HUNTLAND —Can the Raiders build on the running game they found last week? Do they have an answer for Hornet Kolbi Stewart and his smash mouth rushing game? Can the Hornets dominate with the run, eat up clock, and keep the ball out of Raider quarterback Kyler Parker’s hands? These are questions that will get answered tonight at Huntland High School as the Raiders (6-1, 1-1) make the short trip to Franklin County to take on the Huntland Hornets (4-3, 1-1) tonight in what’s come to be known as The Battle of the Blue rivalry game. Kick off will be at 7 p.m.

Currently, the two Region 5A teams are battling it out for the second seed in the region standings behind Fayetteville City (6-1, 5-0). Huntland, Moore County, and Richland all enjoy a 1-1 regional record. Region 5 enjoys three top 10 Class 1A teams according to the Associated Press: #2 Fayetteville City, #6 Moore County, and #9 Cornersville.

Last Friday night, Moore County shut out Jo Byrns 41-0 at home while Huntland enjoyed a bye week. Huntland will be dangerous on extra rest and playing at home. The Raiders will need to bring their play-making A game and their unyielding defense if the want to travel back to Lynchburg with the W.

In their last game on October 3, the Hornets managed a 41-17 victory over regional opponent Mount Pleasant. Huntland pulled away early in that game – managing a 28-0 lead at halftime – before coasting to a win.

Raider fans will want to keep an eye out for Huntland senior running back Kolbi Stewart (#4) who rushed for 115 yard per game and 11 touchdown so far this season. He and sophomore Bryson Johnson (#8) both average around 100 yard per game. Though the Hornet’s first instinct is always to the run the ball, Hornet senior quarterback Peyton Reed’s favorite target is senior wide receiver Jayden Norwood (#10) who’s caught the ball for 93 yards so far this season.

Stewart is also a force to be reckoned with on defense. He’s forced six fumbles this year along with 37 tackles, and three sacks. The Hornets top defender is senior Micah Millraney (#20) who has managed 78 tackles, eight sacks, and seven forced fumbles through seven games.

Moore County will need another stand out game from senior running back Tyler Smith, who ran for over 100 yards against Jo Byrns. They’ll also need great play by the offensive line to give Raider quarterback Kyler Parker ample time in the pocket.

Like most Moore County Huntland games you can probably throw all the stats out the window. The most talented team doesn’t always win and it’s sure to be exciting. It will be a physical, hard-fought, emotional ballgame.

The Battle of the Blue game will kick off at 7 p.m. at Huntland High School at 7 p.m. If you plan to travel to the game, the GPS address is 400 Gore Street, Huntland, TN 37345. If you can’t attend the game, it will be broadcast live on Raider Country 105.1 and 95.5 FM with Joe Abraham and the Moore County Sports Network, on the NFHS Network, or The Lynchburg Times will post live score updates on our Facebook page. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg, Tennessee. We cover 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.}