(photo credit: Elizabeth Bennett)
If it could have gone right for Richlands against Tazewell, it did.
The Blues cashed in on five Bulldog turnovers in its way to a 41-0 rivalry win. It’s the 17th straight win for Richlands in what is dubbed the Backyard Brawl for the James C. Ramey Cup. It’s also the 4th straight shutout win for Richlands in the series.
Senior QB Cade Simmons continued to show improvement, throwing for 130 yards on a 6-9 evening with 2 passing scores. He also contributed two rushing scores for the Blues (3-3, 1-0).
Tazewell’s (4-2, 1-1) normally potent rushing attack was halted in a big way. Per the Richlands radio crew, the Dogs were held to -8 yard rushing and 33 yards in the air.
Tazewell now faces their biggest test of the season in a date with the Bluefield Beavers. With a Bluefield win, they would own the fictional Tazewell County title, having already beaten Richlands and Graham this season.
Richlands heads over the Back of the Dragon to play the Marion Scarlett Hurricane tonight in what could be a trap game as the Blues host Graham next week.
Marion (3-3, 1-0) is coming off a 55-0 loss to a feisty Gate City squad last week.
Richlands will look to continue its ground-first attack behind breakout RB Logan Steele. Simmons has also dazzled this season with his legs. WR Sage Webb and RB Zack Gillespie also look to factor into the rushing attack.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday night in Marion.
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.
I am an Alumni of Richlands High School. I love football! My awesome nephew, Cade Simmons, plays quarterback position for the Richlands Blue Tornado. I am one very proud Aunt! Since I live in Arizona, I listen to the games on the radio. I wish I could be there to watch him!
I would like to brag a little….In addition to his awesome athleticism, he is a gentlemen, an intelligent young man, a kind hearted young man, and I love him to the moon and back!