Raiders begin new era with Petty at QB
8:17 p.m. Sept. 4, 2025
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
Friday night at Doug Price Field won’t just be another game for the Moore County Raiders (1-1) – it marks the beginning of a new era with senior Isaac Petty taking over at quarterback.
The Raiders host the Goodpasture Christian Cougars (2-0) in a 7 p.m. kickoff, looking to bounce back after last week’s 17-10 loss to Cascade and, more importantly, chart a new course without injured starter Gavin Wise.
Wise, a senior leader and dual-threat playmaker, was diagnosed this week with a torn ACL in his left knee. His absence leaves a void both on the field and in the huddle, but head coach Kris White said the team is already rallying behind Petty.
“Isaac’s always wanted to be that guy on Friday nights,” White said. “Now he has to be that guy Sunday through Thursday too – preparing, leading, and carrying the responsibility of the position.”
Petty, a proven athlete who has thrived in the Raiders’ Wildcat package the past two years, now steps into his first extended run as the full-time signal caller. His versatility and toughness are well known, but the challenge ahead is about consistency and command of the offense.
To support him, Moore County will lean on its stable of playmakers. Tucker Smith, Cole Taylor, Tristyn Gray, Chris Merical, and Aiden Moore all bring experience and balance, while Carter Zerhusen could emerge as an X-factor.
Defensively, the Raiders showed grit against Cascade, holding the Champions to 17 points, and will look for even more production from Drew Hardison, who has impressed since the offseason. Veterans like Luke Stevens will also be critical in steadying the unit as the team adjusts to its new identity.
Goodpasture comes in riding momentum, outscoring its first two opponents 81-7. After going winless in 2024, the Cougars have retooled and looked dominant in a 30-0 win over Maplewood last week, leaning on two-way athletes and controlling the line of scrimmage. White expects their confidence to travel with them to Lynchburg.
Keys to the Game
• Moore County: Petty must play within himself – manage the game, avoid turnovers, and get touches to Smith, Taylor, and Merical. A strong rushing attack will help him settle in. Defensively, the Raiders must bottle up Goodpasture’s speed and force third-and-long situations.
• Goodpasture: Keep drives alive with tempo and numbers. Their two-way stars will be tested physically against a Raiders team that thrives on grit.
What’s at Stake
• For Moore County, Friday is about resilience. A playoff team two years ago, the Raiders still have the talent to compete – but their response to losing Wise will define their season’s early stretch.
• For Goodpasture, a road win in Lynchburg would be a signature moment in their rebuild and proof that their turnaround is real.
The Bottom Line
Friday night is more than just Week 3. It’s Moore County’s first test in a new chapter led by Petty, who now carries the weight of the Raiders’ offense. Across the field, Goodpasture brings a chip on its shoulder and the confidence of a fast start.
“They went 0-10 last year, but they’re ahead of the curve now,” White said. “They dominated Maplewood, and they’ll put their best kids on the field both ways. That worries me.”
Expect a hard-hitting battle where turnovers, execution, and how quickly Petty settles into his new role could decide the night.
