HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by missed opportunities and a stunning special teams play, the Richmond Spiders escaped Andy Kerr Stadium with a 24-19 victory over the Colgate Raiders on Saturday, a result that defied both statistical dominance and pregame projections.

The Spiders improved to 3-3 on the season, while Colgate fell to 2-3. The final score was a far cry from the offensive shootout many anticipated, with the combined 43 points falling well below the over/under line of 54.5. Richmond, despite being a pregame favorite, was outgained in total offense but made critical plays in the final quarter to secure the win.

The contest began as a defensive struggle. Richmond’s offense, led by quarterback Ashten Snelsire, engineered the only scoring drive of the first quarter. The methodical 15-play, 75-yard march was capped by Snelsire’s 1-yard touchdown run on a quarterback sneak, giving the Spiders a 7-0 lead with 2:01 remaining in the opening period. Snelsire was efficient on the drive, connecting with Andreas Hill for a 30-yard gain and Ja’Vion Griffin for 15 yards to set up the score.

Colgate’s offense, commanded by quarterback Jake Stearney, moved the ball between the 20s but repeatedly stalled in the red zone. The Raiders got on the board early in the second quarter with a 38-yard field goal from Luke Vogeler, cutting the deficit to 7-3. Stearney, a Chicago native, found a rhythm later in the quarter, orchestrating a 12-play, 82-yard drive that culminated in a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brady Hutchison. That score gave Colgate its first and only lead of the game at 10-7.

Richmond answered before halftime, putting together a drive that showcased their offensive versatility. A 25-yard run by Isaiah Dawson and key receptions by Andrew King moved the Spiders into field goal range. Jayden Alsheskie connected from 32 yards as time expired in the half, knotting the score at 10-10 and swinging momentum back to the visitors.

The third quarter was a scoreless affair dominated by punting and defensive stands. Both offenses sputtered, with Colgate’s drives ending in a punt and a missed field goal, while Richmond was forced to punt on all three of its possessions. The Raiders’ defense, led by a sack from Paul-Marie Dogui, consistently pressured Snelsire and stifled the Spider rushing attack.

Colgate managed to break the deadlock early in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on a sustained drive that began in the third. Once again, however, the Spider defense held firm inside its own 10-yard line, forcing the Raiders to settle for a 20-yard Vogeler field goal and a 13-10 lead.

The Spiders’ response was immediate and explosive. On the very first play of the ensuing drive, Snelsire dropped back and launched a deep ball to a streaking Andreas Hill. The 6-foot-4 receiver from Alexandria, Virginia, hauled in the pass and outran the Colgate secondary for a breathtaking 75-yard touchdown. The play, which took just 12 seconds off the clock, electrified the Richmond sideline and put the Spiders back in front, 17-13.

Undaunted, Stearney led Colgate right back down the field. A 47-yard completion to Marco Maldonado was the key play, setting up the Raiders at the Richmond 14-yard line. Four plays later, Stearney threaded a needle to find Reed Swanson for an 8-yard touchdown pass. The Raiders opted for a two-point conversion attempt to try and extend their lead to three points, but the pass fell incomplete, leaving the score at 19-17 in favor of Colgate with 9:52 remaining.

The game’s defining moment came just over five minutes later. After forcing a Richmond punt, Colgate’s Tyler Fontenot booted the ball away. Richmond’ Ja’Vion Griffin fielded the punt at his own 13-yard line, found a seam, and broke into the open field. The wide receiver from Williamston, North Carolina, raced 87 yards for a punt return touchdown, stunning the home crowd and catapulting the Spiders to a 24-19 lead with 4:28 left on the clock.

Colgate had two final chances to mount a game-winning drive. The first ended abruptly when Richmond linebacker Peyton Seelmann intercepted a Stearney pass with under a minute to play. The Spiders were unable to run out the clock, giving the Raiders one last desperate heave from their own 20-yard line with 31 seconds remaining. The final series ended with Stearney being sacked by Camden Byrd, sealing the victory for Richmond.

Statistically, Colgate’s Jake Stearney put up prolific numbers, completing 25 of 45 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns, but his one interception proved critical. His favorite target was Reed Swanson, who hauled in seven catches for 113 yards and a score. Richmond’s Ashten Snelsire was highly efficient, completing 13 of 19 passes for 199 yards and the 75-yard touchdown to Hill, while also rushing for another score. Andreas Hill’s two receptions for 105 yards were a testament to his big-play ability.

The victory gives Richmond momentum as they return home to face Holy Cross next Saturday. Colgate will look to regroup on the road against Georgetown.