ROCKINGHAM — Making his second appearance this season, a member of the Richmond Raider defense is spotlighted in this edition of The Richmond Observer’s weekly feature series.
Terande Spencer, a junior outside linebacker for the Raiders, has been named the Official Richmond County Male Student-Athlete of the Week presented by Rockingham NC Self Storage.
In Richmond’s regular-season finale at home against rival Scotland High School, Spencer paved the way to a near shutout victory. Camped out in the backfield, he made several key plays to keep Scotland out of the end zone.
With his second full varsity season about to get started on a postseason run, this is Spencer’s third career recognition.
Athletic Profile: Terande Spencer
Year: Junior
Fall sport: Football
Position: Outside Linebacker
Varsity experience: 2 Seasons
“CLASSROOM CREDITS” WITH TERANDE SPENCER
The first nine-week period just closed for Richmond’s students and report cards were sent home last week. Spencer, who is taking four classes at the high school this fall, made the A/B honor roll.
He earned As in three of his classes — Business Management I, Civic Literacy and Weight Training Honors. His only B was in Spanish II.
While he’ll take those four courses up through the beginning of the new year, Spencer will look to boost his 3.06 weighted grade point average.
During the spring semester, Spencer is set to take English III, Math 3, Physical Science and another section of Weight Training Honors.
“TURNING UP THE PRESSURE” WITH TERANDE SPENCER
The Raiders stormed their way past Scotland 30-6 to clinch their first Sandhills Athletic Conference title since 2021 Friday.
A menace from the outside as an edge rusher, Spencer created issues all game for quarterback Ji’San McPhatter and the Fighting Scots’ rushing attack.
Spencer finished the game with nine total tackles (four solo, five assists), including four tackles-for-loss. He got to McPhatter three times for a quarterback sack and added three hurries, a pass break up and one forced fumble.
Two of Spencer’s biggest plays came on the last few plays of the first half with Scotland driving at the Richmond two-yard line. On third-and-goal, Spencer made a solo stop to force the Fighting Scots to go for it.
On four-and-goal, Spencer burst through the left side of the line and swatted down a McPhatter pass attempt that kept Richmond ahead 9-0 at halftime.
Another splash play came late in the third quarter when Spencer bullied his way into the backfield and punched the football loose. The fumble was scooped up by senior teammate Zach Gardner and that takeaway led to a Richmond touchdown on the ensuing drive.
Through 10 games this season, Spencer has 90 tackles (49 solo, 41 assists) and is averaging 9.0 tackles per game. Over a third of those tackles, 33.0, have gone for a loss of yardage, which leads the team, the SAC and the entire 4A East classification.
Spencer’s 16.0 quarterback sacks rank second in the 4A East, just one behind Rashad Streets (Millbrook High School).
Other statistics include one interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and four pass break ups.
Richmond (8-2) will host a first round playoff game Friday, Nov. 15. At the time of publication, the opponent and time are to be determined.
“RAPID RESPONSE” VIDEO WITH TERANDE SPENCER
The Richmond Observer will publish two more Official Richmond County Student-Athletes of the Week next week.
