ROCKINGHAM — A successful season for the Richmond Senior High School football program culminated in numerous postseason accolades for its players and coaches this week.
Released Monday by conference president Dr. Chad Hill, the 2024 All-Sandhills Athletic Conference football team featured 14 Richmond players and one coach.
Headlining the 50-player roster, junior outside linebacker Terande Spencer was named as the Defensive Player of the Year. He was an honorable mention as a sophomore.
Spencer’s selection comes after his second full season on varsity and was the second Raider in the last two seasons to earn it. Following the 2023 season, current senior inside linebacker Joe Parsons was also tabbed the best defensive player in the conference.
Richmond added six other defensive players to the team, five offensive players and two special team players. The 14 total selections were the most since the team had the same number in 2021.
Parsons was named to his third career All-SAC team, capping a career with the recognition during his sophomore through senior seasons.
Earning their second All-Conference nod were senior defensive end Zachary Gardner, junior wide receiver Jayden Hamilton and senior inside linebacker K’Mauri Morgan.
Recognized by the SAC for the first time in their careers were senior running back Jordan Bostick, senior defensive backs AJ Covington and Keidreion Crump, junior offensive linemen Daylyn Goodwin and Tyler McKenzie, junior specialist Keonta Pegues, senior defensive tackle Tate Simpson, senior center Lincoln Smith and senior kicker Billy West.
Brad Denson, following his first year as the head coach at his alma mater, was named the SAC’s Coach of the Year. Pinecrest High School’s Zymire Spencer, a running back, was awarded the Offensive Player of the Year.
The Raiders also had numerous honorable mentions, which were named by the Richmond coaching staff — senior Jarah Cook (DB), senior Chris Covington (DB), sophomore Chance Crowder (RB), senior Keyonta Davis (WR), senior Nicholas Griggs (WR), junior Jordan Hamilton (DE), junior Evan Hodges (QB), senior Zy Martin (LB), junior Robert Monroe (OL), senior Javion Smith (RB), senior Hayden Taylor (OL), junior Domonic Tillman (QB) and sophomore Kamel Tillman (OL).
Richmond completed a season of resurgence under Denson’s direction, collecting a 10-3 overall record, a five-win improvement from each of the past two seasons.
The Raiders won the SAC championship with a perfect 6-0 record, their first since 2021. Richmond put together a nine-game winning streak in 2024, which spanned until the team’s third-round playoff loss, its deepest run since 2019.
Terande Spencer: Defensive Player of the Year
After not making All-Conference following a stellar sophomore season, Spencer came back in bigger and better ways this season. As an edge rusher with a high motor, Spencer compiled not only some of the best defensive statistics in the conference, but also the state.
Using his speed and tackling abilities, Spencer rose to prominence with his keenness to make plays and stops behind the line of scrimmage.
“It was exciting to find out I was the defensive player of the year because we knew it was going to be me, K’Mauri or Joe,” Spencer explained. “We were all really hyped up for that and we believed we had performed the best in the conference. This is really an honor and I’m very thankful to the coaches for recognizing me.
“I think what helped me this year was just being fast off the ball and doing my assignments. My coaches always had really good game plans for me each week and that really helped me. I think I got better at reading plays and being able to anticipate what was coming. I watched a lot of film and that made my job easier.
“I’m looking forward to being able to step up and be a defensive leader during my senior year next season,” Spencer explained. “I’ve learned a lot from Joe and K’Mauri the last couple of years and they’ve helped prepare me to lead the team.”
In 13 games this season, Spencer totaled 101 tackles (55 solo, 46 assists), which placed him sixth overall in the conference. He averaged 7.8 tackles per game.
Spencer’s biggest contribution was getting into the backfield. He recorded a conference-best 17.0 quarterback sacks (1.3 sacks per game) and was tied with Morgan for the conference lead in QB hurries (15).
Spencer also totaled 36 tackles-for-loss, which led the SAC. Across 4A East play, Spencer was ranked second in TFL behind Cameron Melvin (Cleveland High School) and third in total sacks behind Millbrook High School’s Rashad Streets (26.5) and Breylon McCuller (20).
Helping with takeaways, Spencer recorded three fumble recovers, forced three fumbles and had two interceptions.
In Richmond’s season opener at Seventy-First, Spencer collected a single-game career-high 20 tackles. He had two or more TFL in 11 games, including a season-high 5.0 TFL against Southern Lee High School. He recorded 4.0 TFL four times.
All five of his tackles-for-loss against Southern Lee were quarterback sacks, which was a single-game career-high for Spencer. He had at least one sack in nine games and recorded multiple sacks four times.
“Terande had an incredible year and I said each week I’m glad he plays for us,” Denson said. “Weekly, Terande came to play and with that came teams having to game plan for him. When that happens, it opens the doors for some of our other guys to make plays.
“It always helps having multiple guys that can make big plays and he is for sure one of those for us. Terande has a motor and a physicality that is above that of an average high school player. He makes everyone around him better by the way he practices.
“He did battle a knee injury the last few weeks of the season,” Denson continued. “Going into the offseason and next year, we are looking at Terande to continue getting better and be that team leader we need him to be. We have huge expectations for him in 2025.”
Offensive players: Bostick, Goodwin, Hamilton, McKenzie, Smith
Three of the five offensive players selected for the Raiders were part of the offensive line. Often discounted because of a lack of statistics, Richmond’s three players were a physical presence all season and paved the way for the offense to find the end zone.
Goodwin (left tackle), McKenzie (right guard) and Smith (center) solidified a front five that was more experienced this season, while in the process protecting Hodges, Tillman and a host of ball carriers.
Providing protection, timing and space, the trio of Raiders helped the offense average 29.7 points per game. They cleared the way for 2,306 passing yards (177.4 yards per game), 2,101 rushing yards (161.6 yards per game) and 50 total touchdowns (3.8 touchdowns per game).
“On offense, our biggest group selected was the offensive line,” Denson said. “That is a testament to Coach (Kemp) McSween and his ability to get those guys ready to play week in and week out. Two of those being juniors is a for sure positive since they will be coming back for another year. With both of those, Tyler McKenzie and Daylyn Goodwin, we will be expecting a ton from them in several different capacities.
“As for Lincoln Smith, he anchored the middle at center for us all year and just went out and did his job daily. There were several honorable mention guys as well up front with Robert Monroe, Kamel Tillman and Hayden Taylor, with the first two returning next year.”
Bostick fulfilled his role as the Raiders’ No. 1 running back this season after waiting in the wings the past two years. Patient to find his blocks, Bostick used a combination of power and speed to rush for 657 yards on 108 carries, which was fifth-best in the SAC.
Averaging 6.1 yards per carry, Bostick was eight-best in the conference with 50.5 rushing yards per game and carried the ball into the end zone 11 times, which was also fifth-best. Running the Raiders’ wildcat formation, Bostick didn’t turn the ball over all season.
Eclipsing the 100-yard mark in two games, Bostick rushed for a single-game career-high 121 yards against Myers Park High School in Week 4. He scored two rushing touchdowns in two games, which was also a personal best.
“Jordan Bostick stepped in as the lead back this year after serving as the backup last year,” Denson said. “He continued to develop each week and we are pleased with his growth. Javion Smith was a senior honorable mention and Chance Crowder also earned honorable mention and will be back next year to serve as the primary guy.”
Fast, electric and charismatic on Friday nights, Hamilton was named to the All-Conference team as a receiver for the first time (he was a specialist as a sophomore). A triple threat, Hamilton was Richmond’s leading wideout and also contributed to the rushing attack and return game.
Hauling in 34 receptions, Hamilton led Richmond with 582 receiving yards (17.1 yards per catch), which put him fourth in the SAC in receiving yards and fifth in yards per catch. His seven receptions and 111 yards against Union Pines High School on homecoming were single-game career-highs.
Catching four touchdowns, Hamilton had two against Lee County High School. In the rushing game, Hamilton carried the ball 10 times for 91 yards and three more scores. Against Hoke County High School, Hamilton scored a single-game career-high three touchdowns three different ways (receiving, rushing and punt return).
Also Richmond’s leader in all-purpose yards, Hamilton had 1,117 all-purpose yards (85.9 yards per game). He had five performances of 100+ all-purpose yards, including a personal best 162 yards against Hoke County. Hamilton returned a kickoff 82 yards for a score in Richmond’s season opener.
“Jayden Hamilton was the team’s leading receiver and leader in all-purpose yards,” Denson added. “He was also a team captain and will be returning to us again next year with even higher expectations. We also had Nic Griggs and Keyonta Davis selected as honorable mentions, both who will be graduating this year.”
Although neither of Richmond’s quarterbacks, Hodges and Domonic Tillman, were selected to the All-SAC team, Denson said, “I do believe they were two of the best guys in our conference. Both did earn honorable mention and both will return next year with bigger and better plans for each of them.”
Defensive players: Covington, Crump, Gardner, Morgan, Parsons, Simpson
The pulse of Richmond’s team this year was the defense, which returned numerous starters and All-Conference selections. As a unit, the Raider defense limited opponents to 16.5 points per game. Richmond had two players named for each level of the defense.
Along the defensive line, Gardner and Simpson bullied opposing offensive lines to create disruptions and make stops. Simpson had 41 total tackles, followed by Gardner’s 40 total tackles, which placed them eighth and ninth on the team, respectively.
Both linemen were crucial to making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Simpson recorded 12.0 TFL, including 3.0 quarterback sacks, while Gardner had 11.0 TFL and 1.0 sack. They combined for 21 QB hurries and recovered three fumbles (two by Gardner).
Simpson’s best outing of the season was an eight-tackle performance against Lee County, which featured two of his three quarterback drops. Gardner had seven total tackles twice, a season-high, against Seventy-First and Clayton highs schools, which also saw him collect 2.0 TFL each game.
“We knew coming into the year that our strength would be the defense and it showed when it came time to voting,” Denson shared. “Zach Gardner and Tate Simpson are both seniors who did a tremendous job of holding down the trenches for us. Jordan Hamilton, a junior, was also named honorable mention and will be back next year.”
The two most relied upon members of the defense were Morgan and Parsons, a gritty tandem at inside linebacker. Both were named to the East-West All-Star Game earlier this season.
Imperative to the defense’s play calling and execution, Morgan and Parsons were the team’s voices and leading tacklers. Morgan had 147 total tackles (64 solo, 83 assists) and Parsons recorded 106 total tackles (32 solo, 74 assists).
Morgan finished the season as the SAC’s leading tackler and averaged 11.3 tackles per game, second to Mike Blanks (Southern Lee), who also played four fewer games. In the 4A East, Morgan’s tackle total was fifth-best in the state.
Parsons wasn’t far behind, ending the season with 8.2 tackles per game and was the SAC’s fourth-leading tackler. Morgan was second in the conference behind Spencer with 25.0 TFL and 12.0 quarterback sacks. Adding 8.0 TFL and 3.0 sacks was Parsons.
Nine different times this season Morgan recorded double-digit tackles, including a single-game career-best 18 tackles against Seventy-First. In that same game, Parsons set a single-game personal best with 15 tackles, one of his three double-digit performances.
Morgan recorded multiple TFL in eight games, including five against Lee County, four of which were for a sack. Parsons had a season-high 2.0 TFL against Butler and had solo sacks in three games.
In the turnover game, Parsons caused three fumbles this season and recorded one recovery.
“To me, the linebackers were the heart and soul of our team,” Denson shared. “Joe Parsons, a team captain, and K’Mauri Morgan are both just what high school football is all about. We also had Zy Martin selected as an honorable mention.”
Rounding out the back of the defense were Covington and Crump, both of whom emerged as shutdown defensive backs.
Covington had 65 total tackles (38 solo, 27 assists) for the fourth most on the team, putting him tied for 13th in the conference. He averaged 5.9 tackles per game and added 3.0 tackles-for-loss this season. Crump had 34 total tackles (19 solo, 15 assists) and averaged 2.8 tackles per game.
Both Covington and Crump made their biggest contributions in shutting down the passing game. Crump led the Raiders with three interceptions this season, which was tied for second-most in the conference. Covington pulled in two picks, one of 10 players in the SAC to do so.
Against Seventy-First and Butler, Covington recorded his two 10+ tackle games. He was also credited with four passes defended, one each in four different games. Crump’s seven pass breakups were second on the team to Chris Covington’s 11, and his single-game career-highs in tackles (6) and pass breakups (3) came against Pinecrest.
“On the back end, AJ Covington, another team captain, and Keidreion Crump helped solidify that group and had great years for us in the secondary. Jarah Cook and Chris Covington each were honorable mention and unfortunately for us, all four of these guys will be graduating.”
Special teams players: Pegues, West
Closing out his four-year kicking career with the Raiders, West was responsible for kickoffs, punts and extra points this season. Pegues, a talented wide receiver, made his mark as a kickoff and punt returner for Richmond.
When called upon, West was accurate with his punts, averaging kicks of 34.1 yards (third-best in the SAC) and often pinning opposing offenses deep in their own territory.
On extra-point attempts, West was 33-for-35 (94%) and he scored a two-point conversion on a fake PAT against Pinecrest. Connecting on two field goals this season, West split the uprights for a season-long 33-yard kick to give Richmond the lead for good during a playoff win over Clayton.
Finishing the season with 39 points kicked, West had eight games where he kicked three or more points. He had a season-high six points three times against Scotland, Topsail and Clayton high schools.
Splitting the return duties with Hamilton, Pegues took back 11 kickoffs and three punts this season. He totaled 231 kickoff return yards and 49 punt return yards, finishing with 280 total return yards (sixth in the SAC).
His best two return outings were 82 yards against Seventy-First and 72 yards against Rolesville High School.
On a pair of trick plays, Pegues threw two touchdowns this season against Cardinal Gibbons and Rolesville. He also led the team with 37 receptions for 534 receiving yards and four touchdowns. On the ground, Pegues had 10 carries for 169 yards and one score.
“Billy West was named as a punter and Billy did a great job kicking all around for us this year, especially helping control the field position with his punts,” Denson commented. “Bob Pegues was named as specialist and he’s electric with the ball however he gets it and was also the final team captain.”
Brad Denson: Coach of the Year
Taking over a struggling program in February as Richmond’s 12th all-time head coach, Denson returned to his old stomping grounds and helped revitalize the program and the community.
The two-time state championship-winning quarterback and former Raider only asked for the players and coaches to give him “a chance” this season. Doing that, the Raiders followed Denson’s vision and put together their best season in four years.
“Being selected is nothing that I did, it is a statement to these kids first and then to this staff,” Denson said. “They trusted the vision and went out and did it. It is an honor, but I feel as though it belongs to them just as much. They are the ones who coached these kids up and had them ready to play each week.
“Being in this position, it is never ending and it is not a one-man job. It takes every single person pulling their end to make this machine go. I can’t say thank you enough to these guys, this staff, this administration, this school and this community for their support of Raider Football this year.
“It takes everyone to make it go and be successful,” Denson closed. “We need more in the boat next year to get over the hump and get to that ultimate goal we are all striving for. To the fans, thank you and please continue to support these guys as they go into their other sports seasons. They are not one-sport guys and I love that about them.”
Assistant athletic director Eric Brown and photographer Christian Collazo contributed to the graphics used in this article.
Sports editor’s note: Stats used in this article were provided by MaxPreps.
