Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent
After a recent scrimmage with Pierce County and Glynn Academy, Richmond Hill head football coach Matt LeZotte has a good feeling about his team as they prepare for their opener against Effingham County Aug. 21.
Last season, the Wildcats finished with an overall 6-5 slate, while Pierce County went 9-3 and Glynn Academy was 6-5. The scrimmage proved to be a good test.
“Overall, I thought we had a really positive showing in the scrimmage,” said LeZotte. “Going against Pierce County and Glynn Academy gave us exactly what we needed at this point in the preseason. Both programs are well coached, physical, and competitive, so it was a good opportunity for us to see where we are and identify the areas we need to continue improving.”
LeZotte, who will be entering his 12th season at the helm, saw plenty of positives from his squad against both teams. He also believes his squad can take the next step.
“I was pleased with the way our guys competed,” said LeZotte. “We played with good energy and effort, and there were a lot of encouraging things on both sides of the football. Obviously, with an early scrimmage there are going to be things we need to clean up, but I liked our physicality and the way our kids responded throughout the night. The biggest thing for us is continuing to develop consistency and getting better every time we step on the field.”
LeZotte will look to an upperclassmen core of senior lineman Cole Roy, Jaleal Barnard, Tre’ Brown and Layton Steigelman, senior running back C.J. Menzie, senior wide receiver/defensive back Eli Grant, senior linebacker Jaylon Deal, senior quarterback Gunner Mobley, and junior lineman Hayden Brown to help set the pace.
“Our returning players are going to be very important for us,” stressed LeZotte. “Guys like Gunner Mobley, Cole Roy, Eli Grant, Tre' Brown, Jaleal Barnard, CJ Menzie, Layton Steigleman and Jaylon Deal give us experience and leadership at several key positions. We're going to lean on those guys to set the standard, help bring the younger players along, and provide leadership as we prepare for the season.”
LeZotte is confident the scrimmage laid part of a foundation for the season.
“The scrimmage was a good first measuring stick,” said LeZotte. “We came away encouraged by a lot of what we saw, but we also know we're nowhere near a finished product. Our focus now is on taking what we learned from Pierce County and Glynn Academy, correcting our mistakes, and continuing to get better every day. We're excited about this group and looking forward to seeing how much we can improve as the season progresses.”