Five Richmond high Oilers earn postseason football honors
on November 18, 2013
Football season is over in Richmond, but the awards are starting to roll in for a handful of the most promising athletes on the gridiron. At Richmond High, five Oiler football players have been named First-Team All-League athletes this year.
As voted on by the coaches in the Tri-County Stone League, all-league honors are a big boost to the players chosen.
“I’m really proud of myself,” said Benjamin Gannon, 17, a senior defensive lineman for the Oilers who earned a first-team honor for the second year in a row, though in 2012 it was for his work as an offensive lineman. “It felt great knowing that I missed two league games [due to a concussion] and came back on the last three and balled out.” On the season, Gannon had 45 pancakes (blocking an opposing player to the ground), 26 tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble.
“I am happy and this just shows I can achieve anything I put my mind to. This is just my stepping stone,” he said.
Aside from Gannon, offensive lineman Deronte Shaw, free safety Antwan McCoy, outside linebacker Eric Silva and running back Armoni Norton made the first team.
For head coach Tashaka Merryweather, having his athletes receive postseason honors is a consolation after the Oilers experienced a disappointing 2-6 season.
“In my three years, we’ve had 13 guys make the first-team,” he said. “It’s a great moment for them.”
With football season officially in the rearview mirror, Richmond High now turns its attention to basketball season, as well as its flagship sports program, boys’ soccer.
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