PLAY OF THE GAME: On the first play after a Butler turnover, Richmond Academy senior running back CJ Welcher took a handoff and went 58 yards for a touchdown to break open a close game and give the Musketeers a 41-28 lead.
STAR OF THE GAME: Playing for the final time at Frank Inman Field, Welcher rushed for 338 yards and seven touchdowns. He had three touchdowns in four minutes in the fourth quarter as Richmond Academy overcame a 28-27 deficit.
WHY RICHMOND ACADEMY WON: The Musketeers (4-4) were able to wear down Butler’s thin defense in the second half. The Bulldogs grabbed a 28-27 lead with 5:01 left in the third quarter before the Musketeers answered with three consecutive touchdowns.
WHY BUTLER LOST: The Bulldogs (1-7) had no answer for Welcher. Butler threw for more than 200 yards but couldn’t stop Richmond Academy’s rushing attack or Welcher from moving the ball at will on the ground.
QUOTABLE: “CJ’s a great player so when we can get some blocking and get some holes for him, he can do some special things.” – Richmond Academy head coach Chris Hughes
NEXT: Butler at Burke County, 7:30 Friday; Richmond Academy at Cross Creek, 7:30
