White: Young Raiders on the cusp
8:40 p.m. Oct. 10, 2025
DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor
Despite last week’s 34–7 loss at Eagleville, the Raiders’ fifth consecutive setback, Moore County head coach Kris White said the Raiders continue to see progress – even if it doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard.
“When you go back and watch film, you can show them – right here, we get a stop, they’re punting, and now we’ve got the ball with a chance to tie it,” White said. “That’s the encouraging part.”
White pointed to Cole Taylor as an example of the team’s continued effort and improvement.
“He might’ve played one of his better games,” White said. “He blocked well on offense, hustled on defense. The numbers don’t jump out, but his effort did.”
The coach also noted that fixing defensive fundamentals remains a focus after Eagleville’s physical ground attack.
“They blocked very well, and we didn’t do a good enough job getting off blocks,” White said. “We were taking some bad angles, and when we did get there, we didn’t finish tackles.”
This week, Moore County faces another physical opponent in Smith County (3-4), a team known for its straightforward but punishing style.
“They’re big and physical,” White said. “They look to run it – more of a power run game – and it’ll be a good test for our kids. It’s nothing really complicated or anything; we have to get lined up and play on both sides of the ball.”
White’s message to the team remains consistent: stay disciplined, keep improving, and finish plays.
“We’re close,” he said. “It’s just about making those plays when we have the chance and learning from each one. The effort’s there – now we’ve got to finish.”
The Raiders-Owls matchup is set for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Carthage. Follow the Observer’s Friday Night Lights coverage.
