Prep Football Preview: Richwood riding late season momentum for a big year in 2023

Richwood head football coach Todd Russell admitted that last season was a learning experience for him.

In his first season as head coach of the Lumberjacks, things did not quite go as planned.

“I had a lot of thoughts in my head on how things were going to go, and they didn’t. I have learned that I have to adjust more,” Russell said. “You have to get rid of that pride at times and go with what works. It is very humbling for sure.”

There in lies one of the biggest lessons in sports. Now the question becomes, how do you respond to what you have learned?

Russell and his band of Lumberjacks are ready to take a big step forward this season.

“They are talented and they work hard. They are really trying to learn. The attitude this year is much better and everybody is optimistic,” Russell said. “That may sound crazy coming off of a 3-7 season but when you get that end of the year win with a late comeback, it builds confidence. Doesn’t matter who the opponent is, it builds confidence.”

That momentum boosting win came in Bradshaw where Richwood rallied for a dramatic comeback win.

“We got down early which seemed to be the way it went last year. We had to let a team score before we decided to start playing the game,” Russell explained. “We fought back and took the lead. They came back, but we scored a late touchdown to regain the lead. We got a stop on the goal line late, but had to punt it back to River View. Then we sealed the win by picking off a pass.”

Adding to the momentum is the fact that Richwood will start the season with 28 players and Russell feels like that number can grow.

“We always have three or four that shows up the week school starts, so it takes until week three or four to get them ready go,” Russell said.

Size has never seemed to be a problem for the Lumberjacks along the line and Russell has some space-eaters again this year. He will also have one of his top lineman back after an injury last year.

“Zane Spencer is back after blowing his ACL in game one against Webster County. While he was waiting to get released he was doing the upper body stuff,” Russell said. “He is 6-foot-4 and will play guard and end for us. Zane is a fast kid and we are expecting a lot out of him.”

Aaron Mann is a four year starter that will anchor the lines, but he is also a versatile player that could see action at linebacker.

“He goes hard constantly and knows the game. He probably watches more film than I do. He knows top to bottom what the other team is going to do,” Russell said. “He has gotten better and better each year and can play all five offensive line positions.”

Riley Neal returns after a late surge last year and Kenny Hellwege is back after playing some spot roles last year.

“Ryan has looked really good throughout the summer,” Russell said. “Kenny is leaner, faster, stronger and killed it in the weight room.”

Richwood will have new faces on the squad that will also be fighting for spots up front.

“Darren Decker is playing his first year since Pee Wee football,” Russell said. “Hayden Deitz is another big kid and Austin Lloyd was thrown to the fire as a freshman, but he will be in there fighting for a spot.”

The quarterback position is still a battle, but Russell plans to name a starter going into week one of the regular season. Both players, however, will be on the field in some capacity.

“Landen Hamon has a cannon, we just need to get him dialed in. He has always been a quarterback,” Russell said. “Casey Beard is a converted tackle, but he has slimmed down. (Former Richwood all-stater) Caleb Jantuah has been back this summer and worked with Casey.”

Along with a solid offensive line, the Lumberjacks have a solid group of running backs to carry the load.

“Brayden Hayhurst has cut a lot of weight. He was 240-250 last year and now he is down to about 208. Brayden is faster and stronger,” Russell said. “Corey Minter was a freshman last year. He will run through a wall for you. He can block and will be a lead blocker for us.”

Freshman Christian Neal is another name to keep an eye according to Russell. Already 6-foot-4, Neal with play receiver and some defense for Richwood.

One of the more dynamic players in Class A has been wide-out Tyler Barnhouse. Russell admits he did not get the most out his talented senior last year.

“We have to get the ball in Tyler’s hands, even if we have to move him to running back,” Russell said. “Teams knew he was our main target, but we wasted him last year. He was seeing three and four defenders last year.”

Many of the players that play offense will be seen on the defensive side of the ball as well. However, with the numbers up this year, Russell does see players getting some rest throughout the game.

“We probably have eight or nine guys that go both ways, but these guys are used to it,” Russell said. “With the bigger numbers, they will appreciate getting a one or two play break after a long drive.”

Minter and Barnhouse will have to play big roles if the defense for the Lumberjacks is to be successful.

“Corey will have to take control. He will play outside backer for us. We have struggled the last couple years with containment. Teams just kick it out off tackle and he will have to be the guy that sets the edge,” Russell said. “Tyler will be in the back at safety. He will need to be the captain out there seeing everything. Dakota Sizemore is back playing corner after starting the last three years as well. We have a decent amount of experience out there.”

Rounding out the team for Richwood will be some freshman that are new to the game.

“We have a few freshman that have never played football before, but they are athletic kids. We just have to teach them some football,” Russell said. “Travis Johnson, we are really high on him and he is super athletic. I didn’t know who he was until we came to a track meet last year and watched him blow everybody away. We said that kid needs to play football.”

Richwood opens the season at Webster County in the annual “Battle for the Wagon Wheel” game. The Lumberjacks then come home for back-to-back dates with Meadow Bridge and Bath County, Va.