Navontay Richardson rushed for four touchdowns to lead Class 6A No. 10 Theodore as the Bobcats crushed McGill-Toolen 42-7 Friday night at C.A. Douglas field.

Richardson finished with 264 yards on 14 carries – all in the first half – as Steve Mask’s team built a 35-0 lead at the break. The Bobcats had 379 yards of total offense in the first half.

Richardson scored on runs of 1, 6, 10 and 73 yards while filling in for the injured Braxton Clark. Clark left last week’s victory over Blount with an ankle injury.

“We made the decision around Tuesday or Wednesday to give Braxton some more rest,” Mask said.

Richardson set the tone on the Bobcats’ opening drive, carrying the load with five rushes for all 80 yards and finishing it with a 1-yard score.

“Navontay is a good back, and we’ve known that all year,” Mask said. “It was great to see him step up and do so well for us tonight.”

Richardson’s longest run came on the Bobcats next drive when he went 73 yards for a score, giving him 153 yards midway through the first quarter.

“The O line really opened the holes,” he said. “I just had to step up tonight. My team really needed me.”

Defensively, the Bobcats didn’t allow the Jackets much, limiting them to just 99 yards total offense in the first half. They picked up four sacks by four different linemen, including South Alabama commit Kevin Norwood.

“We really attacked them up front tonight. Guys around me Gerald (Rogers), Quinn (Harris) were just relentless,” he said.

Star of the game: Richardson not only had highlights on offense, he also made his presence felt on defense with several quarterback hurries and a pair of tackles for losses.

“He’s also one of our best defensive players,” said Mask.

Play of the game: Richardson took a toss sweep at midfield for the Bobcats, splitting his blockers and raced down the sideline for a 45-yard gain, setting up his third score one play later.

Stat sheet: Crishon Overton connected with Cam Rigby on a 27-yard score. Overton added 40 yards rushing. Senior Devin Draper added a 56-yard, second half touchdown for Theodore and finished with 77 yards rushing.

For McGill, Andrew Murchison passed for 117 yards, including a 7-yard score to Will Miles. Murchison finished 16-for-26 passing. McGill was led on the ground by Jack Lenaghan 47 yards rushing.

By the numbers: (29) number of Seniors honored by the Bobcats pregame. (18) yards per rush by Navontay Richardson. (42) season high in points given up by the Yellow Jackets.

Did you know? McGill had only given 9 points all season in the first quarter, Richardson scored two touchdowns on the Bobcats first two drives.

Coachspeak: “We put last week’s defeat behind us (loss to Spanish Fort). Tonight was another physical battle.” — Yellow Jackets coach David Faulkner.

“I was really pleased with the offense, to come out and go five for five, that’s a big boost for us.” — Mask.

They said it: “I’m glad he stepped up. We were hoping he would provide a big lift and he did, especially on senior night at home.” — Braxton Clark on Richardson.

Next week: McGIll (4-4, 3-3) hosts Blount, while Theodore (6-2,5-1) travels to Saraland to take on the 6A No. 1 ranked Spartans.

“We know what’s at stake next and the task at hand,” said Mask.