Richmond’s varsity 11-man football squad is getting what wide receiver/ defensive back Malikiah Tharp considers a well-deserved break this week from competition. The Spartans and Maryville each have a first-round bye in the Class 3 District 8 Tournament, set to begin Friday with two games – Pembroke Hill vs. Kansas City Central and Chillicothe vs. St. Joseph Lafayette. Richmond will host the Chillicothe-St. Joe Lafayette winner Nov. 7 in the semifinals of the singleelimination, postseason competition. When asked if he would rather play Friday or wait a week, Tharp replied: “I think I like the week off.” The Spartans secured their time off by clinching the No. 2 seed in their six-team district. They were awarded that seed by tallying 39.78 district standings points. Maryville secured the top spot with 46.06 points, Missouri State High School Activities Association records state. Both Richmond and Maryville finished the regular season 7-2. The Spartans got the last of their seven…