Richland’s star-studded offense shines in non-district victory over Colleyville Heritage

Richland opted to challenge itself by scheduling Colleyville Heritage, one of the premier Class 5A high school football programs in Dallas-Fort Worth.

The Royals rose to the occasion, defeating the Panthers 43-23 at Birdville FA/AC on Friday. Colleyville Heritage scored all 23 points in the fourth quarter, surging from behind to keep things competitive.

“(Colleyville’s) coach does a great job,” Richland head coach Ged Kates said. “They are really good and we knew that, and it was exciting. This is how non-district games should be -- a couple teams that are kind of evenly matched. I thought we played three quarters of championship football. And the fourth quarter, we messed around. ... I was really disappointed with how we played in the fourth.”

Despite the fourth quarter blunders, Richland’s consistent offense was too much for Heritage to overcome. Quarterback Drew Kates, the son of head coach Ged Kates, accounted for 293 total yards and two touchdowns.

Running back Mike Turner, a Baylor commit and a Star-Telegram Preseason All-Area selection, rushed for 71 yards and two scores to steady the offensive onslaught. He went down with what Ged Kates throught was a sprain in the fourth quarter; the Royals’ coach added he thinks the star back is going to be okay.

“I know if he can go, he will go,” Ged Kates said. “(Turner) is a tough kid.”

A consistent offensive onslaught

Right from the start, Richland’s offense shined. In the Royals first drive, Turner rushed for 27 yards and capped the series with an 11-yard touchdown.

The Royals next points came from the defense; after Richland missed a field goal, junior defensive back Jaylen Gordon steped in front of a pass and took it 35-yards for a pick six.

“It just felt like glory, for real,” Gordon said. “I’m feeling blessed to score. There aren’t a lot of times DBs get that chance.”

The Panther’s turnover problems continued in the next drive. Quarterback Bodey Weaver fumbled and Richland defensive lineman Brandon Merino recovered.

It then seemed Richland’s offense slowed down. In punt formation facing fourth-and-long, Richland opted to fake it and throw a pass. Kates connected with wide receiver Xavier Johnson, a Memphis commit, for a 40-yard gain that set up Turner for a three-yard touchdown.

“We try to be prepared for everything,” Kates said. “We practice that a lot. It’s not a trick if you practice it a lot. It’s just one of the things you do.”

A successful two point conversion from Kates extended Richland’s lead to 22-0 prior to the half. The momentum carried over into the third quarter, and Kates added to the lead with a 23-yard touchdown to Johnson, who finished the game with 95 yards.

Following another Heritage punt, Richland embarked on a 79-yard scoring drive that was finished by Drew Kates, who connected with wide receiver Deon Jones for a touchdown; Jones finished the game with a team high 125 yards.

The momentum completely shifted in the fourth quarter with Heritage facing a 36-point deficit. The Panthers put together a 15 play, 76 yard scoring drive and followed it up with an onside kick recovery and another score.

Weaver connected with wide receivers Braden Blueitt and Sameer Johnson for 3-yard and 21-yard scores, respectively. The improved play was a promising sign, but the deficit was too much to overcome.

Weaver, with the pressure of the clock and a deficit, forced a pass to the end zone and it was picked off by Gordon, who returned it 91 yards for his second pick six of the day.

“Isn’t that something,” Ged Kates said of Gordon’s performance. “He is an extremely talented kid. And he’s extremely smart. When the opportunity comes, he’s not scared of it.”

Defensive back Bryon Burgess responded with a 69-yard kickoff return touchdown, which was the final score of the game.

Richland, a 5A division I school, entered the game as the No. 3 team in the Star-Telegram’s Class 5A rankings . Colleyville Heritage, a 5A division II school, is currently ranked at No. 4.

On Sept. 13, Richland will face Denton at the Collins Complex to start District 3-5A D1 play. Colleyville Heritage, also on Sept. 13, will hit the road to face The Colony in a District 3-5A D2 game.

Richland has a tough district slate ahead with Aledo and Denton Ryan on the schedule. For now, the Royals have their full focus on Denton.

“The best way to win a district championship is to start 1-0,” Ged Kates said.

Get TX Politics in your inbox.