Sophomore running back La’Darrius Foster is currently taking a construction class at Richards.
Foster, who loves building things, also takes special pride in showing off his burst of electricity.
“I’m more of a power and speed runner than somebody who makes a move off of that power,” Foster said. “I love to get into space and use my speed to get to the outside.”
Foster was a building block Friday night for the Bulldogs, scoring a 66-yard touchdown untouched on his first run of the game in a 68-12 South Suburban Red victory over host Oak Lawn.
In all, Foster scored twice and finished with 132 yards on eight carries to lead Richards (3-1, 2-0). Senior star Myles Mitchell also scored two TDs and the defense contributed a pair of TDs as well.
Junior quarterback Noah Escobedo added a 14-yard TD pass to senior receiver Milan Mosley.
Tadhg Walsh set up his 15-yard TD run for Oak Lawn (0-4, 0-2) with a 28-yard pass to Luke Mahoney. Julian Sandoval added an 18-yard TD catch from Rocco Santoro.
Foster, meanwhile, scored both of his TDs in the first half as Richards built a 48-6 lead.
“Scoring like the first time I touched the ball just boosted my confidence and taught me I could play with anybody out there,” he said. “Having space with the ball and making plays is something I’ve always been able to do.”
The precocious Foster made an impression with his older teammates as a freshman last year when he saw significant action at running back and linebacker.
“I could tell right away he’s a good ballplayer,” Escobedo said of Foster. “He was only a freshman, and he was getting touches. He’s a very hard worker who’s always in the weight room.
“He has a good work ethic. He’s a big part of our offense and steps up when his number is called.”
Richards coach Tony Sheehan said Foster has come of age as Mitchell’s heir apparent.
“Obviously, we have a dynamic guy like Myles,” Sheehan said of Mitchell, a North Dakota State recruit. “Most years, a guy like La’Darrius would be the featured back getting 20 or 25 carries.
“He has great vision and balance. His body control is very good. He’s lean, makes great cuts. He’s a tough kid, and we expect our kids to run through tackles or run tackle-to-tackle and get outside.”
Foster had the ideal background to make the leap immediately to varsity football.
His father and his two older brothers also played football, and Foster learned more about the game playing for the Robbins CalPark Eagles youth program.
The 5-foot-9, 173-pound Foster has the speed to get to the perimeter and the power to run between the tackles. He displayed his power game for the Bulldogs on a 1-yard TD plunge.
“Last year as a freshman, the game was a little hard for me,” Foster said. “But then I got used to it, and it got easier and easier. Myles helped me a lot when I came in last year.
“The biggest adjustment I learned was getting used to all of the things you have to prepare for to play on a Friday night.”
Foster also rotates with Mitchell on the defensive side, playing outside linebacker. Being there allows Foster to utilize his speed to rush the passer or disrupt the opposing attack.
Still, the game is the game, and Foster loves to showcase all parts of his talent.
“The more touches I get, on either side, the more confident I feel and I’m just out to do even better,” Foster said. “I always have the instincts of where to go with the ball.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
