Richmond Spiders Open Season With 35 to 14 Win Over Bucknell

Richmond, VA: The Richmond Spiders defeated the Bucknell Bison by a final score of 35 to 14 in the season opener on Saturday evening, starting the season 1- 0 in Patriot League play.

Spiders quarterback Ashten Snelsire went 17 for 28, passing for 199 yards and three touchdowns. Aziz Foster Powell led the Spiders on the ground with 108 yards on 15 attempts and two touchdowns, while Bryce Allen led the Spiders in receiving with four receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

Bucknell quarterback Chris Dietrich went 16 for 30, passing for 155 yards and two touchdowns.

Spiders Score on First Three Possessions, Take Commanding 28 to 0 Lead at Half

On the opening drive, the Spiders capped a six-play drive when Ashten Snelsire connected with Carson Derey on an eight-yard touchdown reception. It was Derey's first career touchdown as a Spider, giving Richmond a 7 to 0 lead with 10:21 remaining in the first quarter.

The Spiders would capitalize on their next possession as Snelsire connected with freshman Bryce Allen on a nine-yard touchdown reception to extend the Richmond lead to 14- 0 with 6:06 remaining in the first quarter, which was Allen's 1st touchdown as a Spider.

Richmond added another score on its third possession as Aziz Foster Powell scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown, putting the Spiders up 21 to 0 with 1:08 remaining in the first quarter.

Foster Powell would score again in the second quarter, rushing for a five-yard touchdown to put the Spiders up 28 to 0 with 1:06 remaining in the first half. The Spiders took a commanding 28 to 0 lead into halftime.

Bison Roar Back Following Spiders Turnover

The Bison would finally get on the scoreboard in the third quarter as Chris Dietrich connected with Michael Cadden on a 51-yard touchdown reception. The touchdown cut the Richmond lead to 28 to 7 with 2:34 remaining in the third quarter.

On the following possession, Aziz Foster Powell fumbled, and Bucknell recovered to take possession.

Following the Spiders' turnover, the Bison would cut the Richmond lead to 14 points as Dietrich connected with Sam Milligan for a 29-yard touchdown reception with 13:03 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Snelsire and Allen Connection Seals the Deal for Spiders

Following the Bison touchdown that cut the deficit to 14 points, the Spiders responded on the first play of the drive.

Ashten Snelsire connected with Bryce Allen for a 75-yard touchdown reception, extending the Richmond lead to 35- 14 with 12:53 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Spiders defense would take care of the rest as Richmond held on to defeat Bucknell 35 to 14.

Cam Byrd Discusses His 2.5 Sack Performance

Following the game, Spiders defensive standout Cam Byrd discussed his 2.5-sack performance and the team's defensive effort in the season opener.

Spiders Head North

The Spiders, now 1- 0, will head north to take on Howard, who is also 1- 0 after defeating Alabama A&M on Saturday.

Richmond will face Howard on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.