Morris-Walker's 55-yard pick-6 sparks Richmond to a 27-17 win over Elon in CAA opener

ELON, N.C. (AP) — Quantraill Morris-Walker scored on a 55-yard pick-6 to spark a 17-point second quarter that carried Richmond to a 27-17 victory over Elon in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both schools on Saturday afternoon.

Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Jamar Hodges helped preserve the win, sacking Jack Salopek to force a fumble at midfield that was recovered by teammate Matei Fitz with 4:45 left. Hodges pressured Salopek to end his first series by throwing an interception to CJ Fraser, his first career pick in the second quarter.

Quarterback Camden Coleman tucked the ball and powered through several would-be tacklers to reach the end zone from six yards out with :36 left in the first half to make it 20-7 at the break. Zach Palmer-Smith broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run two minutes into the third quarter to make it 27-7.

Coleman completed 15 of 22 pass attempts for 203 yards without an interception and carried six times for 26 yards and a score to lead Richmond (3-2, 1-0). Palmer-Smith carried 24 times for 167 yards.

Salopek was 14-of-21 passing for 187 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Matthew Downing started and completed 5 of 9 for 34 yards but left after throwing the pick-6 to Morris-Walker.

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The Associated Press