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Rams Playoff Preview: Listen to Our Roundtable Discussion
The Richland Rams fall Sports teams are entering the District 6 playoffs with their sights set on championship runs. In this special audio discussion, members of The Ram Report break down Richland’s seasons, key players, the football’s opening matchup against Southern Huntingdon, and what the Rams must do to advance.
Listen below for our complete Rams playoff discussion.
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Rams Sweep River Valley, Advance in District 6 Playoffs
By: Riley Yorchak & Austin Kehl
The Richland volleyball team hosted River Valley on Monday, Nov. 2, at Richland High School. The Rams entered the District 6 Class 3A playoffs as the No. 1 seed, while River Valley entered with an 11-11-1 record after facing several difficult opponents.
Richland entered the postseason led by seniors Addison Hirsch and Sarah Levander. The Rams also received contributions from juniors Brooklyn Roberts, Ava Bobak, Kendyl Ashcom and Kiya Wise.
Hirsch leads the team in kills per set and total blocks. Wise leads in total kills, digs, digs per set and receptions, while Roberts leads the Rams in aces and assists.
Coming off a difficult 3-1 loss to Bald Eagle Area in the LHAC semifinals, Richland responded by sweeping River Valley 3-0 in the opening round of the District 6 playoffs.
The Rams controlled the first set and won 25-14. They maintained their momentum with a 25-16 victory in the second set before completing the sweep with another 25-16 win in the third.
“We felt good,” freshman libero Molly Yorchak said. “We worked hard on and off the court to prepare for this game.”
Junior libero Ava Bobak also said the team’s preparation helped build its confidence.
“We worked hard in practice and felt confident going into the game,” Bobak said.
With the victory, Richland improved to 29-3-2 and advanced to host Central Cambria on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Richland High School.
The Red Devils enter the matchup with a 16-6 record after defeating Forest Hills in five sets Monday. Richland and Central Cambria met earlier this season, with the Rams earning a 3-0 victory.
Rams Turn Attention to District 6 Playoffs
By: Talon Urbanek & Trent Salem
The 8-2 Richland Rams are not just entering the PIAA District 6 playoffs. They are pursuing a legacy.
Many members of this senior class have played together since they could barely fit into their football pads. Now, they have an opportunity to turn years of preparation into a postseason run.
Richland enters the playoffs looking to move forward after suffering a 38-7 loss to Bishop Guilfoyle in the LHAC championship on Oct. 30. Despite the disappointing result, the Rams have plenty to be confident about after finishing the regular season with an 8-2 record.
The team faced another major test on Oct. 16 when it suffered a frustrating loss to Bellefonte. It was the type of defeat that could derail a locker room. Instead, it appeared to motivate the Rams.
Richland traveled to Bedford the following week and responded by scoring 64 points in a statement victory. The performance showed how dangerous the Rams can be when their offense is executing.
The postseason brings a new level of pressure. Every possession, defensive stop and mistake could make the difference between advancing and ending the season.
Key Players
Grayson Mahla: Mahla is the player Richland can turn to in short-yardage situations. Even when the defense expects him to receive the ball, he consistently fights forward for additional yards. His physical running style can wear down opposing defenses throughout a game.
Arnold Mugerwa: Mugerwa provides both strength and speed at wide receiver. He needs only a small amount of separation to turn a short pass into a long touchdown.
Next Up: Southern Huntingdon
Richland will open the District 6 playoffs against Southern Huntingdon.
The Rams need to begin the game aggressively and force Southern Huntingdon to play from behind. Their most important defensive challenge will be stopping the run.
Offensively, Richland must establish its ground game while also giving quarterback Jake Regan opportunities to connect with the team’s talented receivers. A fast start would help the Rams build momentum and control the game.
Richland must also win the battle at the line of scrimmage and protect the football. If the Rams accomplish those goals, they will give themselves a strong opportunity to advance.
“One of our biggest strengths is that we have grown as a team and have played our best football going into the playoffs,” Richland Assistant Coach Zach Rugg said.
Rugg believes focus and preparation separate playoff teams from championship teams.
“The focus and attention to detail on every single play, as well as their preparation,” Rugg said.
Use the link below To Play our New Richland Sports Trivia Game
RAMS 9: SEE IF YOU CAN GO 9 FOR 9 IN THIS SPORTS TRIVIA
Richland Cheer Places Third in First Competition
By: Wesley Dunlap & Colton Vickroy
The Richland cheer team finished third in its first competition of the season, earning a score of 78.5 in the small varsity division.
Cheerleading uses a scoring system that differs from those used in many other sports. Teams begin with a raw score and try to maintain as many points as possible throughout their routines. Multiple judges evaluate each performance and deduct points for mistakes such as a wobble, flipped sign or fall.
Because even small errors can affect the final score, team members must remain synchronized throughout the routine.
Richland entered the season with several freshmen and new starters after losing two seniors from last year’s team. The opening competition offered an early look at how the new group is developing.
Although it was not the team’s best performance, the Rams showed several strengths. Their stunts were successful, and they finished with a strong pyramid. Richland placed third out of six teams, giving the Rams a solid start after working throughout the preseason to perfect their routine.
Before the competition, head coach Jenna Ricci said the team had focused on both physical and mental preparation.
“We prioritized mindset and endurance,” Ricci said. “Coaching the mental aspect of the sport is the toughest challenge, but our athletes are ready.”
Maintaining a positive mindset throughout a competition is an important part of succeeding. Ricci understands that athletes must be physically and mentally prepared, and she expressed confidence in her team.
Sophomore Jenna Yost was also optimistic about the season.
“I am confident and ready to come back better than last year,” Yost said.
The Rams have high expectations after winning back-to-back state championships, two District 6 titles and the first LHAC cheer competition.
“Being back-to-back state champions, winning the first-ever LHAC cheer competition and earning two District 6 titles during my time on the team are accomplishments that show just how much this program is capable of,” senior Lauren Lamonaca said.
Although Lamonaca is a senior, she remains confident that the program will continue succeeding after she graduates.
“I truly believe the future of Richland cheer is incredibly bright,” Lamonaca said.
Richland’s cheer program includes teams from the elementary level through high school. Current team members recognize that their behavior can influence the younger athletes who may eventually follow them.
“Cheerleading is a sport that represents the school so much, so it is important for us to be good role models for younger generations so they see what is right and what is wrong,” Yost said.
By setting a strong example, the high school cheerleaders hope to help prepare the program’s younger athletes for future success.
