WINSTON-SALEM — It was a successful start to the new season for the Richmond Raider football team, which defeated Mount Tabor High School 56-41 on Friday.
A fast start that saw a 42-7 lead in the first half by the Raiders proved to be the difference maker, as the Spartans made a second-half comeback attempt.
Richmond defeated the defending 3AA state champions, who are now 4A, using three rushing scores, two passing touchdowns, two fumble recoveries for scores and an 86-yard kickoff return.
Crossing into the end zone on the ground were senior running back Nasir Crumpton, junior tailback Taye Spencer and senior quarterback Kellan Hood. Through the air, Hood connected with senior wide receivers Cason Douglas and Chris Ellerbe for touchdowns.
Scooping up fumbles and returning them for defensive tallies were senior cornerback Jaleak Gates and senior linebacker Ke’Sean Ingram. Douglas helped maintain the Raiders’ third-quarter lead with the kickoff return.
Senior linebacker Gabe Altman recorded the team’s lone interception in the first quarter, and senior defensive end J.D. Lampley batted down an extra point attempt following the Spartans’ final score.
In the kicking game, first-year varsity kicker senior Alex Medina went 8-for-8 on PATs, making him just the fifth kicker in program history to kick that many extra point attempts in a game.
The win continued the Raiders’ Week 1 winning streak, which dates back to the start of the 1986 season.
For a full recap of Friday’s win, complete with interviews from coaches and players, click here.
Below are photos taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar of Richmond’s win over Mount Tabor on Friday.
