LITTLE ROCK — Jacksonville Coach Rick Russell said in August that he would lean heavily on senior utility backs Aaron Smith and Kevin Richardson this fall.
When Smith — the starting quarterback — was out with a bruised thigh Friday night against Helena-West Helena Central, Richardson was asked to shoulder more of the load.
He delivered.
Richardson earned the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Feat of the Week after scoring four touchdowns from three positions in a 35-0 victory in the 5A-Central opener at Jan Crow Stadium in Jacksonville.
“He’s been awesome so far,” Russell said. “We’ve just got to keep him healthy.”
In Jacksonville’s Class 5A debut, Richardson rushed 2 times for 21 yards, including a 13-yard touchdown, caught 4 passes for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns (38 and 30 yards), had 6 tackles and intercepted 2 passes, returning one 65 yards for a touchdown.
“We want Kevin to get it 20-25 times a game, whether it’s throwing it or running it or returning kickoffs or punts,” Russell said. “We knew we were going to count on him. Boy, when he got it in his hands, he was special.”
Russell said Richardson, 6-0, 165 pounds, was asked to do more because Smith was held out after carrying 32 times the previous week in a 12-7 victory over Maumelle.
Junior Reggie Barnes started at quarterback against Helena-West Helena Central.
“We had Kevin if we needed him,” Russell said. “But Reggie was making such good throws and Kevin was running such great routes. He had a great night.”
Richardson scored his touchdown run at quarterback and caught his touchdown passes as a split receiver.
Richardson also plays safety and cornerback and makes the secondary calls, Russell said, based on the offensive formation.
“He’s just a student of the game,” Russell said. “Then last week, he just schooled up so well. He’s asking questions every day and it paid off for him Friday night. He’s one of those kids that it’s not luck.
“It’s where preparation meets opportunity. That’s what’s happening to him so far this year.”
Richardson also had two interceptions against Maumelle, both at the Red Devils 6, Russell said.
Richardson is a threestarter and a college prospect, Russell said.
Feat of the Week
NAME Kevin Richardson
TEAM Jacksonville
CLASS Senior
POSITION QB/WR/DB
HT./WT. 6-0, 165 pounds
OPPONENT Helena-West Helena Central
THE FEAT Scored 4 touchdowns while playing three different positions in Jacksonville’s 35-0 victory
RUSHING 2 carries, 21 yards, 1 TD
RECEIVING 4 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDS
DEFENSE 6 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 for TD
Sports, Pages 21 on 09/26/2012