Spiders Sting Bison in Heart-Stopping 13-12 Comeback at Robins Stadium (9-27-25)
By: Xavier Jones
Headline Photo Credit: Richmond Spiders
In a game that tested the limits of resilience and redemption, the Richmond Spiders clawed their way back from a 12-0 halftime deficit to edge the Howard Bison 13-12 on Saturday afternoon at Robins Stadium. What began as a dominant display by Howard’s ground attack devolved into a defensive masterclass for Richmond in the fourth quarter, capped by two pivotal interceptions that flipped the script. The victory improves Richmond to 2-2 on the season, providing a much-needed boost after a rocky start that included early offensive sputters and a lopsided possession battle. Howard, meanwhile, slips to 3-2 on the season after dominating the majority of the game. The Bison outgained the Spiders 297-152 in total yards and racked up 22 first downs to Richmond’s 10, but two costly turnovers in the final frame—and a missed field goal to seal it—proved to be their undoing.
A Slow Start and Howard’s Early Surge
Play commenced on ESPN+ with Howard seizing the initiative, leaning on a punishing rushing attack led by junior tailback Anthony Reagan, Jr. Howard struck first in the second quarter at the 14:16 mark, as Reagan burst through the line for a 52-yard touchdown scamper, his first score of the day. Kicker Matt Conord’s extra point was good, putting the Bison up 7-0. The Spiders’ offense, quarterbacked by Ashten Snelsire in his second start of the season, struggled to gain traction. Richmond’s woes deepened when the run game was stuffed in the end zone which resulted in a safety, bumping Howard’s lead to 9-0 at the 3:14 mark of the second quarter. The Bison weren’t done: With 23 seconds left in the half, Concord drilled a 36-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 12-0, silencing the Spider fans. Howard’s first-half dominance was no fluke. They held the ball for the majority of the time and limited Richmond’s offense. Reagan was a one-man wrecking crew, piling up a significant portion of his game-high 129 rushing yards on 20 carries before the break, showcasing the Bison’s physicality up front.
Halftime Adjustments and a Stagnant Third
Whatever was said in the Richmond locker room by head coach Russ Huesman—a veteran of the program—didn’t immediately translate to points. The Spiders opened the second half with limited success, as the third quarter devolved into a punting duel, with neither team able to sustain a drive. Howard quarterback Tyriq Starks, making his start, completed 11-of-24 passes for 84 yards but struggled against Richmond’s secondary. The Spiders’ defense began to assert itself, holding Howard to minimal gains in the period. Richmond’s offense remained anemic, totaling just 152 yards for the game, with 117 on the ground and a mere 35 through the air. At the end of three, the score remained 12-0.
Fourth-Quarter Heroics: Turnovers Turn the Tide
If the first three quarters belonged to Howard’s grit, the fourth was Richmond’s symphony of opportunism. It started when CJ Fraser intercepted a Starks pass at the Richmond 27 and returned it 55 yards, flipping field position. On the very next play, Isaiah Dawson took a handoff and exploded for a 42-yard touchdown—the longest rush of his career and Richmond’s longest play from scrimmage all season. Kicker Jayden Alsheskie’s PAT was good, slicing the deficit to 12-7. Howard responded with poise, but on their ensuing drive, disaster struck: Matei Fitz snagged a shovel pass from Starks. The turnover gifted Richmond the ball with time on the clock. Seizing the moment, Snelsire orchestrated a scoring drive, lofting a 7-yard fade to Aziz Foster-Powell for the go-ahead score. Opting for two instead of one to account for the one-point margin, Richmond’s attempt failed, but the 13-12 lead held firm.
Howard’s Last Gasp and a Miss That Echoes
Trailing by one with time remaining, Howard leaned on Reagan once more, capping an 11-play, 59-yard drive to the Richmond 20. But facing fourth down, the Bison turned to Conord for a 38-yard field goal. The kick caromed off the top of the right upright—a cruel ricochet that sent the crowd into delirium. Richmond chewed most of the clock, before punting the ball back to Howard. Richmond ended the game on a sack as the time expired, to cement their fourth-quarter comeback. Defensively, the Bison held Richmond to limited conversions, but the late miscues overshadowed their effort. For the Spiders, the win was a testament to defensive opportunism. Fraser and Fitz combined for the game-sealing picks, while Dawson rushed for his touchdown. Snelsire managed the game with 35 passing yards and the TD pass. The defense limited Howard in the second half.
Looking Ahead: Momentum for the CAA, Heartbreak for the MEAC
This non-conference clash—Richmond’s final tune-up before CAA games—highlighted the Spiders’ potential. At 2-2, they now shift their focus to a road matchup against Bucknell on October 4. Howard, 3-2, heads to Sacred Heart after their bye week on October 11. In the end, football’s cruel beauty shone through: One upright clang, two interceptions, and Richmond’s spirit prevailed. The Spiders stung, and the Bison’s roar faded into the Virginia twilight.
