ROCKINGHAM — Raider Stadium will be lit up late Wednesday and early Thursday to signal the official start of the high school fall sports season.
While several of Richmond Senior High School’s fall programs will kick off their first day of tryouts or practices earlier Wednesday, the Raider football team will wait for the lights.
Brad Denson, back with the program to begin his first season as head coach, coined the double practice session, which is opened to the public, as Midnight Madness.
Taking a different approach than the usual early-morning practices that are customary to try and beat the summer heat, Denson said the change was made to try and give the first couple of practices a stronger meaning.
“I tell the kids all the time I want us to have fun and enjoy what we’re doing, but still be working at the same time,” Denson said. “I’ve stressed to them and the staff that I wanted there to be a build up back to July 31 and August 1.
“I really want those first couple of days to mean something and show that football is officially back in Richmond County,” he continued. “Sports have gotten away from that by practicing so much in spring and summer. I’ve tried to dial it down so there is an excitement for the first day.”
The Raider football team will lift in the weightroom prior to reporting to Raider Stadium Wednesday night. From 10 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. the Raiders will conduct their first of two helmet-only practices required by the NCHSAA.
Taking a short break, the Raiders will then hold a 30-minute practice starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday.
During that second practice, Richmond’s varsity and junior varsity teams will compete in 7-on-7 scrimmages on either side of the field. Near the 50-yard line, the offensive and defensive lines will compete in a series of challenges.
“It’ll be cool for the guys to go up under the lights to get our two helmet-only practices done and get a feel for what’s to come in the next couple of weeks,” Denson said. “There will be a lot going on and it’ll give us a chance to work in some special teams, too.
“This is also a great chance for our fans and community to come out and get a quick peek of where we are heading into the season,” he closed.
Following the two late-night practices, the Raiders will return to the field Friday morning to continue preparing for their season opener.
Richmond will kick off the 2024 football season Friday, Aug. 23, at non-conference Seventy-First High School.
Most Popular
Comments / 0