Good Hope Upsets West Morgan 31-7 For Second Round Playoff Victory

Raiders Advance to Third Round with Dominant Performance

TRINITY, AL – The Good Hope Raiders delivered a commanding performance on the road, securing a 31-7 victory over the previously undefeated West Morgan Rebels in the second round of the Class 4A state playoffs. After falling behind early,, the No. 10-ranked Raiders scored 31 unanswered points, shutting down the No. 3 Rebels and punching their ticket to the third round for the first time since 2021.

The game began with a quick strike from West Morgan. After a blocked punt, the Rebels capitalized on their field position when quarterback Titan Partlow connected with Tay McDaniel for a 40-yard touchdown pass. This early score gave West Morgan a 7-0 lead, but it would be their only points of the night as the Good Hope defense took control.

Raiders’ Offensive Onslaught

Good Hope’s offense found its rhythm early in the second quarter. Quarterback Parker Johnson orchestrated a crucial drive, capping it off with an eight-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7 just seconds into the period. The drive was highlighted by a 29-yard trick play where receiver Web Buchanan hit Johnson for a big gain.

Later in the half, the Raiders mounted another scoring drive. Johnson connected with Carter Rutherford for two significant completions totaling 44 yards, moving the ball deep into Rebel territory. Running back Mason Drake finished the drive, punching it in from one yard out to give Good Hope a 14-7 lead that they would carry into halftime.

A Dominant Second Half

The third quarter saw Good Hope extend its lead. After the defense forced a turnover on downs, the offense moved down the field, setting up a 25-yard field goal by Titus Montgomery. This pushed the score to 17-7, giving the Raiders a two-score advantage.

The Raiders’ defense continued to stifle the West Morgan offense. Early in the fourth quarter, defensive back Carter Rutherford intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, widening the lead to 24-7. The defense sealed the game with two more turnovers. After Tucker Keef secured an interception, Parker Johnson broke free for a spectacular 77-yard touchdown run, putting the final score at 31-7 and ending West Morgan’s perfect 11-0 season.

Standout Performances and Key Stats

The victory was a complete team effort for Good Hope, with several players delivering standout performances.

• Parker Johnson: The senior quarterback was a dual-threat force, finishing 9 of 15 for 108 yards through the air. He was even more impactful on the ground, rushing for 178 yards and two touchdowns.
• Mason Drake: The running back provided a consistent ground attack, finishing with 72 rushing yards and a crucial second-quarter touchdown.
• Defensive Stars: The Raider defense was impenetrable after the first quarter, holding West Morgan to just 153 total yards. Carter Rutherford was a standout with a pick-six and a critical fourth-down tackle. Kane Anderson and Tucker Keef also recorded interceptions.

What’s Next for Good Hope?

With the win, the Good Hope Raiders (10-2) advance to the third round of the Class 4A playoffs. They will return home to host the No. 5-ranked Plainview Bears in a highly anticipated quarterfinal matchup.