Raiders outmatched in Goodpasture loss

10:10 p.m. Sept. 5, 2025 • Updated 3:38 p.m. Sept. 6, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

A promising opening drive wasn’t enough to slow a powerful Goodpasture squad Friday night as Moore County fell, 60-7.

The Raiders, playing their first full game with senior Isaac Petty under center, showed early flashes. Petty broke loose on a keeper to the Cougars’ 15-yard line on Moore County’s opening possession, but the drive stalled after a sack and turnover on downs.

Goodpasture wasted little time taking control. Quarterback Chase Angell connected with Slim Leavell for a 58-yard touchdown, and though the extra point missed, the Cougars led 6-0 with 7:26 left in the first quarter.

After another quick TD by Goodpasture, Moore County answered. Petty handed off to Cole Taylor, who tossed a trick-play pass to Tucker Smith for a 53-yard score. Jax Ross added the PAT to pull the Raiders within 13-7.

From there, it was all Goodpasture. Angell accounted for three touchdown passes, including a second long strike to Leavell and a late 35-yard scoring toss before the break. Defensive back Ian Crockett returned an interception for a touchdown, and running back Caden Stroud added two first-half scores on the ground. By halftime, the Raiders trailed 46-7.

A lightning delay briefly paused the first half, but it did little to slow Goodpasture’s momentum. The Cougars added second-half touchdowns from Joe Batey on a 29-yard run and Ayden Richardson on a 36-yard burst to push the lead to 60-7.

Moore County rotated in junior quarterback Dalton Burton during the second half. He and running back Chris Merical helped grind out a few first downs, but turnovers and penalties kept the Raiders from adding to their tally.

Angell finished 17-for-20 with 292 yards passing and three touchdowns, while Stroud rushed five times for 46 yards and three scores, and Leavell tallied 201 yards receiving on seven catches, three for TDs. Joe Batey and Ayden Richardson also posted rushing scores.

Petty had a team-high 95 yards rushing to lead Moore County. He completed 7 of 18 passes for 68 yards and was intercepted twice. Taylor had 60 yards receiving.

Tristyn Gray led the defense with six tackles, including five solo.

On special teams, Taylor punted six times for 177 yards (29.5 average) – with a long of 51 yards – and dropped three kicks inside the 20.

With the loss, Moore County falls to 1-2. The Raiders travel to Spring Hill next week to face Battle Creek. The game originally was scheduled for Thursday, but will be played at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.

Battle Creek is 0-3 after its 49-0 loss to Lincoln County on Friday. The Grizzlies have been outscored  141-12.

Updated at 3:38 p.m. Saturday with official game stats.