ROCKINGHAM — On paper it’s a mismatch.
The fifth-ranked team in the state vs. a squad which held on to claim the final playoff berth from its conference.
In fact, just about from any view or angle, the game between Millbrook (18-2) and Richmond Senior (8-12-2) shouldn’t be close.
But on any given night when a David takes on a Goliath, the underdog can pull off the upset.
“Anything can happen,” Richmond midfielder Brittany Hudson said. “I keep thinking back to the second time we played Pinecrest last year and we lost 4-3 in overtime. Anything is possible.”
Teammate Brittany Roberts echoed Hudson’s feelings.
“All we can do is go out and play our game,” Roberts said. “Anything can happen.”
Richmond coach Bennie Howard hoped to play the game Tuesday night, but a scheduling conflict with Millbrook’s second round contest in the state boys lacrosse playoffs pushed the contest to today at 6 p.m.
“It gives us another day of practice,” Howard said. “We had a good day of practice yesterday and so far today we have had a good one. We don’t have any injuries, but we know it’s going to be a challenge.”
Howard added his team shouldn’t be intimidated to face a highly-ranked opponent. He pointed to this season’s schedule which included Whiteville, the No. 2 team in 2A, Pinecrest, the sixth-ranked team in 4A, as well as Union Pines, which finished first in the Cape Fear Valley Conference.
“We have played some good teams to get us ready for this,” Howard said. “I think the biggest thing is going to be the speed of the game. If we can pick up the pace and not play at a snail’s pace, we can hang in there. If not, then we are going to be someone’s escargot.”
— Sports editor Shawn Stinson can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 14, or by email at sstinson@heartlandpublications.com
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