REGIONAL NEWS | Winchester — The man who got the Moore County Raiders six inches from a state football championship won’t be back to coach the Franklin County High School Rebels next year. According to a press release from the school, he was let go as head football coach on Monday.

“I would like to thank coach McCurry for his hard work and contributions to our football program,” FCHS Principal Dr. Alsup said in the press release. “I have tremendous respect for McCurry and his dedication to developing our young men.”

A graduate of FCHS, McCurry returned there is 2017 to take over the football program. Since then, he’s amassed a 14-16 record and the Rebels missed the playoffs for three straight years.

Coach of 1988 Moore County state runner up team

Folks in Moore County probably know Coach McCurry as the leader of the 1988 Moore County Raider football team that made it all the way to the state championship game. In the now infamous game against the Donelson Christian Academy Wildcats, the Raiders trailed 21-7 before two late fourth quarter touchdowns got them within one point with 63 seconds remaining.

As Coach McCurry, motioned for field goal kicker Wes Langford to head out onto the field to attempt the extra point, the offense bristled. Then quarterback Wes Fanning and his offensive line lobbied for a two point conversion and Coach McCurry agreed. QB Fanning tossed the kicking tee toward the sideline and lined up for the two point conversion. But the Tigers stopped Raider star running back Todd Logan just six inches from the goal line.

After the game, McCurry famously told The Tennessean that if he’d had to do all over again, he’d make exactly the same choice.

Rebel Defensive Coordinator Mike Head will take over as Interim Head Coach. Franklin County is now among 12 other Tennessee high school football programs looking for a head coach including : Camden, Cheatham County, Clinton, Franklin County, Goodpasture, Harding Academy, Lincoln County, Loretto, Overton, Pigeon Forge, Red Boiling Springs, Siegel, and Station Camp. •

{The Lynchburg Times is an independently owned and operated newspaper that publishes new stories every morning. Covering Metro Moore County government, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, Tims Ford State Park, Motlow State Community College, Moore County High School, Moore County Middle School, Lynchburg Elementary, Raider Sports, plus regional and state news.}