1. Eastern heads to Richmond, Va. for football playoffs
By Laura Kersey
The cheers of Maroon football players, family and friends echoed from the Student
Services Building Sunday afternoon as Eastern was selected to play the University of
Richmond (Va.) in the first-round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
"As a football team, we're not surprised to be in this situation," Coach Hope said. "We
feel like we've really worked hard over the last several years to be in position to win a
national championship. We feel like we have firepower on the offensive side of the ball
and defensive side of the ball and the special teams. We're excited about the opportunity."
Coaches and players had speculated throughout the week that the Colonels would play
Appalachian State, McNeese or Southern Illinois, the teams regionally closest to Eastern.
As the show dwindled down and the Colonels had not been announced, anticipation grew
into who its opponent would be.
"I thought looking at the brackets that it might be possible (to play Richmond)," Athletic
Director Mark Sandy said. "I thought if we got a home game it would not be Richmond,
but James Madison. But, we're headed to Richmond."
Sandy is a Richmond graduate and former athletic director. He also coached basketball
alongside Richmond's athletic director at Virginia Military Institute 25 years ago. But
Sandy's not bothered returning to his alma mater wearing maroon.
"We'll go over and take care of business in Virginia," Sandy said. "We'll plan on going
over to Richmond and show them where the real football team lives in Richmond,
Kentucky. I don't have any qualms, I'll have maroon on and be ready to go."
Despite the good playoff draw, Coach Hope admitted he was disappointed that Eastern
was not chosen for a first-round playoff host site.
"I'm disappointed for Richmond and Madison County," Head Coach Danny Hope said. "I
think it would have been a great opportunity and a lot of fun to be at home for
Thanksgiving weekend. But, personally it doesn't matter to me where we play."
Coach Hope said he knew little about the Spiders, but will spend the majority of the week
in preparation for Saturday's game.
"Until you look at the film its all speculation," Coach Hope said. "I can tell you what
state they are in. I know that much about them. We've really focused this on taking it one
game at a time. That's been a difference maker for our team."
But Hope isn't looking that far ahead just yet.
2. "If we don't beat Richmond it won't matter," Hope said.
No. 9 Eastern Kentucky (9-2, 8-0 OVC) will travel to Co-CAA champion No. 6
Richmond (9-2, 7-1 CAA) for the first ever meeting between the two teams. The winner
advances to take on either Montana or Wofford (S.C.) Dec. 1 in the quarterfinals.
Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
