SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. – The Richmond Senior High School junior varsity football team has stayed unbeaten this year primarily using a vicious ground attack, yet the Raiders beat Sandhills Athletic Conference opponent Pinecrest High School 24-7 Thursday through the air.
On the team’s first offensive drive of the game, Raiders (5-0, 2-0 SAC) sophomore quarterback Noah Altman connected with freshman wide receiver Jakolbe Baldwin for a 6-yard touchdown strike. Following a freshman kicker Trevor Moss PAT, the Raiders jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back.
The offense waited until the second quarter to increase the score when Moss did what he’s done all season – hit big field goals. He booted the ball straight through the uprights for a 44-yard field goal, giving Richmond a 10-0 lead. Richmond’s school record for a field goal is 47 yards.
The JV Raiders were held scoreless throughout the third quarter, but Altman again was able to connect with receivers for two more touchdowns. The first was a 28-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver DJ Stephens, which was followed up with a 50-yard bomb later in the quarter to take the Raiders to the 24-7 victory.
Head coach Patrick Hope said Thursday that being balanced offensively is a big asset for when opposing defenses have to decide who to cover.
“Our passing game really came through for us to provide offensive balance tonight, from the protection, to the quarterback reads, to route running and catching the ball,” Hope said. “We overcame a couple miscues and controlled what we could control to get the win.”
Hope added that with some key players sidelined due to injuries, he was impressed to see other guys step up to contribute in what is becoming a very deep roster of talent on both sides of the ball.
The Raiders will look to stay undefeated overall and in the SAC as they host Jack Britt High School (4-0, 1-0) at 6:30 p.m. next Thursday in a game that will determine first place.
“We want this one to have a big game atmosphere since this is our first home game in over a month,” Hope said.
