ROCKINGHAM – Thanks to Hurricane Florence, it had been 21 days since the junior varsity football teams from Richmond Senior and Pinecrest high schools had seen any action. Both teams entered Thursday evening’s matchup with matching 3-0 records, but the Raiders used an explosive second half to remain undefeated by upending Pinecrest 42-12.
Six different Raiders scored in the win, but it was two big plays by Jaleak Gates in the third quarter that distanced the home team from the visiting Patriots. After a Pinecrest touchdown midway through the third quarter cut Richmond’s lead to just 2 points at 14-12, Gates found the end zone twice in just 2:13.
Gates’ first score was the result of a little trickery. After moving the ball to the Pinecrest 24-yard line, quarterback Kellan Hood pitched the ball to Tremel Jones. Jones, who had already caught three passes for 26 yards including a 10-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter, quickly caught the attention of the Patriot defense. This time, Jones gave up the ball to Jaheim Harrington on the double reverse. Harrington then hit Gates who was all alone downfield for the easy score.
“We’ve been practicing that play for three weeks,” Gates said of trick play. “I was so surprised that I was that open.”
On Pinecrest’s ensuing possession, Gates came up big once again. All of Pinecrest’s offensive yards in the game were on the ground, so when the Patriots attempted an ill-advised pass, Gates made them pay. The pass almost seemed intended for Gates who easily picked it off and returned it 44 yards for six with 1:29 remaining in the third quarter.
“The ball just went right into my hands,” Gates added. “I looked to my left and right, didn’t see anyone close to me, so I ran. Next thing you know, I scored. I was so happy.”
With Gates’ two scores, the Raiders carried a 28-12 lead into the final period and cruised to the 42-12 victory.
Hood finished the night 6-for-10 passing for 49 yards and a touchdown. He only added 6 yards on the ground, but scored on a 2-yard run late in the game.
Jaron Coleman carried the ball 12 times for 71 yards and a touchdown, Jah’meek Harden added 37 yards on two carries and a touchdown, and Daveion Campbell finished the night with 45 yards on 11 carries.
Harrington, who completed a touchdown pass with his toss to Gates, also added a touchdown reception to the stat sheet. He ended with two receptions for 16 yards and a score.
The Raider defense held Pinecrest to 175 total yards of offense (all rushing), forced three turnovers and sacked the Patriots three times in the win.
Next Thursday, the JV Raiders will take their unbeaten record on the road to Jack Britt.
