Murphy’s Cameron Clem Helps Lead the Bulldog Offense – – Shooting Star 

By Brandon Stephens

 

(Sylva) – – The Murphy (3-and-1) win streak over Smoky Mountain (2-and-2) is extended to 18-and-2 after Thursday night’s 22-to-14 win in Sylva.  A steady light rain dampened the game slightly but didn’t seem to hamper any run or pass play for Bulldogs or Mustangs.  Productive and steady Murphy play and agile moves by Cameron Clem squeezes out win number three.  A little smash mouth football allows Murphy to break the mold and highlight some all-stars.  Initially, Smoky Mountain flexed its muscle to gain the early lead with a 90-yard touchdown run and was blocked on the point-after-touchdown (PAT) field goal.  The Mustangs challenged the Bulldog defense to stop run by senior running back Ayden Johnson.

The external activities of rain, Smoky Mountain homecoming, and moving the game to Thursday night did not distract players from getting to work.  Murphy’s Sophomore running back Cameron Clem, Junior quarterback Brady Grant, and Senior running back Jonah Hedden scored the three touchdowns by the Bulldogs.

Murphy’s game totals show some improved efficiency in play.  The Bulldogs moved the ball 274 yards on 218 yards rushing and 56 yards passing.  Clem is steady with 139 yards rushing on 24 carries and a touchdown to lead the Bulldogs’ ground game.  Hedden carried 7 times for 63 yards and a touchdown.  Brady Grant carried 3 times for 6 yards and a touchdown.  Will Shore had 3 yards on 3 carries along with Kadence Leatherwood carrying one time for a yard.

Grant completed 5 out of 10 passes for 56 yards.  Grant hit Ryan Payne four times for 52 yards and Will Shore once for four yards.

Smoky Mountain continues to demonstrate it has the ability to move the ball.  The Mustangs eclipsed Murphy with 275 yards rushing and 14 yards passing.

Murphy is leading at the half 7-to-6 after both teams shared the ball offensively three times each.  Murphy defense stayed on the field a good portion of the first half working to stop Smoky Mountain on more than 25 plays.  The Mustangs were able to maintain the ball through two long offensive possession that brought up a turn over on downs and penalty that changed possession.  Bulldog defenders were able to stop Smoky Mountain’s PAT to maintain a one-point lead.

Cameron Clem was able to get into the end zone to extend the Murphy lead halfway through the third quarter.  Murphy was able to melt the third quarter clock with about 15 plays to get its second score built on Clem’s carries.  Brady Grant called his own number and kept the ball for the Bulldog’s second touchdown.  Smoky Mountain’s next possession was ripe with penalties and miscues, which resulted in a turnover on fumble to Murphy.  The Bulldogs didn’t waste time getting to Touchdown Town starting from its 44 yard-line.  Jonah Hedden got the Murphy fans cheering with an 11-yard carry for touchdown.  Jerry Bui hit the PAT for the final score of the night.  Smoky Mountain answered back marching the ball 66 yards on 13 plays in 5:36 to get a final touchdown.

The Murphy Bulldogs will host the Greenville Hurricanes Friday (September 20^th).  Greenville Hurricanes are a football organization providing athletic opportunity to home school students in the South Carolina upstate.  The Hurricanes are 1-and-3 going into this weekend’s game with the South Carolina Spartans.  The Hurricanes have lost games to Draughn (48-to-12), Towns County, Georgia (47-to-6), and the Anderson cavaliers 7-to-0.  The lone win came over Thomas Jeferson 25-to-21.  Smoky Mountain will host Pisgah.  Stay in touch with Team FYN Sports for move coverage on Murphy and other Smoky Mountain Conference teams this coming week.