RICHWOOD
RICHWOOD
Lumberjacks look to turn around fortunes
By Dave Morrison for the register-herald
Richwood will be in new digs this year, in its new school at the site of the old Cherry River Elementary.
It’ s the first time since 2016, when flooding devastated the old school.
It’ s been an equally lean few years for Richwood football. Interim coach Jon Malcomb, also the school’ s baseball coach, is trying to change that.
“ Sometimes a new school can have a big impact on a program like football,” Malcomb said.“ It’ s definitely going to be a big impact on our students and our student athletes.
“ But we have to do our part. We need to start winning football games. We need to start being competitive. And I think we have the players to do that.”
Last year was trying to say the least. The team went 0-9 and was outscored 401-114( 44.6-12.7). The 44.6 is the third-most points given up in 104 years of Lumberjacks football.
Richwood has not had a winning season since 2017( 6-5), the last time the team went to the postseason, and is 15-54 in seven seasons since.
But Malcomb believes the tide is turning, and there is new hope with the new school.
And they have a young contingent of players with experience.
Fawkes O’ Dell had a big freshman season when he had over 1,500 total yards. Malcomb anticipates that he will once again be a Lumberjacks standout.
“ He’ s a talented player,” the coach said.“ I really think Fawkes O’ Dell will rush for over 1,000 yards this season.”
Experienced veteran presence Corey Minter will also run in the backfield with
Jenny Harnish / The Register-Herald
Richwood’ s Fawkes O’ Dell( 6) runs by Meadow Bridge’ s Tony Martin during their game at Meadow Bridge.
O’ Dell.
Grady Hall is coming off a season of promise at quarterback.
“ We were one dimensional last year and I probably should have done a better job by calling more slants, bubbles and stuff like that,” Malcomb said.
There is an X-factor as well.
“ We added a big piece with Chad Hall( the QB’ s dad) joining the staff,” Malcomb said.“ He is a former assistant, a former head coach here and he really knows his stuff. He’ s an excellent coach, excellent role model, a fabulous teacher and it’ s great to have him here.”
Along the offensive line is some experience in tackle Jason Sparks, guard Oliver O’ Dell and center Dylan Henline.
Chandler Mullens will likely handle one of the other five spots.
Malcomb said Mullens could also see time in the backfield. The other line spot will be decided in fall camp.
Receivers include junior Travis Johnson, Riley Crites, a first-year player who plays baseball for Malcomb, and Lucas Ferrer.
Richwood had trouble keeping opponents out of the end zone, giving up over 30 points in all nine games, 50-plus five times and over 40 twice.
“ First I have to coach better and put our guys in position to succeed,” Malcomb said.“ I think I put too much pressure on the ends and linebackers to communicate on contain. This year we wil have one guy doing the communicating.
“ And we have to tackle better. That really hurt us last year.”
Minter and Fawkes O’ Dell will be those edge rushers with contain responsibilities, and Mullens will be one of the inside backers.
The offensive line of
Sparks, Oliver O’ Dell and Henline will make up three of the four defensive line spots.
Riley Crites will be a defensive back if he doesn’ t go to the other linebacker spot in the Lumberjacks’ 4-4 defense.
Walker Pettit will occupy a corner, as he did last season, and Travis Johnson is at safety. Grady Hall could play in the defensive backfield but only limited time to keep him fresh at QB.
The team doesn’ t have any kickers so auditions will be held in practice.
2025 SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 at Webster County Calhoun County at Gilmer County
Open at Pocahontas County at Tygarts Valley Clay-Battelle
Meadow Bridge Buffalo at Montcalm Valley
SOUTHERN W. VA. GAME NIGHT- AUGUST 2025 • 23