After a challenging 2026 football season that saw Moore County finish with a 1-9 record, Raiders head coach Kris White is already looking ahead to 2027 with hopes that a young and inexperienced squad will benefit from another year of growth and development.

With a roster featuring a large number of underclassmen, the Raiders endured their share of growing pains this fall. However, White believes the experience gained by his younger players could pay dividends when Moore County returns to the gridiron next season.

One of those young players is freshman quarterback Austin Scherff, who was thrust into a leadership role during his first high school season. White said Scherff made noticeable strides in his ability to recognize defensive formations and make decisions with the football as the season progressed.

“Just him being able to look out there and see the defense and know where he wants to go with the ball. He got better at that as the season went on,” White said.

The Raiders opened the 2026 campaign on a positive note, defeating Community 27-7 in their season opener. Unfortunately for Moore County, that victory would prove to be its only win of the season. The Raiders suffered their first setback the following week, falling 35-0 to Cascade before running into a talented Goodpasture squad that handed Moore County a 55-0 defeat. Moore County showed more offensive production against Battle Creek but came up short in a 27-15 loss. The Raiders then entered region competition against longtime rival Huntland in the inaugural Majors Cup. The Hornets claimed the first meeting for the trophy with a 33-12 victory. The struggles continued as Eagleville defeated Moore County 24-6 before Smith County posted a 21-0 shutout in non-region action. Moore County returned to region play against Fayetteville, falling 34-7, before facing an undefeated Cornersville squad that handed the Raiders a 28-6 defeat. The Raiders closed out the season against Richland in a contest featuring two teams that had already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Although Moore County fell 41-27, the Raiders finished the season by putting 27 points on the scoreboard, their highest offensive output since the opening-week victory over Community.

Despite the disappointing record, White praised the dedication and work ethic of his players, particularly the seniors who continued to give their best effort throughout a difficult season.

“The biggest thing I am going to miss is their willingness to show up each week and work and practice. I mean, great group of kids, very hard workers who showed up each week and worked hard,” White said.

As the Raiders turn their attention toward the offseason, White has identified two areas that will be critical to the team’s improvement — developing greater physical strength and building depth along the offensive line.

“The one thing we got to improve on the most is we got to get stronger in the weight room. That is the first and foremost thing that we just get stronger in the weight room. We got to find some more O-linemen that can help us out and provide depth,” White said.

For Moore County, the offseason will provide an opportunity for the younger players to develop physically while building on the experience they gained against a challenging schedule.

With Scherff returning after a full season at quarterback and numerous underclassmen having gained valuable playing time, the Raiders will enter 2027 with a more experienced foundation.

The challenge now will be turning that experience into victories.

While the final record of 1-9 was not what Moore County had envisioned when the season began, the Raiders will have an opportunity to put the disappointment behind them as they prepare for another season.

For White and his young squad, the road back to winning football begins in the weight room, where the foundation for the 2027 Raiders will be built.