What Is 2006 Richmond Spiders football team

Overview

The 2006 Richmond Spiders football team represented the University of Richmond during the 2006 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), the team was led by head coach Dave Clawson in his fifth season at the helm. The Spiders played their home games at UR Stadium, a 8,300-seat facility in Richmond, Virginia.

The 2006 campaign marked a transitional year for the program, as Richmond sought to build on previous seasons’ momentum. While the team showed flashes of potential, they ultimately finished with a losing record and missed the FCS playoffs. Despite the underwhelming season, several players gained valuable experience that contributed to future success.

• Record: The Spiders finished the season with a 6–5 overall record, their first losing season since 2002.
• Conference: Competing in the CAA, Richmond posted a 4–4 conference record, placing them in the middle of the standings.
• Head Coach: Dave Clawson, in his fifth year, continued to develop the program before departing after the 2009 season.
• Home Field: UR Stadium, located on campus, served as the team’s home venue with an average attendance of around 5,200 per game.
• Notable Game: A 24–21 victory over in-state rival William & Mary highlighted the season and drew significant fan interest.

Season Performance

The 2006 season featured a mix of competitive performances and missed opportunities for the Spiders. While they managed to defeat several solid opponents, inconsistent play on both offense and defense prevented a winning record.

• Offensive Output: The team averaged 23.8 points per game, ranking them in the middle tier of the FCS.
• Defensive Struggles: Richmond allowed 25.1 points per game, often surrendering crucial scores in close contests.
• Quarterback Play: Senior quarterback Eric Ward started most games, throwing for 1,732 yards and 10 touchdowns.
• Running Game: Running back Josh Vaughan emerged as a key player, rushing for 721 yards and 5 touchdowns.
• Special Teams: Kicker Matt Fronius converted 11 of 15 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring.
• Non-Conference Play: The Spiders went 2–2 against non-CAA opponents, including losses to FBS-level William & Mary and Gardner-Webb.

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2006 Spiders compared to recent seasons and conference peers:

The 2006 season appears as a plateau year when viewed alongside Richmond’s later success. While the record was unremarkable, the foundation laid during this period contributed to the team’s deep playoff runs in 2008 and 2009. The consistency in coaching and player development became evident in subsequent years, making 2006 a developmental chapter in a larger upward trend.

Why It Matters

The 2006 Richmond Spiders season may not stand out in terms of wins, but it played a role in the program’s long-term trajectory. The experience gained by young players and the continuity under Dave Clawson helped set the stage for future competitiveness.

• Player Development: Several underclassmen gained starting experience, including future standout Josh Vaughan.
• Program Growth: The season contributed to steady improvement, culminating in a national semifinal appearance by 2009.
• Coaching Stability: Dave Clawson’s leadership during this period established a culture of accountability and preparation.
• Recruiting Momentum: Competitive CAA games helped attract talent that would fuel later success.
• Fan Engagement: Despite a losing record, home attendance remained steady, showing strong community support.
• Historical Context: The 2006 team is remembered as a transitional phase before Richmond’s rise to FCS prominence.

While not a headline-grabbing season, the 2006 Richmond Spiders played a quiet but important role in building a championship-caliber program. Their efforts helped lay the groundwork for one of the most successful eras in school football history.