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.