Football Recap: Richlands' Luck Changes for the Better on Friday

Richlands had lost seven straight, but after bumping their record up to 2-7 on Friday that streak is in the rearview. They took down the Dixon Bulldogs 41-26. The Wildcats' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

CJ DiBenedetto

Rushing Yards (Career)

10/24/25 @ Dixon	64
08/29/25 @ White Oak	29
08/22/25 @ Southwest Onslow	27
09/26/25 @ Northside - Jacksonville	22
10/10/25 vs Croatan	17

CJ DiBenedetto was a one-man wrecking crew as he threw for 273 yards and four TDs while completing 85% of his passes, and also rushed for 64 yards and one touchdown on only five carries. Those 64 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. A healthy portion of DiBenedetto's aerial production (164 yards to be exact) went to Dwight Hooker, who also brought in two receiving touchdowns.

As for Dixon, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 5-4. The matchup marked their lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Dixon lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was JJ Gulat, who rushed for 240 yards and one score while picking up 10.0 yards per carry, and also threw for 75 yards and one TD on only five passes. That high mark didn't come from nowhere: he posted at least 103 rushing yards in the 15th games prior. Sean Delaney was another key player, gaining 113 total yards and two touchdowns.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Richlands will square off against Swansboro at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Wildcats will be up against the Pirates' rather soft defense (which has allowed 35.22 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance. As for Dixon, they will challenge Croatan at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Cougars' defense has only allowed 9.6 points per game this season, so the Bulldogs' offense will have their work cut out for them.