A North Moore football squad led by a scrappy defense came up just short against South Davidson Friday, dropping a close 22-16 decision in Yadkin Valley Conference action.

The visiting Mustangs took an early 8-6 lead, but ended up spotting the Wildcats a 22-8 halftime lead.

The Mustang defense, led by Landon Auman and his two interceptions, held South Davidson scoreless in the second half. North Moore got within six, 22-16, and had the ball with four minutes to go but were unable to score.

After falling behind 6-0, the Mustangs took an 8-6 first-quarter lead on Xavier Scotten's six-yard scoring run, and then adding the two-point conversion.

The Wildcats responded with 16 unanswered points to take their halftime lead.

North Moore put the final points on the scoreboard on Darius Green's six-yard run for a score, and then once again added the two-point conversion.

South Davidson improved to 1-5 overall and 1-1 in the conference, while North Moore fell to 0-6 and 0-2.