Richards returns to state quarterfinals for first time since 2019

Three snaps.

That’s how long it took Richards running back Myles Mitchell to have a positive impact in a 42-14 victory over downstate Washington on Nov. 8 in the second round of the Class 6A state playoffs in Oak Lawn.

On the third play from scrimmage, Mitchell took the handoff from quarterback Noah Escobedo, got around the left side and sprinted 72 yards down the sideline for a touchdown.

The North Dakota State recruit went on to score on runs of 1 and 54 yards, finishing the game with 213 yards on 22 carries.

“I want to give a shoutout to my O-line,” Mitchell said. “They gave me great blocking and they played a great game overall. 

“I just saw the holes, made my cuts and hit the holes. Our coaches have done an amazing job and they make it easy for us.”

Richards (10-1) advances to the state quarterfinals for the 22nd time and will host Kankakee (10-1) at 1 p.m. Saturday. 

“We haven’t been (in the quarterfinals) since 2019,” Richards coach Tony Sheehan said. “Our program is built on that. This is a great group and we love being around them and they love being around each other.

“This means we have another week to be together.”

With Mitchell taking care of things offensively, the Bulldogs’ defense also played well. Richards had six sacks: three by defensive end Maddux North, two by defensive end Kamron Norwood and one by lineman Johnny Lipscomb.

The Panthers (8-3) managed just 44 rushing yards on 23 attempts in the first two quarters.

“It all goes into the preparation we had all week,” North said. “And we have such a great bond with our guys and that starts with the guys up front. Our secondary gives me time to get to the quarterback.

“Our coaches had us prepared. The guys on the D-line all did their job to stop the run. It can’t be just one guy.”

Richards’ defense scored the second touchdown of the game on the Panthers’ first possession. Cornerback Emmanuel Mahonie scooped up a fumble of an errant snap and returned it 33 yards for a TD with 9:32 to play in the first quarter.

“I just saw the quarterback not catch the ball,” Mahonie said. “I got off my block because my guy wasn’t blocking me very well and I picked it up and scored.

“I saw that I could take it back (for a touchdown) and I was happy and hyped.”

In the third quarter, a bad snap over the head of Washington punter Joseph Smith resulted in a 34-yard loss with Smith recovering the ball at his own 21.

Three plays later, Mitchell went in from the 1 for a 21-0 lead at 6:48 of the third.

After Washington punted, Mitchell scored one more time on a 54-yard run around the right side to make it 28-0 at the 5:01 mark.

“In my 17 years as head coach, Myles and (William) Andrews are the top two backs I’ve ever had at Richards,” Sheehan said. “Myles wants the ball in his hands and he does a great job of doing what we need him to do.”

After Washington scored late in the third quarter, Richards’ Kamari Sapara returned the ensuing kickoff 68 yards, setting up the Bulldogs on the Panthers 26. Five plays later, Escobedo (6 of 16 passing, 64 yards) hit a leaping Milan Mosley (two receptions, 32 yards) for a 20-yard TD pass and a 35-7 lead.

Ladarrius Foster (six carries, 74 yards) scored on a 38-yard run in the fourth quarter to finish the Richards scoring.