ROCKINGHAM — A strong showing by both sides of the ball in the second half helped the Richmond Senior High School football team to a comeback win on Friday.
A 12-point halftime deficit was undone by the Raiders, who scored 20 unanswered points to defeat South View 23-15.
Prior to kickoff, both teams, the Richmond JROTC program and marching band, along with local first responders, paid tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The Marching Raiders also played the National Anthem under the direction of Edwin Carter.
Richmond’s defense, led by seniors Jaleak Gates and J.D. Lampley, shut out the Tigers (2-1) in the final two quarters. The Raiders (3-1) scored two rushing touchdowns, and another through the air, to secure the win.
A one-yard rushing touchdown by junior Brandon Askins was followed by a 24-yard sprint into the end zone by junior tailback Taye Spencer. Lampley recorded a sack on quarterback Cedavion Wimbley for a loss of nine yards to force a punt that set up Spencer’s run.
Gates and Lampley both got hands on a Jay Haggins 50-yard field goal attempt, and junior Jerry Cogg collected a Wimbley fumble on fourth down on South View’s next series.
That turnover set up a 43-yard touchdown pass from senior Kellan Hood to fellow senior Trey Thomas, who outran a couple of defenders down the right sideline to put Richmond ahead with 2:15 left in the game.
Senior kicker Alex Medina was responsible for Richmond’s only first-half points, courtesy of a 26-yard field goal in the first quarter.
The win made it the third this season for the Raiders against top 10 ranked opponents. Richmond will enter an off week before opening Sandhills Athletic Conference play on Sept. 24 at home against Pinecrest High School (3-1).
Below are photos taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar of Richmond’s win over South View on Friday.
