Strong rushing attack returns JV Raiders to win column

RAEFORD — The message sent by the coaching staff to the Richmond Senior High School junior varsity football team Thursday was simple.

Respond.

The JV Raiders did just that a week after suffering a “disappointing” loss to Pinecrest High School. On the road at Hoke County High School, Richmond answered the charge and won 38-28.

In a high-scoring affair, the JV Raiders relied heavily on their rushing attack, which found the end zone six different times by a trio of ball carriers.

Freshman running back Ty Covington recorded a single-game career-high four rushing scores, while freshman tailback Donovan Jones and sophomore quarterback BJ Hinson each found the end zone once.

“We challenged our kids to respond after a disappointing result last week, and to focus on the details it takes to win games and not focus on the final score,” Hope said. “We responded against a good Hoke team.

“We had some flashes of dominance and some lapses that allowed Hoke to stay close, but I’m proud of our guys for answering whenever Hoke posed a threat,” he continued. “Offensively, our running game was successful not only because of the offensive line, but also because of our receivers blocking on the perimeter. They opened up lanes for ball carriers and receivers all night long.

“The defense played against another physical offense but made some adjustments that turned them over on downs, as well as two fumble recoveries and an interception,” Hope noted. “Special teams also forced a turnover on a kickoff in the second half. “

The JV Raiders found the end zone first on their second offensive drive, which ended in a 15-yard rushing score by Covington. The point-after attempt was no good, but Richmond led 6-0 in the first quarter.

Early in the second stanza on Richmond’s first series, Covington broke loose for a 73-yard gallop to the end zone. Hinson connected with sophomore wide receiver Jasiah Cooper for a successful two-point conversion to make it 14-0.

Hoke County would cut Richmond’s lead to two points later in the second quarter. A six-yard rushing touchdown was followed by a 15-yard carry for a score.

Both times the JV Bucks were unsuccessful on the conversion attempt. Hoke County’s second score came three plays after Richmond lost a fumble.

Helping distance the JV Raiders before halftime, Jones made a three-yard push to paydirt and extend the lead. The PAT was no good, giving Richmond a 20-12 lead at the break.

The only score in the third quarter came courtesy of another Covington rush play, this one a 21-yard sprint. Richmond’s attempt at the point-after kick was no good, but the JV Raiders opened their lead back to two possessions, 26-12.

Early in the final quarter, a four-yard run and a successful two-point conversion pulled Hoke County within six points, 26-20.

Helping thwart a potential comeback by the JV Bucks, Richmond answered with a pair of rushing touchdowns in the remaining minutes.

Covington capped his stellar performance with another long rushing score, this one going for a 45-yard dash. Trying to make it a 14-point lead, the JV Raiders went for two but couldn’t connect.

Leading 32-20, the JV Raiders found the end zone one more time. Hinson scrambled out of the pocket and raced 34 yards to the house. Another empty outcome on the two-point try built the lead to 38-20.

The JV Bucks managed to score once more, a four-yard run, but the JV Raiders held on for the victory.

Defensively, sophomore Keith Cummings and Adan King made a stop on fourth down on Hoke County’s first drive.

The JV Raiders used a tackle-for-loss by Jamaury Jones, a combined sack by Elijah Ingram and Kaleb Brown and a QB pressure by Andrea Streeter to stop the JV Bucks on the next series.

Sophomore Alijah Flowers created Richmond’s first takeaway on second down on the next series, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Cummings. A pass breakup in the end zone by CJ Covington on Hoke County’s fourth drive forced a turnover on downs.

Cummings had a sack on one of the scoring drives by the JV Bucks, while Hayden Smith forced a fumble on a kickoff attempt, which was recovered by King.

Brown forced a fumble on another kickoff, this time seeing the ball recovered by Flowers. On the final drive for the starters, Najir Allen made an interception on first down and returned the ball to the Hoke County 15-yard line.

“The defense really embodied the meaning of our ‘be tough’ motto,” defensive coordinator Joey English said. “Fighting the whole night through bad calls and no calls, we showed why we’re the best JV defense in the conference.”

The JV Raiders (5-2, 2-1 SAC) will travel again next Thursday to Union Pines High School. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Sports editor’s note: Patrick Hope and Joey English contributed information to this article.