WINNSBORO, Texas — Quietly, yet undeniably effectively, the Winnsboro Raiders are putting together another record-breaking year. The football team opened a lot of eyes for those who may not have been paying close attention in their third-round playoff game.
The Raiders put together over 700 yards of total offense in a 72-17 victory over Whitney. The win was special in multiple ways. It improved their record to 13-0 on the season, which set a new mark for most wins in a single season in school history. It also sent them to the regional finals for the first time in history.
"Just being able to have all those weapons out there," said Josh Finney, Winnsboro's head coach. "Not just hoping he makes it or hoping he can do it. It's automatic for those guys out there. The work they put in is unbelievable."
The team was led by star quarterback Kyler Finney, who consistently finds the open receiver and puts up eye-opening numbers. He eclipsed 400 total yards and three touchdowns on Friday afternoon against Whitney, a performance that's become business as usual for the senior.
Finney has an insane touchdown-to-turnover margin on the year, with 40 touchdowns to only one interception. The entire team only has three total turnovers through 13 games of the season.
The next round, however, presents their biggest challenge of the year. They'll take on the number two ranked Malakoff Tigers, the team that ended their playoff run last year in the second round. This year, they're hoping revenge is on the menu.
"Going 13-0, our confidence is up. At this point, we believe in ourselves," Kyler Finney said. "It's time to prove everyone wrong and I'm excited to play and get revenge on them from last year."
The challenge is certainly there, but Winnsboro is a team that knows how to win and put up impressive numbers doing so. With Malakoff boasting one of the top defenses in the state against a team in Winnsboro with one of the best offenses in the state, something has to give.
"You know what they say, there's no turkeys left after Thanksgiving. There are eight good ball clubs. We've got our hands full with a good Malakoff team," Coach Finney said. "They've got some great players and great coaching. We're going to have to be ready this week and play a great game."
The Winnsboro vs. Malakoff game will be on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Forney's City Bank Stadium.