Richmond Spiders Defeat Howard Bison Behind Fourth Quarter Surge

( Richmond, VA) The Richmond Spiders defeated the Howard Bison 13-12 on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling comeback. Despite being outgained in nearly every statistical category, with Howard posting 297 total yards compared to Richmond’s 152, the Spiders found a way to pull off the victory. Richmond lost starting quarterback Kyle Wickersham to injury in the first quarter, forcing backup Ashten Snelsire into action. After trailing 12-0 at halftime, the Spiders capitalized on two key turnovers to secure the narrow win.

Bison Start Off Strong

The first quarter ended scoreless, but Howard quickly broke through in the second. Anthony Reagan Jr. ran for a 52-yard touchdown just 44 seconds into the quarter, giving the Bison a 6-0 lead. Later in the quarter, Howard added to its advantage with a safety at the 3:14 mark. With 23 seconds left before halftime, Matt Conord converted a 36-yard field goal, sending the Bison into the locker room ahead 12-0. Richmond struggled offensively, managing just 49 total yards in the first half.

Spiders Mount a Comeback

Momentum shifted in the fourth quarter. Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks threw an interception to C.J. Fraser, who returned it 55 yards deep into Bison territory. On the ensuing play, Isaiah Dawson broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to 12-7 with 11:50 remaining.

Just a minute later, Starks was intercepted again, this time by Matei Fitz at the Bison 8-yard line. Snelsire wasted no time, connecting with Aziz Foster-Powell for a 7-yard touchdown. Richmond took its first lead of the game at 13-12 with 10:17 to play, though the two-point conversion attempt failed.

Howard still had opportunities. The Bison drove to Richmond’s 21-yard line, but Conord missed a 38-yard field goal attempt with just over three minutes remaining. After regaining possession with 18 seconds left, Howard failed to convert, sealing the Spiders’ 13-12 victory.

What’s Next

The Spiders (3-2, 0-1 Patriot League) return to the road to face Bucknell on Saturday, October 4. Kickoff is set for noon.