Richards has shown to have quite the running game over the years with the likes of current North Dakota State freshman Myles Mitchell and current senior Ahmad Buchanan.
But the receivers would like a word, too.
Senior wideout Kamani Sapara and his teammates have worked hard to build chemistry with quarterback Noah Escobedo.
“We got together as a group and caught 200 passes a day,” Sapara said. “We now have the chemistry.”
“We knew we would be able to throw the ball a bit more this year, and we kind of worked on it all offseason and even into the season,” Richards coach Tony Sheehan said.
That showed on Sept 26, when Sapara caught two of Escobedo’s three touchdown passes to lead the aerial attack in Richards’ 49-20 homecoming win over Shepard.
“This year’s homecoming felt like everyone was there as a community,” Sapara said. “It was nice to bring everyone together.”
Outside of catching passes, Sapara worked on hand strength and hand-eye coordination during the offseason.
Fellow receiver Jaiden Henry caught a 33-yard pass to give the Bulldogs a 49-0 lead heading into halftime. Buchanan added three TD runs for the Bulldogs (4-1, 3-0 South Suburban Red).
Shepard coach John Rone took some of the blame for the loss, but wants his players to step up heading into future games.
“It starts with me,” Rone said. “I have to do a better job of getting this team focused. … We can’t come out flat.”
The Astros (1-4, 1-2) showed some life offensively after halftime. Aarien Lee ran 20 times for 180 yards and a touchdown, while Billy Massey threw a pair of touchdown passes to sophomore receiver Brendin Thomas.
“Thomas is a very good athlete,” Rone said. “Kid has an unbelievable future in front of him as long as he stays the course and keeps working the process.”
There was a running clock and Richards sat its starters in the second half.
The Bulldogs’ defense was relentless all evening.
Defensive back Emmanuel Mahonie landed on a loose ball in the end zone early in the first quarter for a touchdown. Soon after the Bulldogs found themselves in a similar spot, but this time for a safety.
Junior defensive back Eric Jacobs also had an interception. Junior defensive end Kahmari Flowers also made his presence felt.
“He’s a tough kid,” Sheehan said of Flowers. “He’s worked all summer and has stepped up and played really well.”
Flowers grew up playing for the Robbins Eagles and knew one day he’d be on the Richards football team. This opportunity to play his role for the team he grew up watching was something he was not going to take for granted.
He wants opponents to know the Bulldogs are here to stay.
“We’ve just got to prove to them now that we’re the same (formidable) team, just with different players,” Flowers said.