ROCKINGHAM — Not much can go wrong when a team holds its opponent off the scoreboard.
That was the story Thursday for the Richmond Senior High School junior varsity football team, which extended its winning streak to four games.
Earning a 49-0 over Southern Lee High School to begin Sandhills Athletic Conference play, the JV Raiders and head coach Patrick Hope also notched their third shutout win in their last four games.
Taking advantage of three takeaways on defense on the first three drives by the JV Cavaliers, Richmond scored early and often. At halftime, the JV Raiders led 34-0.
“This was a dynamic start to the conference season and we wanted to make a statement in the conference opener,” Hope said. “Our offense made a lot of explosive plays running the ball, which shows our commitment to blocking, making the right reads, and taking care of the ball.”
The JV Raiders tallied 360 yards of total offense in the win, as 334 yards came from the ground game.
Richmond found the end zone four times in the first quarter, starting with a 32-yard rushing score by freshman Donovan Jones. Freshman kicker Jake Gardner split the uprights for the first of his five successful point-after attempts.
Sophomore quarterback BJ Hinson helped the team build its early advantage with a passing touchdown. Hauling in the catch was sophomore wide receiver Jasiah Cooper, who found paydirt from 35 yards out.
Gardner’s PAT was true to give the JV Raiders a 14-0 lead.
Freshman running back Ty Covington, who finished tied with Jones for the team lead with two rushing touchdowns, added both of his scores before the teams switched sides of the field.
Covington struck first with a 35-yard gallop into the end zone, which was followed by another Gardner PAT. Later in the first quarter, Covington pushed in from three yards out. This time, the extra-point was blocked.
Leading 27-0 heading into the second quarter, the JV Raiders scored once more in the second stanza.
Jones capped off a drive with his second rushing score, a five-yard run. Gardner’s kick through the uprights made it 34-0, a score that would hold until halftime.
On the opening drive of the second half, Richmond wasted little time to pad its lead. Sophomore quarterback Collin Hill showed off his speed, bursting into the secondary and then the end zone for a 40-yard rushing score.
Like clockwork, Gardner was good on the PAT to distance the JV Raiders 41-0.
Hinson recorded his second overall touchdown in the win in the third quarter, which ignited the running clock.
Keeping the ball, Hinson rushed in from three yards for the game’s final score. Sophomore tiger back Keith Cummings caught a two-point conversion pass from freshman Keviyon McManus to extend the lead to 49-0.
A fast-moving fourth quarter yielded no more points for Richmond, which was also able to keep the shutout intact.
“Our defense forced several turnovers, which led to extra possessions for the offense,” Hope shared. “And it was their third shutout in four games.
“Special teams are also improving with us being able to kick extra points,” he added. “Kickoff coverage is also improving with a variety of kickers.”
The JV Raiders’ defense kept up its lights-out play, holding Southern Lee to just 50 yards of total offense.
Freshman Francisco Canales was responsible for two forced fumbles and also had a tackle-for-loss. Sophomore Jeremiah Covington knocked one fumble loose and recorded a recovery.
Four other defensive players also notched a takeaway. Sophomore Alijah Flowers and freshman AJ McDonald each recovered a fumble, while sophomores Kingston Kirby and Shamir Jones both intercepted a pass.
Kirby added one pass defensed and Jones recorded a TFL. Cummings and sophomore Elijah Ingram each had one QB hurry and one tackle-for-loss.
Sophomore teammates Caleb Brown, Adan King and Andrea Streeter, along with Covington, all had one TFL.
“Every player was able to play and it was very exciting to see the depth of our coaching show up with our reserves,” Hope closed. “The team enjoyed cheering them on as they got on the field.”
The JV Raiders (4-1, 1-0 SAC) are home again next Thursday and will try to extend their winning streak to five games against Pinecrest High School. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Patrick Hope and Joey English contributed to this article.
