Disappointing loss but colorful festivities mark homecoming game at Richmond High

Another slow start against a powerful opponent sent Richmond High’s homecoming football game south early on Friday night, although a late touchdown offered hope for the future.

The visiting John Swett High School Indians rolled up 25 points in the first quarter, cruising to an eventual 47-6 victory over the Oilers.

“Obviously, that was a very disappointing loss for homecoming,” Richmond head coach Tashaka Merriweather said.  “…We thought we had a really good week of practice and we were prepared. 

“But I have to really say, you know, John Swett did a great job too, with their guys, the athletes they had and just taking advantage of that,” Merriweather added.

The Oilers said little to each other as they filed off the field at halftime, trailing 25-0, as players stared forward and headed toward the locker room.

Halftime featured lively festivities that included decorated floats with members of each class and the homecoming court.  The robust crowd stayed through the final whistle to cheer on the team.

Just as they did in a loss to Kennedy last week, it took the Oilers until the second half to find their footing after a mistake-filled first period. Starting from their own 20-yard line, they steadily marched more than 65 yards down the field using several good runs and a long reception from senior DeAndre Ellis. But the drive ended when John Swett’s defense snuffed out a 4^th-down screen pass from Oilers quarterback Jonathan de La Cruz to Ellis.

The Indians’ next play on offense, a run, went more than 80 yards for a dispiriting touchdown against the home team to extend the margin to 40-0. Minutes later, a tipped pass from de la Cruz ended up in the hands of a John Swett defender, who returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.

Seniors Ellis, running the ball, and Eric Silva, playing on defense, stood out once again. Late in the fourth quarter, Richmond drove for a touchdown when Ellis powered through the John Swett defense on the ground to hit paydirt. 

The late score showed the effort the players continued to put in, Merriweather said.

“I’d be more disappointed if we give up and just quit, versus a win,” Merriweather said. “…If anything that just gives us a little hope for next week.”

Richmond (1-6 overall, 0-2 in conference), takes on De Anza High School next week.