Cleveland Shows Growth, but McMinn Pulls Away Late

ATHENS, Tenn. — Cleveland’s young Blue Raiders took a big step forward in Week 2, but it still wasn’t enough to stop a late surge from McMinn County. Despite leading 21-13 midway through the third quarter, the Raiders surrendered 27 unanswered points before a late score trimmed the final margin to 40-29 Friday night at Cherokee Stadium.

First-year head coach Chris Brown praised his players’ effort, even in defeat.

“If this group keeps playing as hard as they did tonight, we’ll become a program Cleveland can be proud of,” Brown said. “They’re giving everything for each other, playing above their years, and if they stay on this path, we’ll build something special.”

The loss drops Cleveland to 0-2, while McMinn improves to 2-0 after beating Bradley Central in Week 1. The Cherokees now prepare for Walker Valley, while the Raiders hit the road again to meet undefeated Tullahoma.

Raiders Strike First

Cleveland wasted no time making a statement. On the opening drive, junior quarterback Kason McGowan connected with Kyreece Westfield for a 30-yard gain before using his legs to finish the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run. Senior kicker Sloan Bolaños added the extra point to give the Raiders their first touchdown of the year and a 7-0 lead.

McMinn responded behind senior tailback Jakyran “Peanut” Dyer, who capped a short drive with a 10-yard score to even the contest.

The teams traded stops before McMinn quarterback Luke Lawson found Jaxson Gonzalez for a 24-yard strike, putting the Cherokees up 13-7 late in the half. Cleveland answered right back, marching 78 yards before McGowan hit Lakorious Eddins on a 24-yard scoring pass to regain a 14-13 halftime lead.

Momentum Shifts

The Raiders looked poised for an upset after McGowan engineered another strong drive to open the third quarter, finishing with a 7-yard touchdown toss to Kyree Scott. The extra point extended Cleveland’s lead to 21-13.

But from that point forward, McMinn seized control. Lawson powered in from six yards out, then connected with Nathan Kessler on a 7-yard touchdown. Moments later, Lawson again found Gonzalez — this time from 19 yards — and Dyer added a second rushing score from 13 yards out. In the span of just over a quarter, the Cherokees turned an eight-point deficit into a 40-21 advantage.

Cleveland’s final spark came from Bra’Shaun Beard, who broke free for a 60-yard touchdown run with under three minutes to play. McGowan completed a two-point pass to Daxton Evans, but the Raiders couldn’t get any closer.

Standout Performances

Cleveland: McGowan threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns on 15-of-30 passing, while also rushing for 40 yards and a score. Beard added 89 yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Westfield was McGowan’s favorite target, hauling in six passes for 99 yards.

McMinn County: Lawson was efficient, completing 16-of-23 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 30 yards and a rushing score. Dyer dominated on the ground with 155 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries. Gonzalez contributed two touchdown receptions, and Drake Frazier led all receivers with 166 yards on eight catches.

Game Summary

Final Score: McMinn County 40, Cleveland 29
Records: Cleveland (0-2), McMinn County (2-0)

Scoring Plays:

1Q: Cleveland — McGowan 7 run (Bolaños kick)

1Q: McMinn — Dyer 10 run (Kraskouskas kick)

2Q: McMinn — Lawson 24 pass to Gonzalez (conversion failed)

2Q: Cleveland — McGowan 24 pass to Eddins (Bolaños kick)

3Q: Cleveland — McGowan 7 pass to Scott (Bolaños kick)

3Q: McMinn — Lawson 6 run (conversion failed)

4Q: McMinn — Lawson 7 pass to Kessler (kick good)

4Q: McMinn — Lawson 19 pass to Gonzalez (kick good)

4Q: McMinn — Dyer 13 run (kick good)

4Q: Cleveland — Beard 60 run (Evans pass from McGowan)