Last Meeting Between the Bulldogs and Falcons 22 Years Ago in 2002

By Brandon Stephens

 

(Mills River) – – The West Henderson Falcons (2-and-0) are a threatening force to opponents this season.  The Falcons are stacked with a great running back, tight end, quarterback, and front line to protect offensive plays and schemes.

Historically, West Henderson has been a contender for conference championships and make a good run through the state play-offs.  The Falcons had a phenomenal 2023 season finishing 13-and-1 and winning the 3-A Mountain Seven conference at 6-and-0.  West Henderson allowed around 12 points per game and scored on average 42 points on opponents.  The 2024 season is out to a similar start with the first two game, 45 point average being scored and allowing around 26 points per game.

The non-conference opposition to the Falcons has been with Newton Conover (Red Devils) and Hendersonville (Bearcats).  Newton Conover, a team historically most western North Carolina 2-A teams have to face when going through the playoffs, has struggled through last season with a 3-and-7 record and finishing in the bottom of the conference.  Henderson, a good western North Carolina team, has struggled finishing fifth in the conference and 4-and-6 in 2023.  The beginning of 2024 has not bucked the 2023 trend.  Newton Conover lost to West Henderson 54-to-33.  Hendersonville lost to the Falcons 35-to-19.

Power for the Falcon offense is the speed and dexterity of Junior halfback Zane McCraw (#14) who is averaging 200 yards per game.  He is the scoring machine for West Henderson.  Common sense would have you read the key of where McCraw is set or point to where the rush is going to be made.  Even if you know the play, catching McCraw is a challenge.  Set on one side of the line is Senior tight end Tyler Nash.  Nash is special because he is 6’5 240 and will either clear the path for McCraw or might be a target for Junior quarterback Cade Young, who is very skilled and “sees the field well.”  Da’Zion Murray will be the second go-to running back.

Defense will bring Nash to the line to help keep the average lineman size at 235 pounds.  The Falcon defense will set up in what appears to be a 4-3 (40 Defense Set) and cover four with the secondary.  Nash uses his speed to lead the team in quarterback hurries and stops.  Based on film, West Henderson has enough players to dedicate offense and defensive player.  So you may not see much iron-man football play.

From the player perspective, West Henderson is a big and well skilled team to face according to running back Will Shore

The Murphy Bulldogs have worked diligently this week to address some of the mistakes and miss ques from the first couple of game according to quarterback Brady Grant.

When Murphy faced West Henderson the first time was at a beginning point for Head Coach Joseph Watson in his coaching career back in 2002.  Coach Watson says West Henderson will be another good test for the Bulldogs.

Murphy will travel to Mills River to kick off with the Falcons on Friday night at 7:30PM.  Stay in touch with Team FYN Sports for score updates and the game recap.