RICHMOND, VA -- Albany Panthers in Richmond tonight for the second of three straight road games. A lot was at stake for the Panthers (9-1) against the Raiders (4-6).

A win keeps Albany in control of its own playoff destiny and provides the team with growing momentum for next week's game against divisional rival Columbus.

With two games left before the postseason, the Panthers survived Richmond on Saturday night 48-42. The team endured a heavy Raiders comeback in the second half

It looked like an easy night for the Panthers in the first half. Albany led Richmond 35-15 at halftime behind four Cecil Lester touchdowns. The Panthers quarterback was an efficient 14 of 18 in the first two quarters.

Richmond tried to make it interesting in the second half tying the game at 42 with 3:59 remaining, but the Panthers sealed the victory with a touchdown at 1:58 of the fourth.

With the win, Albany ties Columbus in the Southern Division with a 9-1 record. The two teams will face off for the divisional title next Saturday in Columbus.