The University of Richmond football team used 28 second-half points to defeat the University of Maine 38-21 on Saturday, extending its school-record winning streak to 15 games.
The Spiders trailed 14-10 at halftime, but started the second half by scoring 28 unanswered points, highlighted by senior safety Derek Hatcher's 90-yard punt return touchdown.
During the first drive of the second half, Richmond senior quarterback Eric Ward led the team down the field before throwing a three-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver Donte Boston. The touchdown was Ward's 55th career touchdown pass, which makes him Richmond's career touchdown pass record holder.
Hatcher's return, the second punt return touchdown of his career, came on Maine's next punt, and Richmond didn't allow the Black Bears to get back in the game.
Running backs Justin Forte and Garrett Wilkins both had successful games. Forte ran for 91 yards on 16 carries and Wilkins carried five times for 78 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Spiders outgained the Black Bears 252 yards to minus-two yards on the ground.
On defense, the Spiders created two turnovers on interceptions by senior defensive tackle Parker Miles and senior safety Michael Ireland. Senior linebacker Collin McConaghy had 13 tackles and senior defensive tackle Martin Parker had 10 tackles and two sacks.
After an injury to punter Brian Radford last week, the Spiders used true freshman kicker Wil Kamin to kickoff. Senior punter Brett Weigand continued to do the punting for Richmond.
Ward finished 12 for 21 passing for 108 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. He also ran for a touchdown.
The Spiders have now won 10-consecutive road games, which is the longest streak for any team in Division I college football.
Richmond will seek its 16th-straight win at 3:30 p.m. next Saturday when it hosts the University of Massachusetts at UR Stadium.
Contact staff writer Reilly Moore at reilly.moore@richmond.edu
Enjoy what you're reading?
Signup for our newsletter
Support independent student media
You can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking the button below, which takes you to our secure PayPal account. The page is set up to receive contributions in whatever amount you designate. We look forward to using the money we raise to further our mission of providing honest and accurate information to students, faculty, staff, alumni and others in the general public.
Donate NowRead More
Backcourt-led fight gives Spiders win over Ball State
By Jimmy James | Yesterday
