LYNCHBURG, Tenn. – It’s week three in the Tennessee high school football season and the question every Raider fan is asking is can the 2-0 Moore County team keep their perfect season going with a win over Eagleville. The two teams face off at Doug Price Field at 7 p.m. tonight.

In week one, the Raiders put together an impressive, season-opening win at Cascade – beating the Champions 34-5.

In week two, they played their home opener against Fayetteville and snagged the first win over the Tiger since Kris White took over as head coach in 2019. The Raiders came out strong in the first quarter of that game but seemed to lose focus in the second quarter. However, the defense came out strong in the second half – shutting out the Tiger offense in the final quarters to give Moore County a 34-14 win.

On Friday, they play at home again in the district opener against Eagleville, who also enjoys a perfect 2-0 record. The Eagles beat PCA at home 14-0 on August 18 and Community at home on August 25 by a final of 54-0.

Last year, Moore County managed a 21-0 win over the Eagles at Doug Price Field on September 2. In that game, the Raiders combined an aggressive offensive game plan and a bend-but-don’t- break defensive effort to shut out the Eagles. So, they’ll be headed into Lynchburg looking for pay back.

Here are three things The Times thinks will be key to snagging another “W” on Friday night.

1 | Use all their offensive weapons. We can’t imagine drawing up a defensive game plan against the Raiders can be easy. They boast a roster of well-seasoned starters and play makers. Stack the box, and option QB Dawson White will burn you by airing it out to money receivers Keller Morey and Alex Copeland. Play soft zone defense, and option QB White and running back Logan Hegwood will beat you with their legs. But the Eagles defense will come to play. Moore County will need a few tricks up their collective sleeves to keep them back on their heels.

2 | Make the Eagle QBs one dimensional. The Eagles currently run a two quarterback system with seniors Brody McLemore and Will Becker. The Raider defense needs to play aggressive and keep them rattled. A couple of sacks from Eli Brown and an interception from Moore County ball hawks Copeland and Morey wouldn’t hurt.

3| Put together a complete game. Moore County came out strong last Friday night but seems to lose focus and energy in the second quarter after building a two score lead. Points could be harder to come by against an Eagle defense that’s shut out their first two regular season opponents. The Raiders will need to stay focused if they hope to get their district record to 1-0.

Tonight’s game will take place at Doug Price Field. Kick off happens at 7 p.m. If your can’t attend in person, the Moore County Sports Network will broadcast the game live on the NFHS Network. •

{The Lynchburg Times is a nonpartisan community newspaper serving Lynchburg, Tennessee and the surrounding counties. We also provide news and information for the 350,000 folks who come to Lynchburg to visit The Jack Daniel’s Distillery each year. We are dedicated to public service journalism for the greater good of our community. You can support us, by clicking here.}