Richmond players persevere, but Hercules takes the win

The Richmond Oilers took one on the chin Friday night, when the Hercules Titans consistently ran the ball, scoring early and often in a game the Titans took 50 to 14.

Both teams scored running touchdowns in the first quarter, and the score was even until Hercules snagged its second touchdown in the second quarter.

Richmond tried an onside kick, but their plans backfired, and the ball consistently bounced Hercules’ way on several occasions. The Oilers’ defense was no match for the rushing attack of the Titans’ offense, and Hercules poured on the points.

Despite the Titan’s significant lead (30-7) by half-time, Richmond players stayed focused. Quarterback Isaiah Brown scored his second running touchdown during the third quarter.

Oilers quarterback Isaiah Brown scored the team's two running touchdowns.

Richmond Head Coach Tashaka Merriweather stayed calm and collected on the sidelines throughout the evening game, and kept his players in good spirits.

He maintained that disposition after the game’s end: “We didn’t get the win, and that’s what we set out to do,” he said. “But one thing I can say is, my kids didn’t quit. We fought ’til the last possession.”

Merriweather said the “little things” added up to a big deficit, but he plans to use the game as a learning tool.

“We’ve just got to keep working on those little things,” he said.

The Oilers will play next week (Oct. 6) against Alameda.