Graham and Richlands have played football since 1926.
Thursday night’s 45-0 win over the Blues was the largest win ever in the series for the G-Men.
The previous margin? Graham 30, Richlands 0 way back on Oct. 7, 1932.
Let that sink in.
Graham could do no wrong. Richlands could do no right.
It all started with Cam Allen, who may have solidified his spot as the top player in Region D of Class 2.
Allen finished his night 9-of-19 for 192 yards and two touchdowns while adding 137 yards on 10 carries for two additional touchdowns.
Graham scored early and often, putting at least a touchdown on the board in all four quarters of the game.
In all, Graham rolled up 487 yards compared to just 101 for Richlands, who was shut out for the first time since 2013, when Lord Botetourt won 56-0.
The normally poised Race Moir had a dreadful night, completing just 5 of his 17 attempts for 38 yards and four interceptions.
Graham put Southwest Virginia on notice Thursday night, and maybe even the state.
While Graham will remember this one for a long time to come, Richlands will look to forget this result and get back to work on Friday.
Richlands hosts Lebanon on Friday night for Senior Night at Ernie Hicks Stadium.
There’s just something about growing up in this area that lends itself to sports. Friday nights are the undisputed king. We all head to the local high school to catch a glimpse of those boys of fall.
That was no different in Richlands where I grew up with a love and a passion for those Blue Tornado. Unlike my co-host, I never strapped that lightning R on my head. I took the band route instead. But that didn’t stop me from becoming most school spirited my senior year, a title I still proudly wear today.
Leaving to get my degree at Virginia Tech actually helped solidify all that I love about this area. Sure, football is a big deal in the NRV as well, but it’s just not the same. And that’s okay. Our area is special.
I’m happy to be back in SWVA this fall and I’m ready to bring you a plethora of content options as we embark on this thing called life. RIP Prince.
Oh, and Hunt Bros. Pizza is the best pizza.
