GRANITEVILLE – After winning the first three games of the season, Midland Valley lost 49-28 against River Bluff on Homecoming night Friday, Sept. 11.
Friday night’s kickoff was delayed until 9:15 p.m. due to lightning.
Before the kickoff, Midland Valley remembered the events of 9/11 as the first 100 first responders and veterans who attended received hats. Graniteville Fire Department brought their ladder truck and displayed the American flag as players ran down the hill onto the field.
River Bluff began the game getting in endzone first with a 50-yard interception for a touchdown.
The Mustangs tied the game 7-7 after running back Preston Smith ran in a 3-yard touchdown with 10:35 remaining in the second quarter.
On the very next play, River Bluff grabbed the lead right back as quarterback Brayden Moore threw a 47-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darius Carter, making the score 14-7 with 10:20 remaining in the first half.
The Gators extended their lead to 20-7 as running back Bubba Alexander ran in his first touchdown of the game late in the first half.
Midland Valley cut the lead to six points as quarterback Xavier Geter connected with Cameron Gleaton for a touchdown at the end of the first half.
The game would continue to be back and forth as Carter caught his second touchdown of the game on an 85-yard pass from Moore, making the score 28-14 after the successful two-point conversion.
Smith continued to keep the Mustangs alive as he ran in his second touchdown on a 32-yard rush, making the score 28-21 with 8:59 remaining in the third quarter.
Moore connected with Carter for third time of the night on 41-yard touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter.
River Bluff’s defense sacked Midland Valley on fourth down to give them all momentum in the fourth quarter.
The Gators went on to win 49-28 as Moore finished with four passing touchdowns.
Midland Valley will travel to Greenwood on Friday, Sept. 18.
Sportswriter Christopher Rickerson is an Augusta University graduate who has covered area sports for publications including Augusta University‘s Bell Ringer, The Augusta Press and Augusta Good News. He won three Georgia Press Association sports awards in 2026. Subscribe to the Augusta Good News’ free weekly newsletter here.
