WAYNESBORO, Tenn. — After the Eagleville game in Lynchburg, Raider Head Coach Kris White challenged his defense to put together a complete game. That’s exactly what they did in the game at Wayne County — shutting out the Wildcat offense 40-0 nothing.
Based on the silent, cross-armed response from the home bleachers, the Wildcats weren’t expecting it.
The win advanced Moore County to a perfect 4-0 record. Collinwood and Moore County currently sit tied for first place in the Region 5 standing with two wins each. The loss gives Wayne County a 1-4 overall record and 0-2 in region play.
Raiders lead in the first quarter 14-0
The Raiders got on the scoreboard first with a quick, three-play score on a Dawson White option play. A pass to Keller Morey and run by Logan Hegwood set up the score. Jax Ross’s PAT gave Moore County a 7-0 lead with just a minute off the clock.
As expected, the Wildcats then used a series of run plays to piece together first downs and eat up clock. They drove all the way to the Raider two yard line before coughing up the ball at the goal line.
Moore County took over the ball with 4:08 to play in the first.
Morey, Hegwood, and Will Parker then pieced together first downs to set up second and eight around the 30 yard line. On the next play, Hegwood shook off one Wildcat tackler and stiff armed another for six more points.
As the first quarter expired, Moore County led Wayne County 13-0.
Raiders go into the half leading 26-0
The Wildcats ended the first quarter driving and got a first down on a third and short play to kick off the second quarter. The fresh set of downs didn’t really matter. On fourth and 10, Peyton Martin stopped the run play before it could get started and the Wildcats turned over the ball on downs.
Despite not one but three flags on the next series, Moore County pieced together three first downs to get to the 15 years line. On first and 10 at the 15, Hegwood went up the middle for three yards and then White connected with Alex Copeland for a Raider touchdown. The two point conversion failed and Moore County continued to lead 19-0.
The Wildcats maintained possession for the next three minutes, but couldn’t find the end zone. The Raiders took over with 1:39 remaining but only needed about one minute to score. White found a wide open Will Parker standing in the end zone for the final score of the half. Moore County went into the locker room leading the Wildcats, 26-0.
The second half played out much like the first.
Wayne County got the ball first and went three and out, then Moore County scored again when a elusive Hegwood wiggled free and into the end zone on a fourth and short play. Receptions by Morey and Cole Taylor set up the score. Ross’s PAT gave Moore County a 33-0 lead with 6:49 to play in the third.
With a running clock, the rest of the third quarter progressed quickly — ending with Wayne County driving near the mid field. On the first play of the fourth quarter, White snagged an interception that would set up Moore County for their final score. On first and 10, White saw a lane open, tucked the ball, and ran 96 yards for the final Columbia blue nail in the Wildcat coffin. The final score was Moore County 40, Wayne County 0.
Dawson White and Logan Hegwood led for the Raiders with two touchdowns each. Alex Copeland and Will Parker each added a receiving touchdown. Jax Ross connected on four PATs.
White led in rushing yards with 169 followed by Hegwood with 99. Will Parker was the leading receiver with 78 yards followed by Keller Morey with 41 yards.
On defense, Peyton Martin led with 12 tackles followed by Wes Clifton with 10. Eli Brown added another five tackles and a sack. White managed a interception and Martin snagged a fumble recovery. Both Buddy Qualls and Dillon Sherrill caused a fumble each.
Moore County will shirk tradition and take on a ambitious opponent for Homecoming on Friday in Lynchburg. The Raiders will face off with 5A Franklin County at 7 p.m. The Rebels are currently 1-3 and narrowly beat Tullahoma on September 8 by a final of 17-16. •
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