North Carolina

North Carolina battles Richmond in college football action

By Robert Willett and Ethan Hyman

The Univeristy of North Carolina Tar Heels under Bill Belichick defeated the Richmond Spiders 41-6, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2024 in Chapel Hill, N.C..

This was the first strong showing for the Tar Heels on both sides of the ball. The Carolina defense had it’s best showing of the season, bring pressure on the quarterback and stronger coverage in the secondary.

The Tar Heels enter Kenan Stadium for their game against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C
The Tar Heels enter Kenan Stadium for their game against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Chapel Hill, N.C Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick enters the playing field after his players prior to the Tar Heels’ game against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick enters the playing field after his players prior to the Tar Heels’ game against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond head coach Russ Huesman prior to the Tar Heels’ game against the Spiders on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick greets Richmond head coach Russ Huesman prior to the Tar Heels’ game against the Spiders on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Mikai Gbayor (4) jumps into the stands after scoring on a 61-yard fumble return during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina linebacker Mikai Gbayor (4) jumps into the stands after scoring on a 61-yard fumble return during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Players come onto the field after a timeout during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Players come onto the field after a timeout during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick talks to Will Hardy (31) and Gavin Gibson (5) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick talks to Will Hardy (31) and Gavin Gibson (5) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Khmori House (7) stops Richmond tight end Aidan Steinfeldt (86) after a three-yard gain during the first quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina linebacker Khmori House (7) stops Richmond tight end Aidan Steinfeldt (86) after a three-yard gain during the first quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks open for a 50-yard gain in the first quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks open for a 50-yard gain in the first quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick celebrates as he walks off the field after UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick celebrates as he walks off the field after UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Richmond defensive back C.J. Fraser (29) works to slow North Carolina running back Demon June (35) on a 50-yard gain in the first quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Richmond defensive back C.J. Fraser (29) works to slow North Carolina running back Demon June (35) on a 50-yard gain in the first quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (94) tackles Richmond quarterback Ashten Snelsire (18) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina defensive lineman Isaiah Johnson (94) tackles Richmond quarterback Ashten Snelsire (18) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) is called for pass interference as he picks of a pass intended for Richmond wide receiver Isiah Dawson (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) is called for pass interference as he picks of a pass intended for Richmond wide receiver Isiah Dawson (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
On fourth and goal, North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) gets his arms around Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) to stop him during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
On fourth and goal, North Carolina linebacker Andrew Simpson (2) gets his arms around Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) to stop him during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Khmori House (7) and the defense celebrate after stopping Richmond on fourth and goal during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina linebacker Khmori House (7) and the defense celebrate after stopping Richmond on fourth and goal during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) tackles Richmond running back Andrew King (8) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina defensive lineman Leroy Jackson (91) tackles Richmond running back Andrew King (8) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Richmond wide receiver Isaiah Dawson (10) makes a one-hand catch as North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) trails during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Richmond wide receiver Isaiah Dawson (10) makes a one-hand catch as North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) trails during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina’s Marcus Allen (29) and Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9) tackle Richmond running back Aziz Foster-Powell (3) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina’s Marcus Allen (29) and Melkart Abou-Jaoude (9) tackle Richmond running back Aziz Foster-Powell (3) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
Officials toss yellow flags as North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) is called for pass interference as he picks of a pass intended for Richmond wide receiver Isiah Dawson (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Officials toss yellow flags as North Carolina defensive back Kaleb Cost (21) is called for pass interference as he picks of a pass intended for Richmond wide receiver Isiah Dawson (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) prepares to throw during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) prepares to throw during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) can’t pull in the interception while defending Richmond wide receiver Isaiah Dawson (10) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina defensive back Marcus Allen (29) can’t pull in the interception while defending Richmond wide receiver Isaiah Dawson (10) during the first half of UNC’s game against Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina linebacker Mikia Gbayor (4) sacks Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) and forces a fumble in the third quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina linebacker Mikia Gbayor (4) sacks Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) and forces a fumble in the third quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) is pressured by North Carolina defensive lineman C.J. Mims (92) in the third quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Richmond quarterback Kyle Wickersham (16) is pressured by North Carolina defensive lineman C.J. Mims (92) in the third quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) gains yards during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) gains yards during the second half of UNC’s 41-6 victory over Richmond at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Ethan Hyman ehyman@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks away from Richmond’s Amir Haskett (23) for a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 41-3 lead on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks away from Richmond’s Amir Haskett (23) for a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 41-3 lead on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks away on a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 41-3 lead on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina running back Demon June (35) breaks away on a 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give the Tar Heels a 41-3 lead on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
Richmond head coach Russ Huesman congratulates North Carolina coach Bill Belichick following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Richmond head coach Russ Huesman congratulates North Carolina coach Bill Belichick following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick leaves the field following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick leaves the field following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick embraces his staff as they stand for the Alma Mater following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina coach Bill Belichick embraces his staff as they stand for the Alma Mater following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina defense back Jaiden Patterson (18) celebrates with teammate Marcus Allen (29) after intercepting a pass by Richmond quarterback Ashten Snelsire in the fourth quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina defense back Jaiden Patterson (18) celebrates with teammate Marcus Allen (29) after intercepting a pass by Richmond quarterback Ashten Snelsire in the fourth quarter on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina Mikia Gbayor (4) returns a Richmond fumble 62-yards for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels’ a 34-3 lead in the fourth quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina Mikia Gbayor (4) returns a Richmond fumble 62-yards for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels’ a 34-3 lead in the fourth quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina Mikia Gbayor (4) celebrates with teammates after 62-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels’ a 34-3 lead in the fourth quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina Mikia Gbayor (4) celebrates with teammates after 62-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown to give the Tar Heels’ a 34-3 lead in the fourth quarter against Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com
North Carolina graduate student Darby Kim celebrates in the student section following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C.
North Carolina graduate student Darby Kim celebrates in the student section following the Tar Heels’ 41-6 victory over Richmond on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Robert Willett rwillett@newsobserver.com

This story was originally published September 13, 2025 at 3:42 PM.

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