Raiders storm past Community in opener

9:12 p.m. Aug. 22, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

The Moore County Raiders opened their 2025 football season with an emphatic 42-7 road win over the Community Vikings in Unionville on Friday night, Aug. 22, jumping out to a huge first-half lead before heavy rains slowed the action in the second half.

It didn’t take long for the Raiders to set the tone. Cole Taylor electrified the crowd on the opening kickoff, racing 85 yards for a touchdown. Kicker Jax Ross added the first of six extra points to give Moore County a quick 7-0 advantage.

Quarterback Gavin Wise then took control of the game, going 5-for-5 through the air for 103 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 27 yards and another score in the first half. He connected early with Taylor, who proved unstoppable in the first half with three touchdowns.

Wise also found his way into the end zone with a 5-yard scamper midway through the opening quarter to make it 14-0.

Taylor followed with a rushing score late in the first quarter, pushing the lead to 21-0, and all-purpose threat Isaac Petty capped another drive by diving into the end zone early in the second quarter.

Tucker Smith added a rushing touchdown before Wise and Taylor connected again through the air for the Raiders’ sixth touchdown of the half.

When Ross booted his sixth PAT with 5 minutes left before halftime, Moore County led 42-0.

Community managed to get on the scoreboard late, but the game was well in hand as steady rains throughout the second half kept both teams grounded.

With the decisive win, Moore County (1-0) showcased a balanced attack and stifling defense, building early season momentum.

The Raiders play host to Cascade at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, in the home opener.