Summary of last season:
Matt LeZotte became the third head coach at Richmond Hill in 2015; the Wildcats won their first two games last season, but lost 7-of-8 from that point forward. One of those wins came against Bradwell Institute, which Richmond Hill faces again this year as a region foe. The 3-7 ledger marked a one-game improvement for the program from the year before.
Outlook for this season:
There’s every reason to believe the Wildcats can continue to improve. LeZotte never had a losing record in four seasons as head coach at Aquinas (2009-2012), which won a state title thanks to his architecture the year after he left that school.
“I think we are set up to be successful here,” says LeZotte. “We have a schedule that allows us to play a variety of teams featuring different styles of play and we’re in a really tough region still. We are looking to get into the state playoffs to see what happens. Our skill positions are strong and conditioning has put an enormous amount of size and strength into our guys, which I think has been a real difference maker. I think that gives us a real chance to be successful.”
Players returning from last year’s team:
Senior QB Brian Hughes returns along with a familiar cast of receivers – sophomore Aaron Bedgood and juniors Sam James and Justin Jeffery. Meanwhile, the defense looks to junior Andrew Purcell and senior Kywann Green on the front line. Sophomore Ronald Fuselier and junior Brandon Armstrong bring experience to the secondary.
What has realignment changed this year?
The Wildcats play half as many region games this season compared to last season – just four. In moving from 3-AAAAA to 2-AAAAAA, Richmond Hill stayed in the mix with Bradwell Institute, Glynn Academy, Effingham County, and Brunswick, but LeZotte had to find replacement games for Coffee, Ware County, and Statesboro. South Effingham remains on the schedule as one of Richmond Hill’s six non-region games. Meanwhile, the Wildcats renew acquaintances with Southeast Bulloch, Brantley County, and Pierce County, opponents from the days when the Wildcats played in AA and AAA. Grovetown and Lakeside (Evans) are first-time opponents.
Big games this year:
With just four region games, there is no room for error come October. Richmond Hill opens league play against Bradwell Institute, against whom the Wildcats have never lost. But RH has struggled traditionally versus the remaining region opponents. Glynn Academy, which played for the state title last season, figures to be a threat once again. Effingham County went 7-3 but missed the playoffs while Brunswick posted a 3-7 ledger like Richmond Hill.
