{Editor’s Note: This year’s Raider’s football coverage is free to all readers thanks to a sponsorship from Greg Guinn Construction, Double K Farms, Jack Collectible’s, and Reese’s Athletics.}

EAGLEVILLE — The offensive line are one of those unsung heroes in high school football. Sure, the quarterback, running backs, and receivers get all the headlines and the featured photo, but anyone who knows football know that games are lost or won in the trenches.

Headed into the 2024 season, the Raiders offensive line looked solid. It featured a ton of seasoned veterans including last year’s Most Valuable Region 5A Offensive Lineman Aydan Blair. But they’ve felt a little disconnected in the first two game. That all changes on Friday night when Moore County’s vaunted offensive line woke up in the second half — creating huge holes for Raider running backs, much to the chagrin of the home crowd.

Raiders get a slow start 

Moore County seemed a bit sluggish in the first half. They got back-to-back flags on their first drive to dig themselves a first and 25 hole. Then, Gavin Wise dropped back and connected with Logan Cashion for the first touchdown of the night. Jax Ross’s PAT gave Moore County an early 7-0 lead with 9:03 to play in the first. 

The Eagles went three and out then stuffed the Raiders on a third and nine quarterback keeper to force the punt. 

The Eagles got to work with 2:57 to play in the first and managed three first downs before an illegal crack back block put them in a second and 22 hole. The quarter ended with them driving. 

It took them two plays into the second quarter to run it up the gut for six. With 10:57 to play in the half, they tied the game, 7-7. 

For the remainder of the quarter, both teams maintained long, sustained drives but couldn’t punch it in the end zone. The half end with the scored still tied at 7-7. 

Offensive lines wakes up in second half 

It was a tale of two halves in Eagleville. Moore County’s offensive line woke up in the second half — creating huge holes that allowed Petty and Cashion to gash the defense. 

On their first series, Wise handed off to Petty on second and five and he ran untouched into the end zone thanks to the O line. Ross’s PAT made it 14-7 with 8:04 to play in the third. 

Determined, it took Eagleville just 14 second to even the score. They returned the kickoff for six points and nailed the PAT to make it 14-14 at the 7:50 mark. 

Moore County then pieced together a 12-play, six first down series that gave them the lead. Wise handed off to Petty who then made long completions to Brantley Hill and Cole Taylor to keep the sticks moving. On second and goal, Petty ran up the gut for the go ahead score with 46 seconds to play in the third. 

The Raiders coughed up the ball in the final minute of the game — giving the Eagles a chance at the comeback. On first and 10 with 30 seconds to play, the Eagles QB found his receiver, but he couldn’t get out of bounds fast enough. On second and nine, they got what could have been a game-tying score but Petty made the touchdown saving tackle. 

The Eagles QB then went for a “Hail Mary” pass that fell flat as time expired but the Raiders got a pass interference call. With no time on the clock, the Eagles QB dropped back but the Raiders batted down the pass in the end zone to earn the 21-14 win. 

The win advances Moore County to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in Region 5A play. The loss drops Eagleville to 1-2 overall and a goose egg in the district. 

On offense, Isaac Petty led with two touchdowns and Logan Cashion added one more. Jax Ross was a perfect three of three in point after attempts.  Raider quarterback Gavin Wise complete eight passes on 13 attempts for 129 yards and one receiving touchdown.

Logan Cashion led the receivers with three receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown followed by Brantley Hill with 23 yards. Isaac Petty continues to be the Raider workhorse in the rushing game with 26 carries for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Wise and Cole Taylor followed with with 25 and 22 yard respectively.

Moore County (2-1, 1-0) will return to Doug Price Field on Friday to take on the Wayne County Wildcats (0-3, 0-1) in a Region 5A game. •

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