By Jim Workman
When one thinks of Richwood, it’s usually superb offensive fireworks that come to mind.
In 11 games, the undefeated Lumberjacks have put 471 points on the scoreboard, an average of 42.8 points per game.
But one of their brightest young stars has excelled on the defensive side of the ball.
Sophomore linebacker Spencer McPherson is spearheading the Lumberjacks’ D, piling up runners and covering receivers with the skill of an accomplished veteran.
“He’s one of the hardest hitters on our team,” Richwood coach Jason Rogers said. “He loves to hit. He’s a hard-nosed kid.”
The No. 3-rated Lumberjacks (11-0) will host No. 6 Wirt County (9-2) Saturday in a Class A quarterfinal contest at 7:30 p.m.
Mark Twain was once credited with saying, “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
That’s clearly where Rogers stands with McPherson.
“Spencer’s not your typical sophomore,” Rogers said. “He is 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, and he started all 10 games as a freshman last year. He plays like a senior.
“He calls (plays) on the strong side, and when he comes off the field, he’s usually the one telling the coaches what is going on out there.”
The Lumberjacks have two legitimate first-team all-state candidates in the offensive backfield in senior running back Dustin Brown and junior quarterback Sam Tindal.
Brown, who has amassed 2,099 yards rushing, leads the state in scoring with 35 touchdowns and a total of 253 points, helped by the fact he has also kicked six field goals — tied for second most in the state — and booted numerous extra points while adding several two-point conversion runs and catches for the Lumberjacks for good measure.
Tindal has gained 1,593 yards and scored 22 TDs in the option attack.
McPherson has gained over 500 yards and scored five rushing TDs himself as a fullback. But his real talent comes by plowing the way for Brown and Tindal, Rogers said.
“He loves to lead block as a fullback,” the coach said. “He also lines up as a slot and cracks back. We take a lot of pride in our blocking, along with our offensive linemen and our wide receivers.”
The Richwood offensive line has given up only two sacks in 113 pass attempts this season.
McPherson scored on the first play from scrimmage last week, catching a 65-yard TD pass from Tindal on a flea-flicker call in the Lumberjacks’ 44-26 victory over Pendleton County.
“Spencer smiled when I told him that there was a good chance we were going to run that play,” Rogers said. “He knew that he is going to be open and it comes to him about 99 percent of the time because he’s usually wide open.”
Wirt County is known mostly for its passing attack. Quarterback Jake Hutchinson, a 5-foot-9 senior, leads the state with 33 TD passes this season. Sophomore split end Dalton Brindo, 6-1, 180, was on the receiving end of 18 of those TD passes, a stat that also leads the state. Zach Cheuvront, a 6-4 senior, has caught 13 TD passes.
The Tigers also have a versatile running attack with three senior running backs who have gained over 400 yards apiece — tailbacks Kris Holbert and Levi Kirby, along with fullback Devin Dye.
Wirt County defeated No. 11 Iaeger in a first-round playoff game last week, 34-12.
“They’re a good team that can run it and throw it,” Rogers said. “They’ll line up in a double tight with a double-wing (backfield) and shift into an I (formation). Then they’ll spread out and throw it. They’ve been pretty effective.”
The Tigers can score a lot of points as well. Their 361 points in 11 games add up to a 32.8 points per contest average.
It could be a shootout at Dean Memorial Field.
“I hope not,” Rogers said. “I hope our defense comes through for us. They’re tired of hearing that our defense can’t do it. I think they’ll be ready to play.”
