The Morgan Raiders kicked off their 2026 high school football campaign with a nail-biting 21-14 victory over the Marietta Tigers, holding off a furious fourth-quarter rally by the visitors. Morgan established an early lead, commanding the line of scrimmage to build a 14-0 cushion by halftime. Marietta fought back valiantly in the second half, capitalizing on a couple of turnovers to pull within one score late in the fourth quarter, but the Raiders' defense stood tall when it mattered most to secure the season-opening win.
The Raiders were propelled by a stellar ground game and timely defensive stops. Senior running back Logan Copas racked up over 120 rushing yards and scored two crucial touchdowns, including a spectacular 35-yard burst in the second quarter. On the defensive side, linebacker T.J. Mayle anchored the unit, recording a game-sealing interception in the final minute of play as Marietta threatened to tie the game deep in Morgan territory.
This hard-fought victory provides a massive boost of confidence for the McConnelsville community as the Raiders look to establish themselves as serious contenders in the Muskingum Valley League (MVL). Starting the season 1-0 sets a positive tone for Morgan, putting them in a favorable position early in the conference standings as they prepare for a grueling schedule ahead.