CHARLOTTE — Another stout defensive performance allowed the Richmond junior varsity football team’s offense to put up enough points to win Thursday.
Extending their winning streak to three consecutive games, the JV Raiders blanked Myers Park High School on the road to close their non-conference schedule.
Putting its second shoutout of the season on the board, Richmond defeated the JV Mustangs 13-0.
The JV Raiders scored early in the game and added an insurance touchdown in the fourth quarter.
“Our mindset all week was to play our best game of the season on the road against another Charlotte school,” head coach Patrick Hope shared. “We expected some adversity, and we faced it head on.
“All three phases contributed to a solid win for us. We were able to add some players to the rotation on offense and defense, so their hard work is adding depth to our team. Our defensive line and linebackers applied pressure to their QB and kept the run game to a minimum, forcing them to pass.”
“Our offensive line is playing well as an experienced group with four sophomores and a freshman at center,” Hope added. “They’ve opened up a lot of space for the run game and protected the QBs when we decided to throw.”
The JV Raiders’ defense forced a three-and-out on the game’s opening series. Richmond found the end zone on its third play from scrimmage.
Taking a handoff from sophomore quarterback BJ Hinson, freshman running back Ty Covington broke loose for a 67-yard rushing score.
Going up the middle, Covington used his speed to elude five defenders and created ample space during the final 20 yards down the left sideline to the house.
Freshman kicker Jake Gardner tacked on the point-after attempt to make it a 7-0 lead.
Giving the Raiders a two-possession lead in the fourth quarter, freshman running back Donovan Jones scored another long rushing touchdown. This one went for 53 yards and the two-point conversion attempt was no good.
Defensively, the JV Raiders held Myers Park to just 73 yards of total offense. Richmond was successful in late down situations, stopping 8-of-9 third downs and 4-of-5 fourth-down attempts.
Sophomore linebacker Keith Cummings recorded a team-high three tackles-for-loss, a quarterback sack and added three pass breakups.
Fellow sophomores Andrea Streeter and Adan King provided pressure, too. King swatted away two pass attempts and Streeter recorded a quarterback hurry and two TFL.
Sophomore Alijah Flowers blocked a Myers Park field goal attempt to end the first half.
Sophomore Jeremiah Covington had two QB hurries and a TFL and freshman Messiah Marshall rounded out the defense’s efforts with one drag drown for a loss.
“This is our best start to a JV season since 2019,” Hope closed. “In this three-game winning streak, we have outscored our opponents 65-15, with two shutouts.
“We have our sights set on winning the conference, and we will take the first step next week at home.”
The JV Raiders (3-1) will begin Sandhills Athletic Conference play next Thursday at home against Southern Lee High School (2-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: Patrick Hope and Joey English contributed to this article.
