recorded three sacks, and Jones and fellow senior Jaylon Deal both recorded seven tackles.

“Menzie is a tremendous ballplayer,” said LeZotte. “But our offensive line grew up tonight. They had a lot of stars on their defense, but our guys were stars on both sides of the ball. I hope some college coaches will turn on our film and evaluate our guys because our guys earned some looks.

“Our line got stronger as the game went on, and that’s Richmond Hill football.”

LeZotte confirmed that his team was ready for the long night.

“We don’t get tired in the fourth quarter,” said Lezotte. “We wear people down and win in the fourth quarter.”

The Wildcats hope to keep their momentum when they host Liberty County Friday night. Wayne County edged Liberty County, 24-21, in the opener.

Porter, who also caught three passes for 38 yards, cited the win as a combined team effort.

“It was a huge team win,” said Porter. “We all work together, and it is a great feeling to start our season off on the right foot. The rivalry between us made it all that more intense.”

He was impressed with Menzie’s performance.

“He just keeps going and is an amazing back,” said Porter. “He works so hard at practice and runs like a bulldog.”

Porter believed his team kept its composure through the game.

“We never got too high or never got too low,” added Porter. “We knew once our time came, we were going to make it happen. This game will give us motivation especially against a team like that.

“We’re 1-0 and we’re going to keep it going until we're 10-0.”

Effingham County 3 6 6 6 - 21

Richmond Hill 0 7 7 8 - 22

E - FG Brayden Edwards 28

RH - CJ Menzie 2 run (Shane Tucker kick)

E - Jmere Doe-Davis 69 pass from Mathew Dillon (kick blocked)

RH - DJ Porter 2 run (Tucker kick)

E - Isaiah Brown 57 pass from Dillon (kick hit goal post)

RH - Braeden Parsons 29 run (Nick Cameron pass from Gunner Mobley)

E - Doe-Davis 66 run (kick blocked)