Summary of last season:
Richmond Hill had a tale of two seasons in 2016. The Wildcats jumped out with a six game winning streak that included victories over Southeast Bulloch, Pierce, South Effingham and a one point victory over Grovetown. But then came the string of three straight region losses in which the Cats could never get going offensively. They finished the regular season 6-3 and as a result of a three-way tiebreaker, won the number three seed from Region 2-AAAAAA. The Wildcats traveled to Lovejoy, where they were defeated in the first round of the state playoffs.
The Coach:
Coach Matt LeZotte starts his third season at Richmond Hill and he has gone 9-11 with the Wildcats and 37-27 over his career, which included four years rebuilding the program at Aquinas. Once a quarterback during his collegiate playing days at James Madison University, after graduation he became an assistant at Aquinas High School in Augusta. He went on to become Offensive Coordinator and then Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. He was head coach for four seasons from 2009-2012. He left to spend two years as an assistant at Wayne County, which made the state semifinals and quarterfinals while he was there. He was hired by Richmond Hill in 2015 and the team has improved during his two years.
Outlook for this season?
“We have one of the best opportunities since I have been at Richmond Hill to have success,” said Coach LeZotte. “This is the first time we will have a large senior class with most starters being in that class. These guys have been playing since they were sophomores so it’s time for all the struggle to bring success.”
The Wildcats have several D1 prospects among their 19 returning starters including wide receiver Sam James, DB Justin Jeffery and kicker Joseph Petrino.
Big games this year:
“At Glynn Academy and versus Effingham County,” Coach LeZotte said.
The Wildcats open in Brooklet against Southeast Bulloch then face Brantley and Pierce at home. They have a showdown against Grovetown on September 15 and start region play on September 29 in Guyton to begin three weeks on the road, then close with region games at home against Brunswick and Effingham.
SE-SF-0817-Richmond Hill
Wildcats Want Return to Playoffs
