Dobbs resigns as Raider head football coach

MOORE COUNTY — This week MCHS joined eight other Tennessee high schools who are now on the hunt for a new head football. Jason Dobbs announced he’s leaving Lynchburg to return Murfreesboro.

Dobbs coached the Moore County varsity team for the past four year and led the Raiders to a 22-21 overall record. His Raider teams also made it to the TSSAA Class 1-A playoffs in 2017 and 2018. Last year Moore County finished with a 5-5 overall record and barely missed a playoff opportunity with an ugly season-ending game at Mount Pleasant. {Click here to read our coverage of that game.}

Dobbs is leaving Moore County to join coaching buddy, Oakland Head Coach Kevin Creasy. Dobbs will join Oakland as an assistant coach. Dobbs and Creasy coached together at Trousdale County from 2005-09. Dobbs also coached at Riverdale for six seasons.

When we reached out for comment, Moore County Director of Schools Chad Moorehead said, “We hate that Coach Dobbs is leaving. I have confidence that the high school administration will find a coach that will continue to build on a strong football tradition for our school. I wish Coach Dobbs and his sons well on their football careers. Moore County will be following them closely because once you are a Raider, you are always a Raider.”

According to Director Moorehead, the search for Coach Dobb’s replacement is underway.

According to the website TN High School Football, seven other schools are currently also looking for a head coach: Austin East, Fayette Ware, Sycamore, Whites Creek, The Webb School, West Grene, and Whitwell. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Lynchburg. 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.}

School Director: New MCHS Gym almost ready for action

new Moore County High School Gym — The new MCHS Gym will soon be ready for PE classes, according to Director of Schools Chad Moorehead. “We’re just waiting on a sprinkler system test and final Fire Marshall approval,” he told the Metro School Board on Monday night. {Photo Provided}

LOCAL NEWS — It’s taken a little longer than anticipated but according to Director of Schools Chad Moorehead, students will soon get to christen the new MCHS Gym.

“We still need to pass a sprinkler system test and get the final Fire Marshall approval,” Director Moorehead said in Monday night Metro School Board meeting. “But we should be able to move our PE classes into the new gym very soon.”

According to Director Moorehead, the gym isn’t yet ready for public functions or assemblies.

“Due to a paving issue, we’re limited to 50 students at a time for the moment,” he said. •

{The Lynchburg Times is the only independently owned and operated newspaper in Moore County … 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.}

MCHS hosts blood drive on Wednesday

LOCAL NEWS — There is zero evidence that the COVID-19 virus can spread through blood donation or transfusion. Despite that fact, health officials say they are beginning to see a drop off in blood donations due to public fears.

Should an outbreak happen in Tennessee, the last thing hospitals need to worry about is adequate blood supplies for trauma and cancer patients. The good news is that you can help. The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at Moore County High School on Wednesday, March 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To make an advanced appointment, click here.

MCHS is located at 1502 Lynchburg Highway. For more information, call 800.733.2767 or visit the American Red Cross website. •

Raiders travel for first round Regional Boys Tournament action

LOCAL NEWS — The Moore County High School Raiders (8-14, 1-3) will travel to Hendersonville on Saturday, February 29 to take on Merrol Hyde Magnet School in the first round of the TSSAA Region 4-A Boys Basketball Tournament. If they win, they’ll move on to play the winner of the Fayetteville vs. STEM Prep Academy game on March 3 at Eagleville High School.

Led by Head Coach Heath Hardin, the Raiders finished third in District 8 play. Fayetteville snagged first place with Eagleville edging out Moore County for second. The Raiders defeated Cascade 70-64 in overtime in the consolation game. In District 8 play, Brayden Cashion made the All Season and All District teams. Riley Hollman and Andrew Copeland both made the All Tournament team and Cashion was also named All Season.

The Merrol Hyde Hawks are led by four outstanding shooters: seniors Matthew Sykes and Asher Wolthers, as well as juniors Ethan Hansen and Kolton Garvon, who all tie for their season high scorers. Wolthers manages 68 percent from the field.

For Moore County, one interesting note is that senior Raider Ben Fletcher is currently tied for the Moore County record for most charges. Currently Wade Harder holds that record with 31.

If you plan to go, tip off will be at 7 p.m. The school is located at 128 Township Drive in Hendersonville. You can also watch a live broadcast on the NFHS Network. •

{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.}

Raiderettes kick off Regional Quarterfinal in Lynchburg on Friday

LOCAL NEWS — Fill the gym, is the refrain echoing out of Moore County High School this week as our MCHS Raiderettes prepare to battle it out at home for the first game of the Regional Tournament.

The MCHS Raiderettes pieced together a 18-13 (6-4) record to earn themselves a spot in the TSSAA 2020 Class A East Regional Girls’ Basketball Tournament as one of 32 teams. They enter the tournament ranked #2 in District 8 and face off against STEM Prep Academy in the first round on Friday.

The STEM Chargers are led by top shooters sophomores Andranique Voorhies and Andrian Voorhies, as well as senior Ndidi Morgan.

Two points shy of district top spot

Last week, the Raiderettes lost to Huntland in Franklin County, 56-54, narrowly missing out on the district’s top spot. It was a fierce match up that saw four lead changes in the final two minutes. Lady Hornet Mikaylie Edwards swished a mid-range jumper with 30 second remaining to give Huntland the go-ahead lead.

The Raiderettes will look to season leaders like sophomores Olivia Richards, Erica Clifton, and Chloe Brazier as well as senior Carolyna Driver to keep the season momentum moving. If they win this first game, they’ll take on the winner of the LEAD Academy versus Fayetteville game on Monday, March 2 at Eagleville High School.

Friday night’s tip off is at 7 p.m. and the MCHS Gym will open at 6 p.m. You can also watch a live broadcast on the NFHS Network. •

Promise Manor moves forward with prom night plans

prom photo at Promise Manor — This gorgeous prom night shot was taken by local photographer Andrea Estep Beckham at Promise Manor last year. {Photo Courtesy of A. Beckham Photography}

LOCAL NEWS | Events — They asked and you responded with a resounding, “yes” … and so Promise Manor will move ahead with plans to serve a pre-prom dinner on April 25.

They’ll offer a catered southern meal by Nashville Events & Catering outdoors on the grounds farmhouse style. Exclusive access to the Ivy & Grace photo booth. And, of course, access to the Promise Manor grounds for a prom photography session both throughout the day and the evening before prom.

The beautiful historic landmark and special events venue is located just across Highway 55 from Moore County High School.

“We had such an amazing time with all the students last year who took their prom photos at Promise Manor,” says venue owner Kayla White. “We wanted to see if there would be any interest in a ticketed dinner catered by an amazing local chef prior to prom?”

Tickets are $45 per person and all those planning to attend must pre-reserve a spot. For more information, visit their Facebook page. To reserve a spot, located their January 7 Prom 2020 post and comment.•

School Board approves 2020-21 school calendar

LOCAL NEWS — The Metro Moore County School Board unanimously approved the proposed 2020-21 Moore County School systems academic calendar at Monday night’s regular session meeting. To view the approved calendar, click here.

In 2020, the first full day of class will take place on Wednesday, August 5 and the last full day will take place on Wednesday, May 26. Fall break will happen September 28 through October 2. Schools will close November 23-27 for Thanksgiving break and December 21 through January 1 for Christmas break. Spring break will happen April 5-9.

For safety reasons, local schools will also be closed the Friday of the Lynchburg Music Fest (August 25) and Jack Daniel Barbecue (October 23).

“The calendar will basically go back to the structure we’ve maintained for years,” said Moore County Director of Schools Chad Moorehead. “Adjustments were made this school year to accommodate school construction at MCHS.”

For more information, visit the Moore County Schools website. The next Metro School Board meeting will take place on December 9 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office Building. •

MCHS Student Council collecting items for Thanksgiving gift baskets

LOCAL NEWS — Moore County High School’s Student Council will collect items for Thanksgiving baskets to be delivered to Moore County families. The drive began this week and will extend until November 26.

According to student council sponsor Jonah Deal, the students decided to make baskets instead of just host a holiday food pantry because they wanted families to receive everything they’d need for a Thanksgiving meal in one place. Baskets will contain peanut butter, tea, instant mixed drinks, five cans of vegetables, two cans of fruit, all-purpose baking mix, cornbread mix, stuffing mix, gravy, instant potatoes, mac and cheese, brownie or cookie mix, cooking oil, bag of sugar, and a $12 Woodard’s gift certificate to purchase a turkey.

Community members who would like to help with the drive can drop off any of these items at the front desk at Moore County High School. Baskets will be distributed at the Moore County Health Department from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on November 26. If you or someone you know would like to receive a basket, contact Peggy Gold at 931-759-7285.•

MCHS HOSA plans clothing drive

LOCAL NEWS | Education — The Moore County High School chapter of Future Health Professional or Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) plans a community clothing drive for the winter. They’re asking locals to clean out their closets and donate any gently-used fall and winter items for a Community Clothes Give Away to take place on November 16.

The group is accepting only fall and winter clothes with no stains or missing buttons. Clothes should be neatly laid flat or on hangers, if possible. They can’t accept socks or under garment unless they a brand new and still in packaging or with tags.

Clothes can be dropped off at five different times in Office #5 at the Moore County Building: Tuesday, October 29 from 5-7 p.m., Monday, November 4 from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, November 11 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. and Thursday, November 14 from 6-8 p.m.

Clothes may only be left at the times above. For more information, contact Cayden Smith at 931-759-7699. •

TSSAA force Fayetteville City to forfeit six games

According to a copy of this September 6 letter from the TSSAA, the unnamed transfer players was approved to play at Fayetteville City Schools. On October 25, TSSAA reversed that decision. The school is appealing. {Photo Provided}

REGIONAL NEWS | Sports — According to the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA). Moore County’s Division 1 , Class 5A opponent Fayetteville City Schools must forfeit six football game and will miss post-season play after TSSAA determined the school played an ineligible transfer player in six of the team’s first seven games.

Previously, Fayettevile had played a perfect season with a 9-0 overall record and a 5-0 Region 5A record. The vacated wins will leave the team 3-6 overall and winless in the district. The move shakes up the Region 5A standings … moving Fayetteville out of the top spot. The new rankings are: 1) Cornersville, 2) Huntland, 3) Moore County, 4) Mount Pleasant, 5) Richland, 6) Fayetteville.

According to the TSSAA, the transfer athlete did not move into the Fayetteville school system’s territory, “as defined by the TSSAA bylaws.”

On Saturday, the official Fayetteville City Schools Facebook page posted a copy of a September 6 letter to the high school stating, “Based on the information obtained by our office, TSSAA can confirm that the (redacted) family has had a bona fide change of address into the Fayetteville High School zone.”

According to them, TSSAA approved the transfer student and then reversed that decision. Fayetteville City Schools is appealing the decision. •

{Editor’s Notes: This is an ongoing story and we will update as new information is available.}