RICHLANDS, Va. – The passionate fans of the Richlands Blue Tornado football program saw a glimmer of hope late last season.
Flash back to a game seven matchup at Southwest District rival Virginia High.
While the losing streak for Richlands was extended to 19 with a 48-12 setback, a gritty athlete emerged at quarterback for the Blues.
Here’s more about Andrew Boyd.
“I didn’t play quarterback at all last year until I started that Virginia High game,” Boyd said.
Boyd made an impression.
He completed 15 of 26 passes for 171 yards, rushed for 41 yards, and generated both scores.
One week later against Galax, Boyd earned hero status by completing 16 of 19 passes for 166 yards and three scores as Richlands ended the losing streak.
“That was a good time,” Boyd said. “We were able to gain some confidence, get some wins and start building for the 2025 season.”
Richlands earned its second win in week nine with a 28-16 victory against Marion. Boyd accumulated 245 total yards, including 149 on the ground.
For good reason, the coaches and fans at Richlands were anxious to watch Boyd operate this year.
“Andrew is a tough kid and he does a great job running our offense,” Richlands head coach Ronnie Davis said.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Boyd knows tough times.
After serving in a reserve role as a freshman at Richlands, he was the regular starter during a winless season as a sophomore.
“I’ve really worked on my game since then,” Boyd said. “I played in several 7-on-7 games and spent a lot of time studying film with my coaches. I can read defenses better now and I’m just trying to make good things happen with my teammates.”
The new mentors for Boyd include offensive coordinator Mike Davis and quarterback guru Bill Dudley. A former quarterback at Graham and Emory & Henry, Dudley was instrumental in the record-setting run of quarterback Carter Creasy at Tazewell.
“Those men really know the game and the quarterback position and I’ve learned so much from them,” Boyd said. “I’m still catching up and applying the lessons I’ve been taught.”
According to Boyd, Dudley is a master of his craft.
“I’ve spent hours watching film with Coach Dudley,” Boyd said. “I do love me some film study, so it’s been fun every step of the way.”
The 2025 fun run for Boyd began in the opening game against Virginia High. The Blues fell 31-21 to the speedy Bearcats, but Boyd 301 compiled total yards.
Entering Friday’s homecoming matchup against Grundy, the season stat line for Boyd includes 13 touchdowns and over 1,320 yards passing along with over 300 yards rushing and five more scores.
“Andrew gets better with each game,” Ronnie Davis said. “He’s a playmaker who can make plays in a variety of ways.”
Does Boyd prefer passing or running.
“I do whatever my team needs,” Boyd said. “I’m just blessed to have so many good players around me.”
Boyd connected with five different targets and threw for 214 yards in last week’s 42-21 loss at Lebanon.
Junior Landon Absher leads the Blues with six touchdown receptions, while senior basketball standout Wynnter Boyd has four TD receptions as a first-year player. Senior Riley Perkins and versatile junior Jamie Capshaw have combined on three scores.
“I have a good offensive line and fix or six solid receiving targets, even on the sidelines,” Boyd said. “We have a bunch of guys that can make plays and we’re all working together.”
For Richlands fans, that glimmer of hope from October of 2024 has developed into a shining light.
“We’ve all worked for this,” Boyd said. “I basically stayed at the field house every day last summer working on my strength and trying to build a bond with my teammates.
“That bond is strong now and I’m feeling comfortable.”