Boro football came up two yards short on Friday, falling 31-30 to a competitive Bridgewater team. Despite mistakes on both sides of the field, the team still had a chance to win as they lined up for a two-point conversion towards the end of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, an incomplete pass on the conversion attempt, followed by a Bridgewater first down, left the team a bit short of its second victory.

“I chose to go for two because we had really been on a roll for the last few minutes offensively, and I thought that making one offensive play right then was the best way to win,” head coach Kevin Carty said.

Even so, this rivalry game was very exciting. The Raider offense was led by senior quarterback Matt Moore, who went 13-24 for 179 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Hauling in those touchdowns were senior wide receivers Justin Brown and Jackson Parham.

Senior Charles Amankwaa’s early interceptions allowed the Raiders to put the first points on the board, as Moore and Brown connected with a touchdown pass. Later, Parham would pick up yards after a catch, finding his way into the end zone.

The first half appeared to be ending with Hillsborough down 17-14. However, senior running back Tyler Boatwright would put the Raiders back ahead, following a 45-yard score with only four seconds remaining before halftime.

Even after a couple Bridgewater touchdowns put the Panthers up ten points with less than ten minutes remaining, the Raiders would fight back. Following a three-and-out by the offense, the defense came up with a key stop. The offense was then able to march down the field, before senior kicker J.R. Metallo made it a seven point game with his leg.

Following the field goal, the Raiders were able to recover a fumble, giving the offense one last chance to score. They did, as Moore connected with Brown for his second touchdown of the game.

But, the two point conversion attempt failed, and the Raiders came up short.

Every loss is disappointing, but the team hopes to put this one behind them, and prepare for the future.

“We work to win them all, but we still have a lot of great opportunities left and hope to play our best football at the end of the year,” Carty said.