Raiders Roll Into Town Tonight
- Print print this page
- Discuss 17 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
The last time the Pinecrest football team entertained Richmond Senior in 2009, Raphael Alston put the Patriots ahead with a 66-yard return of the opening kickoff.
The roar of the crowd was deafening beyond anything heard before or since, although the reaction to Travis Scales’ final-minute 40-yard touchdown pass to Steven Kennedy that beat Purnell Swett 23-20 last week hit pretty high on the decibel count as well.
“That was an exciting time,” coach Chris Metzger said on Wednesday, reminded of the Alston dash. “Nevertheless, as we go into this game it’s a much different flavor. It’s the second game in our new season. We’re fighting for our lives, playing another storied Richmond team.”
Back in 2009, both teams were 8-1 going into the game. The Patriots led 35-34 late in the third period before the Raiders went wild, scoring 35 unanswered points to win 69-35. The year before was marked by the Pats’ monumental 31-28 victory over the Raiders in Rockingham. Last season’s game was a 51-7 blowout for the Raiders.
The Patriots broke a three-game losing streak with the win over Purnell Swett and take a 4-5 overall and 1-2 record in the Southeastern Conference into this one. The tied-for-seventh Raiders (AP poll) are 7-1 and 2-1. Their only loss was 24-21 to Hoke County. The kickoff on senior night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Against a Raider team that is averaging more than 40 points per game, the Patriots will need some big plays like the one by Alston two years ago and last week’s hookup between Scales and Kennedy. And they need to limit their mistakes and big plays by the visitors.
They can also hope that the Raiders get caught looking ahead to next week’s mega-game against undefeated Scotland High — something Richmond coach Paul Hoggard is no doubt making sure does not happen.
“They’re battled-tested and firing on all cylinders,” Metzger said of tonight’s opponent. “They run the triple option from the gun and they’re going to pound the ball and pound the ball. Their kids look the same — new faces, new names, same results.”
The Patriot coach describes his team as healthy as it has been in some time. Linebacker Frankie Painter, who injured his hip on the last play of the Purnell Swett game, is not expected to be available.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
tonytone 1 year, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
RD28327 1 year, 7 months ago
This game could be an offensive shootout where whoever has the ball last at the end of the game wins. Gonna call this Richmond County 49 Pinecrest 31.
GO_4_2 1 year, 7 months ago
tonytone, nobody can see it but you huh? Maybe that should tell you something...
member 1 year, 7 months ago
GO_4_2, There are many people who are becoming more knowledgable about what has been going on since Coach Metzger came to Pinecrest. While he has made great strides with the program, there have been other disturbing issues that have begun to come to light. It's interesting how the true character of people finally begins to show no matter how deep the hole was dug to try to bury it. Keep watching...you'll soon see as well.
Adman 1 year, 7 months ago
Explain.
GO_4_2 1 year, 7 months ago
I know Coach Metzger personally and consider him a lifelong friend so I DO know his TRUE character. You sir, obviously do not. He's an outstanding coach and an even better person. If Coach were to ever leave Pinecrest, it would be a HUGE blow to your program. Be careful what you wish for.
gardak 1 year, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
CC85 1 year, 7 months ago
GO_4_2
Could not agree more, as a former player I know what it takes to win on the football field at Pinecrest. Coach Metzger is the best thing to happen to this program in decades.
GO_4_2 1 year, 7 months ago
I was blessed to have the opportunity to coach for him. The best I've ever been around, hands down.
RD28327 1 year, 7 months ago
The best you've ever been around, huh? I guess it's OK to run for two with a 40-point lead in the second quarter or run an onside kick .....
GO_4_2 1 year, 7 months ago
He's a human being just like the rest of us. He was man enough to admit that he made a mistake.
thomasv 1 year, 7 months ago
My name is Tom Van Camp and I would like to respond to some of the comments posted on this site. I am new to this process although I have read comments in the past. It is amazing to me that people can post baseless comments and then, like cowards, hide in anonymity. If you are going to state your mind have the guts to sign your name. Coach Metzger, like many other Pinecrest coaches, is hardworking and extremely dedicated. He has helped many young men get in to college and given unselfishly of his time to support the youth in our community. More importantly, he has made Friday night at Pinecrest relevant again. With respect to the Optimist Club, it is my understanding that the Club donates funds to Coach Metzger's football camp to help cover the registration fees for those who can't afford to pay. How dare Coach Metzger give up his entire spring break to offer a football camp for our youth and how dare the Optimist donate funds to help the less fortunate. It must be easy to sit behind your computer and write whatever you want and never take ownership for your opinions. Next time, get your facts straight and sign your name.
gardak 1 year, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
gardak 1 year, 7 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
CC85 1 year, 7 months ago
gardak - If feel so strongly about this, why not bring it to someone's attention in a more appropriate manner, instead of posting this information on a blog.
gardak 1 year, 7 months ago
I've tried but like I said power and money prevail over truth and justice.
But more people are beginning to question.
thomasv 1 year, 7 months ago
Everything you stated is false. The Optimist has never paid the Sandhills Patriots a dime. The fact that you would print such garbage goes a long way in explaining why you won't come forward. Let me know when you muster up enough courage to stand behind your words.
tonytone 1 year, 7 months ago
Thanks Member ,you know whats going on.
tcarp 1 year, 7 months ago
First of all, I am not sure who you are or what your agenda is but let me state for the record I am the current Optimist President, past and current treasurer. The Optimist is a community based organization that supports many organizations all aimed at the support of the youth of the community. We have given donations to Pinecrest and most recently Union Pines as well as contributed money to the middle schools in particular those that help us support our youth sports programs such as the our football program by use of their fields. We also as a board support community based programs that ask for our support. As Mr. Van Camp stated we have not given funds in support of the Sandhills Partiots as they raise their own funds. As for the erroneous allegations that we have paid Coach Metzger we do in fact support his camps in a manner having to do with helping those kids that cannot pay their way. We have provided admisitrative assistance with registrations in the past until the camps were up an running as we have also offered assistance to Union Pines. I am not sure who you are and what your intentions are other than to spread useless banter about something that you obviously know nothing about. The Sandhills Optimist Club's books are open. As for the money raised by the Optimist Club our sponsorships are raised for the good of the club and all of its activities inlcuding baseball, football,scholarships etc... The individual sports raise money to support their casues during the respective seasons and then the Club's General Fund supports any deficits. I would invite you to provide any evidence otherwise and to put your extra time to good use by becoming an Optimist Member and supporting the community instead of spreading nonsense like this. Lastly Chris Metzger is a fine man and your cheap shots at him are unnecessary and unwarranted. SIGNED... Tim Carpenter
gardak 1 year, 6 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
tonytone 1 year, 6 months ago
Well said "gardak"
JustThinking 1 year, 6 months ago
Gosh people! Did your kid not get to play this year or what? Didn't make the team? What gives, this is about the program, the kids, the kids the kids, not you folks trying to settle some personal issues! So stop already! It's about the kids! If you don't like the Optimist Club then play Rec. ball, it's good too! Stop being such a sideline whinner. And don't make trouble for these organizations and coaches because it just might effect my kid, then you can answer to me. I'll let you know who I am. Move along to something else!!!!