GATESVILLE – Midway scored with just over a minute left in the game to snatch a 19-13 first-round playoff victory from the Gates County Red Barons here last night (Friday).

After driving 68 yards on 10 plays, the Barons defense stopped Midway on the 10-yard-line to bring up fourth and five.

An offsides penalty on Gates gave Midway a first-and-goal from the five.

Ryan Butler took the ball in for the score to give the Raiders the victory.

Penalties and turnovers doomed the Barons, as Midway was able to convert three, fourth-down conversions due to Gates penalties.

The Barons also had two turnovers while driving towards the end zone.

Gates set up shop on the Raiders 41-yard line after Brandon Riddick recovered a Midway fumble.

Five plays later, Ralphael Eason broke up the middle and hustled down the right side for the 29-yard touchdown run.

A.J. Newsome’s extra point attempt was blocked, leaving Gates with a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Six minutes into the second quarter, Midway’s Josh Crumpler scored on the quarterback keep and the extra point attempt was good, giving the visitors a 7-6 advantage at the half.

A Gates fumble on the opening series of the third quarter gave Midway possession on their own 36-yard line. Seventeen plays later, Ed McDuffie crossed the goal line on a three-yard run to put the Raiders up, 13-6, at the end of the third.

Gates wasn’t done as Eason again found the end zone, this time rushing six yards for the score.

Eason’s conversion run was good, and the Barons took a 14-13 lead with just under six minutes left in the game.

Butler’s five-yard score gave the Raiders the first round victory, 19-13.

Butler had 30 carries for 130 yards for Midway.

Eason rushed for 126 yards on 17 carries and Riddick added 59 yards.

Gates County finishes the season 8-4 overall.