Dawgs win conference opener against Andrews 35-7

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, TeamFYNSports

A special report from the voice of the Murphy Bulldogs- J.R. Carroll!

Justice Dorsey and Devonte Murray combined for four touchdowns, and a pass from Kellen Rumfelt to Abe Abling added another. Murphy won 35-7 over Andrews in the Smoky Mountain Conference opener for both teams.

Murray was the workhorse, rushing for 200 yards on 18 carries for the Bulldogs on the ground. In fact, Murray rushed for more yards than Andrews had total, as the Wildcats could only muster 187 yards against a stingy Bulldog defense.

Murphy took the opening kick and was three and out on their first possession. Andrews first possession was just like the Dogs and they went three and out. On the third play of Murphy’s next possession, Rumfelt hit Abling, who was streaking down the sideline for a 50 yard touchdown strike. At the 7:52 mark of the third quarter, Murphy led 7-0.

A Murphy Bulldogs carrier during a play.

Murphy’s second score came on Justice Dorsey’s first touchdown run of the night from 19 yards out. Braeden Alexander’s point attempt was good and Murphy led 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

It was midway through the second before the next score happened, when Dorsey hit pay dirt again from 13 yards out. Alexander added the extra point and Murphy led 21-0 with 6:43 left in the half.

Andrews scored their lone score on their next possession as they drove down to the one yard line and Tucker Hollaway rammed it in for a touchdown. Hollaway also added the extra point. With 4:50 remaining in the half the the score was Murphy 21 Andrews 7.

Murphy added another score in the half, when Devonte Murray added his first touchdown of the night from 14 yards out. At the 3:44 mark, Alexander added the extra point and going into the half Murphy led 28-7.

It was late in the third quarter when Murray found the endzone for his second touchdown of the night. He ran it in from 14 yards out shedding tackles along the way. The point attempt was good and that netted the final Murphy 35 Andrews 7.

Murphy did threaten again in the fourth, but the drive stalled. After getting to first and goal at the six, Rumfelt got caught by the Andrews pass rush for a 15 yard loss. On fourth and 15 Murray was stopped at the one yard line. The ensuing Andrews drive ran out the clock.

The Andrews offensive line during a play against the Murphy Bulldogs Friday night.

Rumfelt finished the night with 6 completions out of 11 attempts for 125 yards and a touchdown. His favorite receiver on the night was Ab Abling who caught three of those passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.

Andrews quarterback Tucker Hollaway was one for three with 10 yards.

Devonte Murray led all rushers with 18 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Justice Dorsey added two touchdowns with his 80 yards.

Hollaway led Andrews with 13 carries for 79 yards and the Cats only touchdown. Landon White was held to 68 yards over 18 carries.

The Dogs are open next week, while the Cats will travel to Bryson City to take on Swain County, another of the BIG 3 in the Smoky Mountain Conference.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Abe Abling, No. 1

Murphy Bulldogs, Player of the Week, TeamFYNSports

Congratulations to Abe Abling, this week’s TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Bulldogs!

Abe was the preferred receiver Friday night for quarterback Kellen Rumfelt. He caught three passes for 83 yards and a touchdown. Abe scored the first touchdown of the night for the Dogs after catching a 50 yard pass from Rumfelt. The Bulldogs would go on to score four more touchdowns throughout the night, defeating conference opponent Andrews 35-7.

Rumfelt to McCracken too much for Life Christian Academy

Murphy Bulldogs, Team FYN Sports

A special report by the voice of the Murphy Bulldogs- J.R. Carroll!

On the first play of Murphy’s first possession, Murphy quarterback, Kellen Rumfelt, rolled out and found Peyton McCracken for a 72 yard. With 8:54 left in the game Murphy led 6-0 as the extra point attempt was wide. 

Rumfelt and McCracken would connect two more times before the night was through, leading Murphy to a 45-28 win over a very talented group of athletes from Life Christian Academy. 

Murphy quarterback Kellen Rumfelt rolls out for a touchdown pass. Image credit: hudl

Late in the first quarter LCA took advantage of a Murphy fumble and struck on a 7 yard touchdown with a minute left. The two point conversion failed and the score was tied at 6-6 at the end of the first. 

Murphy didn’t let it stay that way long. With only two minutes gone in the second quarter, Ray Rathburn hit paydirt from 10 yards out. Devonte Murray added a two point conversion to take a 14-7 lead. LCA didn’t take long to tie it up with two pass plays, the last being a 21 yard touchdown pass. 

LCA added another two point conversion to tie it again at 14-14 with 8 minutes to go in the first half. Murphy followed that up with a one yard sneak by Rumfelt with 5 minutes to go in half. Two point conversion failed and Murphy led 20-14. LCA scored two minutes later with a 19 yard pass. They missed on their two point conversion and the score was again tied at 20-20.

Murphy had seen enough of the lead changes and took the lead for good with two minutes to go in the half when Rumfelt and McCraken connected again for a 6 yard touchdown pass. Point attempt was good and Murphy led 27-20 at the half.

A Murphy Bulldogs receiver takes it to the house. Image credit: hudl

Murphy took the opening kick of the second half and Devonte Murray, who rushed for 15 times for 124 yards on the night, got 50 plus of those yards to set the Dogs up for their first score of the second half. A couple of plays later the Rumfelt to McCraken connection hit paydirt again from 12 yards out. The conversion failed and Murphy led 33-20. 

The Dogs never relinquished the lead again. Ray Rathburn, who was the leading rusher for the Dogs with 153 yards, scored from 55 yards out later in the third. LCA’s lone second half score came with a 6 yard run for touchdown and a two point conversion to bring the score to Murphy 39, LCA 28. Devonte Murray would seal the deal when he had a three yard touchdown late in the third to net the final Murphy 45, LCA 28.

Rumfelt finished the night with 5 completions for 9 attempts for 102 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for a touchdown. The Dogs had two 100 yard rushers- Rathburn and Murray.

Murphy opens Smoky Mountain Conference action this Friday night when they travel to Andrews. Kickoff 7:30 p.m.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Peyton McCraken, no. 3

Murphy Bulldogs, Player of the Week, TeamFYNSports

Peyton McCracken was a force to be reckoned with in the Bulldogs game against Life Christian Academy. For this effort, he is the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Murphy Bulldogs!

On the first play of the Bulldogs’ first possession, quarterback Kellen Rumfelt connected with Peyton for a 72 yard touchdown pass! This score gave the Bulldogs an early lead of 6-0. Peyton would score twice more throughout the game after catching passes from Rumfelt.

Congratulations to Peyton McCracken- the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week in the game against Life Christian Academy!

Bulldogs Fall to Christ School 27-7

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

The Murphy Bulldogs hung tough for three quarters of play against Christ School of Asheville, which we will now refer to as University of Christ School. Last week we talked about two different cultures meeting and the challenges that it cause each team to face. This week Murphy was in an unusual position for them. They found themselves on the short end of the stick. 

Christ School has the luxury of recruiting players from all over Western North Carolina and other states, by offering a college prep education to students who if they were not playing football would cost around $30,000 a year. The argument is heard loudest around metro areas where these schools are more prevalent, but it has now made its way to WNC.

A runner for a Murphy touchdown. Image credit: hudl

Teams with the same number of students as a 1A public school, boasting of six to eight D1 commits playing football. The attrition finally got to the Bulldogs midway through the fourth quarter.  Murphy trailed 14-7 midway through the fourth. The dogs had scored on their first possession and went up 7-0, when Murphy scored in two plays after a Rumfelt pass to Justice Dorset set up a 43 yard touchdown scamper by Devonte Murray for a Bulldog touchdown. 

Christ School’s passing game was held in check most of the night by the Bulldog defense, but Christ School running back Pierce Hammonds found running the ball much more productive. Hammonds set up the Greenies first touchdown with a long run down to the Murphy 9 yard line. Quarterback Navy Shuler found former Cherokee Brave, Cade Mintz, in the end zone for a touchdown.  Ayden White added the two point conversion and Christ School took the lead for good 8-7. 

Shuler’s passing game was pretty much held in check in the first half, limiting him to only 6 completions in 18 tries for 86 yards. Unfortunately for the Dogs they didn’t have an answer for Hammonds. After a long pass play that set Christ School up in the red zone, Hammonds hit pay dirt again from nine yards out and the point attempt was wide. Christ School led 14-0 to finish out the half. 

Hammonds put the game away for the Greenies. After two stops by the Murphy defense inside the red zone, Hammonds broke loose on his second touchdown of the night for a 33 yard run. Point attempt was good  and Christ School led 21-0. Wanting to add salt to the wound, Christ School added another touchdown late in the fourth on a 19 yard strike from Shuler to Ayden White. That was the final score- Christ School 27 Murphy 7.

Dogs will host Life Christian Academy next Friday at David Gentry Field in Murphy.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Devonte Murray

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Congratulations to the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Murphy Bulldogs, Devonte Murray!

Devonte earned this award for his effort against the Christ School of Asheville on Friday night. He ran for 107 yards and scored a touchdown for the Bulldogs. He played hard all night against a tough Christ School defense.

Congratulations to Devonte on earning this award!

Dogs edge Franklin 15-7

Murphy Bulldogs, Team FYN Sports

A special report brought to you by the voice of the Murphy Bulldogs- J.R. Carroll!

Murphy overcame mistakes and turnovers to beat the Franklin Panthers in the Pit at Franklin  15-7.

Franklin took the opening kick and scored when Seth Price of the Panthers hit paydirt with a 25 yard.

The PAT was good and Franklin led 7-0.

On the ensuing drive Murphy drove down to the 10 yard line . After two penalties and an errant snap they found themselves in a fourth and goal from the 20 yard line. Franklin held and took over around the 17. Franklin went four and out.

The Murphy Bulldogs celebrate a touchdown!

Murphy again was driving and got down to the ten yard line. After another penalty moved the dogs back to the 15 a pass to Devote Murray was stripped by a Panther defender and returned to the Panther 46. Rumfelt made a touchdown saving tackle on the play. Franklin moved the ball down to the 25 of Murphy before the Dog defense stiffened and took over on downs.

Murphy would not be denied a third time. After a 50 plus yard reception from Rumfelt to Peyton McCraken, which set the Dogs up at the panther 25, Murphy picked up a first down at the 9 yard line. Three plays later Rumfelt found McCraken again for 6 points. After an offside penalty from Panthers, Murphy decided to go for two on the PAT. Murray scored the two and Dogs led Franklin 8-7. They would not relinquish that lead the rest of the night. Despite having two turnovers and a rash of penalties Murphy went in at the half with the 8-7 lead.

Murphy took the opening kick in the second half, and drove down to 25. The Rumfelt to Murray connection, which was deadly all night, connected again for a 25 yard TD. The PAT was good and Murphy led 15-0. Franklin resorted to a series of QB runs before they went back to their regular offense. The Panthers moved down to the 5 yard line, and did not make a first down on a fourth down play. Four plays later Rumfelt rolled out and found Justice Dorsey for an 85 yard reception but a block in the back penalty negated most of the gain.

The Murphy Bulldogs score on a touchdown pass.

That was the last time anyone threatened to score as both teams played a very tough defense.

Murphy finished the night with 186 yards rushing, with Devonte Murray accounting for 143 of those yards. Murray also tacked on another 66 yards on the receiving end. Rumfelt was 10 for 16 for 160 yards.

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Justice Dorsey

Murphy Bulldogs, Player of the Week, Team FYN Sports

The first TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Murphy Bulldogs goes to Justice Dorsey! Dorsey broke loose on a 76 yard carry for the second Bulldog touchdown of the night against Georgia Force Christian on Friday. This score contributed to the Bulldogs overall win of 40-9.

Congratulations to Justice Dorsey, the first TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the Murphy Bulldogs!

TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week – Devonte Murray, No. 28, senior running back at Murphy High.

Murphy High, Murphy NC, Team FYN Sports

Murphy High senior running back Devonte Murray proved to be the offensive difference Friday night, August 23, as the Bulldogs opened the 2019 season with a 12-0 win over Pisgah at home.

Murray accounted for all the points scored by the Bulldogs, carrying the ball 18 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the win.

After losing to Pisgah to open the 2018 season, Murray said getting the win to open this season was something special.

“It meant everything, to be honest,” Murray said. “We started off bad last year, but this year we just fought hard to get this win and it feels great.”

Head coach David Gentry had nothing but high praise for his senior running back.

“He works hard. On the field and off the field, he does everything we need him to do to be a great leader and a great player,” Gentry said. “He probably wouldn’t have scored those touchdowns tonight, especially the first one, if he hadn’t been in the weight room and leading our team in how to prepare and how to work.”

Murray’s first score Friday night came late in the first half. After being jammed at the line, the senior fought free of several tackles and burst for a long run and an important touchdown.

Murray credits the work ethic instilled by the coaching staff for getting him in the right shape to make the play.

“All we do is work hard. It’s crazy how much work we do and it showed tonight,” Murray said, crediting his teammates with the hard-fought win.

“They’re amazing. They way they picked it up and just kept fighting all night, it was just amazing. Even when things weren’t going like we are used to, they just kept fighting and got us the win.”

 

Pre-season football interview with Murphy Bulldogs head coach David Gentry

Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Head coach David Gentry of the Murphy Bulldogs is a legend in North Carolina. In just seven wins, Gentry will be the winningest high school football coach in North Carolina history. But to Gentry, the next game is just the next game.

“How do you win 400 games? You don’t certainly start coaching in 1971, when I first became head coach, and [say] ‘Well, I’m gonna win 400 games’,” said Gentry. “I just wanna go ahead and win as many games as I can this year, like I always do, and hope that it’s enough to get that record.”

Without a doubt, Gentry’s impressive record has been accomplished in part by the Bulldogs’ desire and expectation to win every year.

“It’s all in what your expectation is, it’s all in what your mindset is, and of course I think it goes from the top to the bottom,” said Gentry.

Watch the full interview with Coach Gentry by following the link below, part of Team FYN Sports 2019 Western North Carolina Coaching Series!

https://youtu.be/mDkufDQBaIM

The Murphy Bulldogs snatches The Cherokee Braves Undefeated season record 35-12!

Cherokee County Schools, Murphy Bulldogs, Murphy High

Cherokee, N.C.- The Murphy Bulldogs game Friday night against The Cherokee Braves was an intense game no doubt! Previously, Cherokee was undefeated until the Bulldogs came in and handed them their first loss of the season. A few weeks ago, I interviewed Murphy’s Coach Nelson, a statement I remember was the coach answering with “These boys are a second half team. They come back stronger.” Well, that statement proved to be true.

In the 2nd Q, it was Murphy’s #32, Slade McTaggart who score the first touchdown followed by #3 Katelyn Jones making good on the PAT. It wasn’t until the 3rd Q when the game started to pick up. Murphy scored two more touchdowns, while Cherokee was just making their first touchdown of the game by #5 I Evans. PAT by #30 T Pete was no good. The 4th Q Murphy came in even stronger by scoring three more touchdowns with every single PAT being good. Cherokee was finally able to score their last and final touchdown, again, by #5 I Evans. That PAT was blocked however.

This Friday, The Murphy Bulldogs will have a home non-conference game against South Stanly (5-6,4-3) from Norwood, N.C. @7:30 pm November 10th, 2017. Come cheer on The Murphy Bulldogs and show that Bulldog pride!

The Murphy Bulldogs dominate The Rosman Tigers 48-22

Murphy High, Sports, Team FYN Sports

Murphy, N.C.- Friday night, The Murphy Bulldogs (8-2,4-1) hosted a conference game against The Rosman Tigers (2-8,1-4) for their Senior Night. For many of the players, this would be their last home game as a Senior at MHS. Lot’s of proud parents walked their children onto the field with a look of pure joy. The coaches gleamed with pride and proudful expressions as the Seniors walked onto the field. It was bittersweet.

It was a cold night temperature wise, but the Bulldogs wasted no time at warming up the field with their impressive win against the Tigers. The final score was 48-22! The first TD was scored by #10 Keivon Allen for 16 yds followed by a PAT by #3 Katelyn Jones. In the 2nd Q, #28 Devonte Murray was handed the ball and scored a 21 yard TD. QB #1 Joey Curry followed up with three more TD passes with #3 Katelyn Jones making good on 3 of the 4 PAT’s. The 3rd Q, Murphy score 2 more TD’s bringing them to a score of 48. Despite Rosman’s 3 TD’s and 3 onside kick recoveries, they fell all too short to The Bulldogs dominating defense.

When I asked The Bulldogs, Coach Gentry how he prepared the boys for this game, he stated that he felt he didn’t need to over work them. That you would only over work the players had they not tried in their previous game. Fact is, the boys did try, and they worked hard. However, you may not win every game. Obviously this coach knows what he’s talking about because The Bulldogs came back with a vengeance and took victory over The Rosman Tigers

This Friday, November 3rd, come out and show your Bulldogs support when they face off against Cherokee in a away game. Kick off starts @7:30pm!

Superintendent Dr. Conley makes a statement

Cherokee County Schools
Cherokee County Schools NC
Superintendent Dr Jeana Conley

Dr. Jeana Conley

Downtown Murphy, N.C.-  Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools Dr. Jeana Conley made a statement concerning the counties September 12, 2017, school day.

“Cherokee County Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, Tuesday, September 12, 2017. The delay will give bus drivers enough light of day to see any potential debris in the road. The wind gusts, according to current weather models will have rescinded to acceptable speeds for buses. Thank you for your continued patience. We realize that disruptions to established schedules are hard on families and parents who work.” – Superintendent Dr. Jeana Conley

 

 

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Murphy Bulldogs takes the win against East Surry, securing their spot in the last round of the playoffs

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

MURPHY, N.C.- The Murphy Bulldogs won Friday’s game against the East Surry Cardinals, which secured the bulldogs place in the final regional game being held in Mount Airy this Friday  Dec 1, 2017.

As the team captains took the field, the bulldogs won the coin toss, showing the coaches had great faith in their defense. The coaches would not be disappointed.  After a strong defensive showing by the Bulldogs, Chase Roberts (#40) ran for 1-yard to put Murphy on the board first, with a 7-0 lead following the perfect PAT by Katelyn Jones.

A few plays follow the kickoff, Tanner Creelman (#25) picked off a pass to give the ball back to the explosive Murphy offense.

Joey Curry (#1) and Slade McTaggert (#32) took turns chopping up the Cardinals on the ground as the Bulldogs pounded the ball upfield, until Curry connected with Micah Nelson (#2) for a 54 touchdown strike.  Jones aced the PAT and the Dogs were rolling, 14-0.

Roberts, who plays both sides of the ball, came away with the second interception of the night for the Bulldogs on the next series, and an unsportsmanlike conduct call against the Cardinals put the Dogs right back in scoring position, but they were unable to capitalize on this possession.  As the quarter came to a close, Murphy was in control of their own destiny with a 14-0 lead.

With 11:54 remaining in the half, East Surry finally found the end zone, cutting the lead to 7.

It wouldn’t take Murphy long to answer, however, as Devonte Murray (#28) carried the ball from 5 yards out on 3rd down to put Murphy back up by 14. PAT good, 21-7.

Murphy would put another touchdown on the scoreboard before the half, completely dominating on their way to the final four in the 1AA State Championship brackets.

Bulldogs McTaggart (#32) rushed for a team-high 180 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Bulldogs #40 Chase Roberts who lead the team with three touchdowns, of which two being scored in the first half of the game.

Bulldogs senior QB #1 Joey Curry completed 6-of-12 passing attempts with one touchdown in the game.  The Bulldogs once again showed their strength on the ground, with a rush-heavy offense, rushing for 437 yds, with 103 pass yds respectively.

East Surry struggled on the field with several penalty flags being thrown for unsportsmanlike behavior and personal fouls. After all was said and done, East Surry somehow managed to score four player ejections from the game for these penalties, but falling short on the win against Murphy.

In the end, the Bulldogs won the game with a final score of 49-27.

The Murphy Bulldogs will go toe to toe with the Mount Airy Granite Bears (13-0,5-0) for a spot at the state championships. If the Bulldogs defeat Mount Airy on Friday, then this will be the Bulldogs 12th time since 1972 going to the state championships. Below you will find a list of the final four teams who will vie for a spot in the state championship game.

Murphy Bulldogs demolish South Stanly in last night’s game

Murphy Bulldogs, Sports, Team FYN Sports

It was freezing cold last night when the Murphy Bulldogs (10-2,5-1) played against South Stanly (5-7,4-3)in the first round of playoffs. You could tell the Bulldogs were ready for a battle before the game started. The boys were pumped along with the coaches as they embarked on their journey towards the first game of the playoffs.

Murphy won the coin toss, but elected that South Stanly kick off with Murphy to receive the ball. #89 Travis Seabolt returned the ball to the Bulldogs 47 for 12 yards. With 7:50 mins left in the 1st Q, the Bulldogs scored the first touchdown and the PAT was good by #3 Katelyn Jones.

#10 Kaivon Allen scored a 21 yard touchdown. A two-point conversion was attempted and made good by #10 as well. QB #1 Joey Curry scored the third touchdown, but the two-point conversion that was attempted by #32 Slade McTaggart was unsuccessful. This bringing the score to 21-0.

In the 2nd Q, #1 Joey Curry threw a pass incomplete to #12 Hagan Newton to the Bulls 17 yard line for 0 yards . A penalty was handed to South Stanly for defense roughing the passer for 15 yards.

It wasn’t as if the Bulldogs needed any help with scoring, but the Rebel Bulls scored a safety for which brought the already embarrassing score to the 30-0, Bulldogs. It seemed as if South Stanly came back in the second half a little more charged, scoring 13 points. Unfortunately the possibility to win was long gone in the first half of the game.

The final score was 44-13, Bulldogs! Murphy will face off against North Stanly in New London, NC for the second round of playoffs, this Friday November 17th, 2017, with kick off starting at 7:30pm.

Murphy Bulldogs #32 Slade McTaggart

Murphy Bulldogs go down swinging

Murphy Bulldogs

Murphy Bulldogs High School Football NCJACKSON COUNTY, N.C.- The Murphy Bulldogs went down swinging in this hard fought defeat. The Franklin Panthers looked like they were going to surrender home field advantage, when they scored 14 unanswered points in the 4th quarter.

The Bulldogs still had a chance to comeback in the 4th quarter with only 1:12 left on the clock. The Bulldogs had no choice but to go for it on 4th and 5. Bulldogs quarterback threw a strike to a heavily defended wide out. There was no call on the play, and that resulted in a turnover on downs.

The Franklin Panthers, ran down the clock, and the game was over . Your final score was the Franklin Panthers 28, Murphy Bulldogs 21.

FetchYourNews.com, FYNTV.com, &  LIVE Broadcasting on FYNTV.com Mon.- Fri. 8-10 a.m. If you see news call 706-889-9700, To watch all of our videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel – Fetch Your News.

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

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