One More Non-Conference Game until Conference Game Begin – Murphy Observes Homecoming

By Brandon Stephens

(Murphy) – – Murphy (3-1) is on a two-game win streak and will work to build its defense and offensive execution this week to prepare for Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) competition that will start next week.  One more challenge in the way to getting to SMC games will be New Faith Christian Academy (0-4) Titans this coming Friday night. One of the larger threats to the Titans is the unknown and how they may operate an offense or strike from the defense.  This season New Faith Christian Academy (NFCA) is 0-2 against SMC opponents.  They lost to Andrews 56-to-0 and to Hayesville 56-to-6 last week.  Their better game was a 39-to22 loss against Copper Basin (TN) two weeks ago.  The Titans led after the first quarter 14-to-12 and gave up a dozen points in the second quarter to allow Copper Basin to take the lead for good.

The Murphy Bulldogs are working diligently this week to build on the good defense it posted against Fannin County in the 21-to-14 thriller last week.  Sophomore Free Safety Ryan Payne helped the Bulldogs with three interceptions.  Bulldog defenders Brody Orton, Charlie Graves, Kadence Leatherwood, and Ryan Payne worked diligently to stop Rebel running back Carson Callihan and Quarterback Lawson Sullivan, who made up many run plays.  Junior Defensive Lineman Charlie Graves mentioned after practicing this week it makes sense to build on the good work from this past Friday night.

Getting the offense fine tuned is another chore for the Bulldogs.  Quarterback Brady Grant says getting the timing for the offensive schemes and getting everyone in tip-top shape is always a priority, especially in a game just before the conference begins.  Homecoming can be a distraction for all the activities that take place, for Brady and the team, this is an important game and focus on the work at hand will remain the center of the team’s attention.

The week leading up to homecoming activities can be tough and Murphy Head Football Coach Joseph Watson has encouraged the team to maintain focus this week on practice.  NFCA is a team that has some athletic football players that need to be contained.  Coach Watson also knows this is a week to build on good work the defense has established.

Stay in touch with Team FYN Sports for coverage and wrap up the Murphy versus NFCA-Titans football game scheduled for Friday (September 22^nd) at 7:30PM at Bob Hendrix Stadium/David Gentry Field.  Also join Team FYN Sports on Thursday night (September 21^st) at 8PM for Inside the SMC with Jake West and Brandon Stephens to learn more about this game and others around the conference this week.  The Murphy Junior Varsity Football team will host the Andrews Wildcats Thursday night (September 21^st) at 6PM.

Finally, Friday night is homecoming for the Murphy Bulldogs.  This year’s homecoming court includes:

Freshmen: Marley Blackwell and Kennedy White

Sophomores: Kyla Burrell, Jocelyn Dorsey, and Emma Laney

Juniors:  Anna Brinke, Elizabeth Cowan, Cayla Greer

Seniors:  Maggie Allison, Kinslie Campbell, Michelle Hernandez, Calista Rumfelt, and Sarah Turner

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