HOPE MILLS — A career performance by senior running back Taye Spencer fueled Richmond Senior High School’s first win of the season on Friday.
Closing out its four-game non-conference schedule, the Raiders defeated South View High School 28-19.
A combination of 297 all-purpose yards from Spencer, a defensive stand in the final minutes and numerous special teams plays helped the Raiders end a three-game losing streak.
Spencer accounted for three total touchdowns, including two on the ground and one through the air. He had 202 rushing yards (26 carries) and 95 receiving yards (4 catches), both game-highs.
Senior quarterback Emoni McBride (9-of-15, 124 yards) threw one touchdown pass and crossed into the end zone with a rushing score to start Richmond’s scoring on its first drive.
Following a fumble recovery by senior defensive end Ethan Clayton on the second play of the game, McBride ran in for an 11-yard touchdown at the 10:07 mark of the first quarter.
Before the half, McBride threw a 19-yard touchdown to Spencer to make it 14-7.
Junior Jamison Jones stopped a fake field goal attempt as the clock expired in the second quarter, tackling Jaydon Richardson out of bounds at the 3-yard line.
An early third-quarter score by the Tigers (0-3) saw junior Jacoby Martin block the extra point attempt to preserve a one-point lead.
Spencer scored his first rushing touchdown of the night, a 14-yard run, to end a 13-play drive with 2:50 remaining in the third.
Senior linebacker Frazion Steele started the final stanza by picking off quarterback Tariq Clarida, the first of two fourth-quarter interceptions by the Raiders.
A short rushing score by Christian Rutledge cut South View’s deficit, but sophomore linebacker K’Mauri Morgan forced an errant pass attempt on the two-point conversion to maintain a two-point advantage.
Icing the win, Spencer broke loose for a 71-yard touchdown run along the right sideline. Sophomore Billy West added his fourth and final PAT of the game.
A sack by Morgan on South View’s final drive led to senior safety Messiah Shaw intercepting a pass in front of Richmond’s bench. The Raiders went into victory formation to run out the clock.
The Raiders (1-3) begin Sandhills Athletic Conference play next Friday at Southern Lee High School (1-3), with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
For a full recap of Friday’s win game, complete with video coverage and coach and player interviews, click here.
Below are photos of Friday’s non-conference win between Richmond and South View, taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
