I will say this..... I think homefield advantage is overrated this deep in the playoffs....especially at Richmond because our visitors seating is nicer than many teams home seating and can accommodate ALL of their fans. The atmosphere pre-game is something special, but after the whistle blows, it doesn't really matter.
That said.....many years ago, I stated on this board...and I believe Kount Klepto agreed with me....Richmond is more dangerous as an underdog and on the road. In 2008, when they went to West Charlotte and Indy with a chip on their shoulder, coming in with 3 losses and a tie, they just straight up hit em in the mouth..... Butler has gotten the best of Richmond the past few years but the 2 times they won, where was the game? Not in Rockingham. On the flipside of that, Richmond has lost a few games in Rockingham that that they had no business losing.
I think there has always been a problem with the wine and cheese crowd on the 50 yard line and unless that has gone away in the past few years, I expect more of the same. I'll freely admit, last Friday was the first home game I've been to in years since I am currently employed at another high school and must attend all of their games during the regular season.....but I have taken notice of the hype surrounding this years squad and the buzz in the community. I think this week's crowd might remind us of the glory days of Raider football....before the fanbase became spoiled and in some cases, apathetic.
Having a few down years has been good for Raider football. I hope it has made the Raider faithful realize just how good they've always had it in Richmond County. I'm sure after a 7-5 campaign last season and bowing out in the 1st round has made some realize just how special it is to go past Thanksgiving. Best yet, I think it's raised the standards for the players. I've enjoyed following this team on social media and seeing them celebrate their accomplishments from showing up during the off season workouts to making the A/B Honor Roll. We didn't have social media when I was a student, so I can't compare them to the old days, but this team shows a lot of heart...and they believe in each other and I think more than any homefield advantage.....THAT is the real Raider Magic and that is something you cannot quantify. X's and O's have nothing on Heart + Talent + Preparedness.
Win or Lose, I'm excited for this scrappy group....and best yet, many of the key guys are sophomores so we get to see it for 2 more years.