This week is a full-circle moment for Munster junior Zion Richards.

The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker/running back made his first career start against Merrillville in a Class 5A sectional opener in 2023. Now Richards is a second-year captain for the Mustangs, who will play the highly ranked Pirates for a sectional title on Friday.

Richards said he has come a long way since he was “a little scared and nervous” two years ago.

“I always try to keep my teammates uplifted,” he said. “If I see someone down, I always try to pick them up. I’m always sure I’m vocal and always talking to my teammates, keeping my teammates doing the right thing. If we’re slacking off during practice, I get people together and say, ‘Let’s talk about this. We need to step it up.’

“Especially as the inside backer, I have to be vocal, I have to communicate, I have to be loud. I always make sure my energy and my voice are reflecting that. I always want to make sure it’s passing on to other people.”

Richards has been productive for Munster (4-6) too. He has a team-high 95 tackles this season. He has also rushed for 41 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, helping to pick up the slack since junior running back Sam Sudac suffered a shoulder injury in Week 8.

“He’s a great leader,” Sudac said. “He’s the leader of our defense. His encouragement to all of our teammates, you couldn’t ask for anyone better. Having him on the team, it makes us better.”

Richards had 81 tackles as a sophomore in Romison Saint-Louis’ first season as Munster’s coach.

“He’s one of our best players,” Saint-Louis said. “The thing I’m blessed with, some of my best players are also my hardest workers, and he’s definitely one of those. He’s a coach’s dream. He’s always available. He works extremely hard. I enjoy being around him, and his teammates do too. He’s a solid kid. I’m glad I get him for another year too.”

Working to get stronger, Richards added 15 pounds since last season.

“I try to stay physical,” he said. “I try to bring physicality to the team because that’s what’s going to help us win games. Physicality is a big part of football, and I always try to bring that, especially as the inside backer, as the Mike. I try to be vocal and always lead the best way I can, do the right things, show people what you need to do to win.”

Richards suffered a partially torn MCL in his left knee during Munster’s sectional opener against Morton last season. He didn’t need surgery, but the injury largely short-circuited his first season on the wrestling team.

Richards was healthy by the spring, however, and he won a sectional title in the discus.

This fall, the Mustangs have doubled their total wins from 2024 and have their most since they went 4-6 in 2017 in iconic coach Leroy Marsh’s final season. By defeating Hammond Central 46-12 last week, Munster won a postseason game and advanced to a sectional championship game for the first time since 2021.

“We’re building Munster football back to a program that will be respected in Northwest Indiana,” Saint-Louis said.

Munster hasn’t won a sectional title since 1996 but will try to pull off an upset at Merrillville (8-2), which ended the regular season ranked No. 5 in the state coaches poll. The Pirates won 49-7 in their matchup two years ago.

“They’re a good team, I have to give them that,” Richards said. “We’re going to give our best to come out with a sectional title.

“I want everyone to be confident in ourselves and trust each other so we can come out with a sectional championship. We’ve improved a lot since last year.”

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/04/5a-football-merrillville-munster-zion-richards/