Punt return TD, 4 FGs key Richmond's FCS win over NC A&T

Updated: Nov 27, 2016, 04:56 am

(STATS) -- A season-ending injury to starting quarterback Kyle Lauletta last week hasn't quite left Richmond's offense short-handed.

As expected, Richmond relied on defense and special teams to post a 39-10 win over visiting North Carolina A&T in the first round of the FCS playoffs, but the Spiders also got a huge performance from sophomore quarterback Kevin Johnson in his first career start at Robins Stadium.

The Spiders (9-3) advanced to play at No. 7 seed North Dakota (9-2) next Saturday.

"I can't say enough about how proud I am of this team and the way they stepped up this week, showing true toughness and resiliency," said coach Danny Rocco, whose team has had 12 season-ending injuries, including to eight starters. "This has not been the easiest year and sit here with nine wins, a third straight year with a playoff win and another opportunity against a tremendous opponent next week, it really says a lot about those guys in that locker room."

Richmond limited N.C. A&T's star running back Tarik Cohen to 70 yards from scrimmage and forced his first fumble after 528 straight touches without one, and held the Aggies (9-3) to 226 offensive yards while gaining four turnovers. On special teams, Dejon Brissett scored on a 92-yard punt return and Griffin Trau kicked four field goals to tie Richmond's single-game record.

The Spiders also took a redshirt off Johnson as he replaced Lauletta, the two-year starter who suffered an ACL tear against William & Mary. Johnson completed 15 of 23 passes for 315 yards, completing the blowout with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Brian Brown in the third quarter and a 7-yard scoring run in the fourth.

"We've got a great group of guys who fight for each other every day and that's exactly what this is," Johnson said. "We're excited for the opportunities in front of us."

Another youngster, redshirt freshman Deontez Thompson, finished with 24 carries for 98 yards and his ninth rushing touchdown. He also caught three passes for 31 yards.

N.C. A&T quarterback Oluwafemi Bamiro was a mere 13 of 28 for 87 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in the defeat, which extended the MEAC's playoff losing streak to 20.

Cohen entered the season with 1,588 rushing yards and his career with a MEAC-record 5,619 yards.