Football Recap: Richlands Comes Up Short

Richlands extended their losing streak to six on Friday, dropping them down to 1-6. They took a blow against the Croatan Cougars, falling 38-7. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 279th, while the Cougars are ranked 118th).

Payton Hughes

Total Tackles

10/10/25 vs Croatan	6
09/26/25 @ Northside - Jacksonville	8
09/19/25 vs Havelock	14
09/12/25 vs South Brunswick	15
09/05/25 vs East Duplin	13
08/29/25 @ White Oak	14

Richlands didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Payton Hughes and JT Bratcher. Hughes is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made six or more in each of the last six games he's played.

As for Croatan, they pushed their record up to 7-1 with the win, which was their fourth straight on the road. The result was nothing new for the Cougars, who have now won six contests by 31 points or more so far this season.

Andrew Boucher continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 55 yards and two TDs, while also picking up 34 receiving yards and one touchdown. Another player making a difference was Riley Robinson, who picked up 100 receiving yards and one score.

Coincidentally, Richlands and Croatan will both be playing West Carteret the next time they take the field. The Wildcats will head out to face the Patriots at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, while the Cougars will host them at 7:00 p.m. on the 24th.