‘If we run and we hit, we will figure it out’: Richardson ready to lead Warren G. Harding

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – Matt Richardson is well aware of what football means to the city of Warren and the reputation the Raiders have across Ohio.

“Warren G. Harding is one of the premier programs in the state,” says Warren Harding head coach Matt Richardson. “If you go anywhere around the state, they want to know what’s going on with Harding.”

Richardson is a Warren native and a proven winner as both a player and coach. This season, however, will be his first as a head coach.

Step one was surrounding himself with a staff that brings well over 200 years of combined high school football coaching experience. That includes two former head coaches (Greg Lazzari and Dominic Menendez) and three assistants with NFL experience (African Grant, Rico Murray, and De’Veon Smith).

“When I got the job, the main thing that I wanted was football pedigree,” added Richardson. “The one thing that Hall of Fame coach Thom McDaniels told me is to hire people that are smarter than me, so they can help me be the best coach that I can be. So I’ve been letting them coach and focusing on the kids, doing the things that they’re supposed to do.”

Richardson will have plenty of weapons to work with. 6 foot 5 returning quarterback Chaz Coleman will lead the way, along with Ivy League bound wideout Airiz Coleman Bey and Girard transfer/YSU recruit Stephen Sims playing on both sides of the ball. The Raiders will also return seven starters on defense. It’s enough talent to have the team talking about big goals this season.

“The team goal is to win state,” says Raider’s senior quarterback Chaz Coleman.

“I want the team to go as far as we can,” says Raider’s senior wideout Stephen Sims. “Everybody is looking for a state championship. So that’s our goal this year. But we go game by game.”

“Everybody leads. Everybody plays their part,” says Raider’s junior linebacker Tyler Smith. “Nobody really does selfish. Everybody plays a part on the team.”

“I see the kids’ energy and enthusiasm as being a strength for us,” says Richardson. “Now we have to get them lined up in the right places and doing the things that they need to do. But I’ve just told them from day one, if we run and we hit, we will figure it out.”

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