White County looks to settle score with Stone Memorial

A year ago, Stone Memorial brought White County's offense to a complete stop, handing the Warriors a 16-0 loss in their regular-season finale. Friday night, the Panthers will come to Sparta facing a very different White County team, one looking to finish the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record.

The Warriors (9-0, 4-0) have already secured the Region 4-4A championship following last week's 35-15 victory over Upperman. Stone Memorial (3-6, 0-4), meanwhile, has been eliminated from playoff contention. But the Panthers have given several region opponents all they could handle, and their record doesn't tell the whole story.

Stone Memorial has lost its last three games by a combined 10 points, falling 22-20 to Macon County, 24-19 to Livingston Academy, and 10-7 to DeKalb County. Those are three teams White County has already defeated, and while the Warriors handled each by double digits, the Panthers have shown they can keep games close.

The biggest difference between these teams is offensive production. White County is averaging 36.7 points per game, compared to Stone Memorial's 23.8. The Warriors have scored at least 27 points in every contest this season, while the Panthers have been held to seven points or fewer three times.

For White County, the opportunity starts on the ground with Cole Sims, who is averaging more than 128 rushing yards per game. Quarterback Tucker Pinion gives the Warriors another running threat, along with the ability to move the ball through the air. Bryson Hogg has been a reliable receiving target, giving opposing defenses more than one problem to solve.

That versatility could be important Friday. Stone Memorial has allowed an average of just 19.2 points per game, and its defense has been particularly stingy in recent weeks. The Panthers held DeKalb County to 10 points and Macon County to 22, so the Warriors shouldn't expect to move the ball without resistance.

White County's best opportunity may come from forcing Stone Memorial to defend both the run and the pass. If Sims can establish himself early, Pinion and Hogg could find opportunities against a defense forced to account for the Warriors' ground game.

On the other side of the ball, Stone Memorial has a rushing threat of its own in TJ McDowell, who is averaging more than 117 yards per game. Quarterback Max Warner has thrown 14 touchdown passes, giving the Panthers the ability to attack through the air when necessary.

White County's defense, however, has been playing some of its best football. The Warriors have allowed just 28 points over their last three games, including holding Upperman to 15 last Friday. Keeping McDowell contained and putting pressure on Warner could make it difficult for Stone Memorial to establish any offensive rhythm.

There is also the matter of last year's shutout. Stone Memorial held White County to just 51 passing yards and kept the Warriors out of the end zone for four quarters. This year's White County offense has already scored 132 more points through nine games than it had at the same point last season.

Friday will give the Warriors an opportunity to show just how far they've come.

With the region championship already decided, the focus shifts to finishing the regular season strong and carrying momentum into the playoffs. For fans, that means looking for the same balanced offense, aggressive defense, and consistent execution that have carried White County through nine straight victories.

And there's still the matter of settling the score from last year's shutout in Crossville.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Dee Harris Field.