After a bye week, Richmond Hill faces a tough final regular-season test Friday at Valdosta. The Wildcats aim to end a four-game skid by tightening their fundamentals and finding more consistency on the ground, while Valdosta brings a high-powered offense led by running backs Marquis Fennell and Deron Foster.

By the Numbers
  • Richmond Hill is 5-4 and has lost 4 straight.
  • Valdosta is 8-1; the teams are ranked No. 20 and No. 1, respectively, in the GHSA state rankings.
  • Fennell has 814 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, plus 875 receiving yards and 6 receiving touchdowns.
  • Foster has 1,176 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns; quarterback Tripp Perry has 1,612 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
  • Richmond Hill running back CJ Menzie has 824 rushing yards this season.
Yes, But

Valdosta enters after suffering its first loss, a 32-31 defeat to Lowndes, which also beat Richmond Hill 36-15. The Wildcats have a playoff berth ahead, but their coach says the immediate priority is executing against Valdosta.

State of Play
  • Richmond Hill’s last win was a 35-7 decision over Wando on Oct. 18; its loss to Lowndes came Oct. 23.
  • The Wildcats are counting on a more reliable running game to control possessions and support their offense.
  • Coach Matt LeZotte says slowing Valdosta will require disciplined assignments, sound tackling and all 11 defenders pursuing the ball.
What’s Next

Richmond Hill travels to Valdosta Friday for an 8 p.m. kickoff, with the regular season nearing its end and playoff seeding still ahead.

Bottom Line

Richmond Hill’s path to a strong finish starts with containing Valdosta’s playmakers and turning its promising stretches on the ground into four quarters of consistent football.