Rivalry Week: Raiders, Hornets set to clash

12:21 p.m. Sept. 17, 2025

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Few dates on the calendar stir Lynchburg like Huntland week. The Hornets’ short drive across the county line always comes with intensity, tradition, and no shortage of pride. On Friday, Sept. 19, Moore County (1-3) hosts Huntland (3-1) at Doug Price Field in a Region 5A showdown with both bragging rights and early playoff positioning at stake.

Moore County enters off a 28-7 loss at Battle Creek, a game that showed flashes of promise but was ultimately undone by turnovers.

For head coach Kris White, the frustration came not from effort but execution.

“The most disappointing thing is just when you go back and watch the film … the mistakes that we’re making were all on us,” White said. “That’s the frustrating part because they’re all playing hard. We’re just making those critical mistakes that put you behind the eight ball.”

White acknowledged that senior quarterback Isaac Petty is learning on the fly after switching positions in the wake of Gavin Wise’s season-ending knee injury on Aug. 29.

“It’s going to take Isaac some time to feel comfortable at quarterback, and it’s going to take us some time as coaches to figure out what he does best,” White said. “That’s our job – to figure out what gives us the best chance to win. He’s got to push through, see the right read, and make the next play.”

Simpler game plan for Raiders

The staff has no intention of shying away from the passing game despite interceptions. White said that maintaining high confidence is crucial.

“You can’t put the chains on it. For his growth, he’s got to work through it,” he said.

At the same time, White noted that Friday’s game plan could be simpler, leaning on Petty’s best skills. “Just do the two or three things he does best and let him roll with it,” he said.

While Battle Creek made big plays, several Raiders delivered standout performances.

• Kohlby Williams was dominant up front, tallying eight tackles and two sacks and earning praise from White as one of the best defensive line efforts of the year.

• Tristyn Gray turned in his best game of the season, including an interception that gave the Raiders momentum early in the second half, plus six tackles, a forced fumble, and one pass-attempt breakup.

• Ike Holt showed growth with solid tackling from the linebacker spot.

• Hunter Travis, pressed into duty at middle linebacker, improved as the night wore on.

“At times, the defense looked as good as it’s looked all year,” White said. “Offensively, we were moving the ball. It’s just the turnovers and missed opportunities. Those are things we can fix.”

‘I don’t think you can hide from it’

History says fans can expect drama. In 2023, Moore County secured the Region title with a 49-7 rout of Huntland. The Hornets answered last fall, stunning the Raiders in Lynchburg with a 20-19 thriller.

This year, Huntland brings momentum after a 21-7 region win over Richland. The Hornets’ balanced offense and opportunistic defense make them a tough matchup, especially against a Moore County team that is still ironing out its mistakes.

But White believes the rivalry itself can bring out the best in his team.

“As big as this rivalry is here, you can say that [it’s just another game], but the kids know it, fans know it, the coaches know it. So I don’t think you can hide from it,” he said. “Getting back home, we’re finally playing a Single-A opponent. They’re good, but we are not playing a 4A. I think the one thing you can expect from us: Our kids are going to keep playing hard.”

The Raiders sit at 1-3, but White insists the record doesn’t tell the whole story. “We’re sitting at 1-3, but could be 3-1,” he said. “That’s why I told the kids, ‘You’re playing hard. We just have to correct the little things.’”