A chance at redemption: Eagles take on No. 21 Richmond Hill

A bitter taste is an understatement to what the Northside Eagles (2-2) walked away with after suffering a 47-0 loss to Warner Robins last week. It was a sour night for Northside, and they look to redeem themselves this Friday against the Richmond Hill Wildcats (2-1).

Following last week’s game, Northside Head Coach Chad Alligood knew two things: they’re far from where they want to be, and his team needs to continue competing no matter how much the momentum is going for the opposing team. This week grants the opportunity to take a step forward to where they want to be and the chance to shake off last week’s performance.

Richmond Hill is another formidable opponent that ranks No.21 on the MaxPreps Georgia Football Rankings. The Wildcats are coming off a 24-21 win over Wayne County. This will be another test of the Eagles’ will and strength. Getting a win won’t be an easy feat, but if Northside channels the same energy they had against Peach County, the game could end in their favor.

Northside’s loss to Warner Robins isn’t a telltale of their season so far. The Eagles have victories over Peach County and Howard, where they kept both teams to just seven points allowed in each game. Even in their loss against Veterans on opening week, Northside allowed just 17 points. Their defense has shouldered the load early as expected and will need to repeat those same performances again on Friday night.

Richmond Hill hasn’t scored less than 24 points in a game yet. Their success comes from the run game; it’s their bread-and-butter. Wildcats running back, Ashuad Roberson, averages 131 yards per game and will be the Eagles’ top priority defensively. Despite last week, Northside is a good run defense that held Peach to -7 total rushing yards. Without a mobile quarterback like Warner Robins has, Richmond Hill’s offense isn’t as complex and simplifies Northside’s approach to an extent. Linebackers, Kayleb Pierce, Micah Thurman, CJ Radford and defensive lineman, Jai’dyn Rumph, will be key on slowing down Roberson.

Northside has started to find their footing offensively. Running back, Jaylen Cephus, has become a vital part of moving the ball and takes some of the load off quarterback, Elijah Robinson, and wideout, Justin Luke. All three will look to rebound following down performances last week where the team was held to 93 yards of total offense.

This game could be a huge lift for the Eagles as next week’s opponent is another highly touted program in Colquitt County, who ranks fourth in the MaxPreps Georgia rankings.

Northside travels to Richmond Hill and kick off on Friday, Oct.2 at 7:30 p.m.

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