Richard's hat trick lifts Saints past FCS

Deano Richards racked up a hat trick Tuesday to lead visiting Mt. Juliet Christian to a 3-1 win at Friendship Christian.
The senior co-captain's first goal came on a 20-yard free kick just past the midway mark of the first half. He scored on a 30-foot uncontested shot two minutes before halftime.
Josh McWaters curled in a corner kick early in the second half as the Commanders cut the deficit in half.
But Richards finished his hat with less than five minutes to play off an assist from freshman Dylan Gammon.
Mt. Juliet Christian had 25 shots against Friendship goalie Alex Jackson while the Commanders had 13 shots. Justin Branim had five saves for the Saints.
"Our defense really stepped up and had a fantastic game," Mt. Juliet Christian coach Lloyd Sharp said after his Saints improved to 3-3-1 for the season and 2-1-1 in District 8-A-AA.
Sharp praised the defensive play of senior captain Luke Dunnwold at sweeper and brother Ryan at stopper.
Mt. Juliet Christian will host Merrol Hyde at 6 p.m. Thursday.