By DUANNE SHERRILL | Special to The Times

LYNCHBURG — The Moore County Raiders were denied their revenge Thursday night as Richland intruded on senior night in Lynchburg, ending the Moore County season with a 36-0 shutout.

The Raiders sought to atone for their loss against Richland last year, which cost Moore County a spot in the playoffs. However, that was not to be as the Raiders from Richland seized control of the contest in the second half and handed Moore its only shutout of the year. Moore County ended their regular season with a 2-8 and no shot at post season play.

Penalties cost Moore County

The first half was full of hope for the Moore County squad as the Raiders found themselves in Richland territory on their second possession when the visitors were unable to pull off a fake punt near midfield in the first quarter. And, it appeared the Moore County team had struck as an Isaac Petty pass found its mark deep in Richland territory. However, the long gain was nullified by a crack back block. The penalty put Moore County behind the sticks and they were unable to make any headway. They actually ended up losing yards on the drive and were forced to give it back to their region rivals.

It didn’t take long for Richland to make Moore pay as the visiting Raiders waltzed into the end zone from 15 yards out on the ensuing drive to take a 7-0 with 1:46 to go in the first.

Moore County’s next drive was successful in every way except it did not lead to a score. The Raiders marched the ball down to the red zone but the failed to convert on fourth down, giving the ball back to Richland late in the second. Richland would make good use of the opportunity as they mounted a quick strike drive and were able to score with no time left on the first half clock to take a 14-0 lead into the locker room.

It took little time for Richland to strike in the third quarter as a TD pass made it 21-0 with 10:29 to go in the third. Richland compounded their lead five minutes later with a four-yard touchdown run to make it 27-0. They then iced the game with a pick six at the 2:39 mark of the third. A high snap on a punt attempt in the fourth quarter gave Richland a safety to set the final score at 36-0. •

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