Could This Be Foreshadowing of Conference Championship Game?

By Brandon Stephens

(Robbinsville) – – Saturday, after Robbinsville (2-and-4, 1-and-0) and Murphy (5-and-1, 1-and-0) win their first Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) game, you can hear arm-chair coaches in barber shops, restaurants, and grocery stores predicting this week’s meeting between the Black Knights and Bulldogs will be the conference championship game.  It’s a bit early to see a prediction like that being concrete as so many games in the next month could make those prognosticators eat a hot bowl of crow.  Both teams have their challenges of meeting stronger teams and playing close games.  They have fought through injuries and worked to build team chemistry and the ability to overcome challenges.

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups in Western North Carolina high school football, as the Murphy Bulldogs take on the Robbinsville Black Knights in a classic rivalry game during the 2024 season. Both teams, rich in tradition and pride, are perennial powerhouses in the Smoky Mountain Conference and always deliver an exciting, hard-fought battle when they meet on the gridiron.  Let’s explore the details that make these two teams special.

Black Knights: Defending Their Turf

The Robbinsville Black Knights, under head coach Dee Walsh, have also built a football dynasty, renowned for their physicality and a fierce commitment to defense. Robbinsville has a reputation for producing hard-nosed, disciplined football players, and 2024 is no different. After a strong 2023 season that saw the Black Knights make a deep playoff run, they’re looking to reclaim their spot atop the SMC.

Robbinsville’s offense will feature their signature smash-mouth style, with a run-heavy attack led by Senior running back Roman Jones, who is capable of breaking big plays. Roman Jones is definitely the Black Knight with the jousting ability to knock you off the horse.  Jones, the 6’3 213-pound Senior running back, is building his rushing yards each week averaging seven yards per carry with Senior Half Back Cooper Adams complementing his offensive prowess.

Senior quarterback Bryce Adams and Senior receiver Darion Ledbetter are giving the Knights an alternative to move the football effectively.  Adams has completed about half of his passes, some of which have taken the Black Knights to Touchdown Town.  While the touchdown passes hit Junior tight end Isiac Collins, Cooper Adams, and Sophomore receiver Tucker Jones, Ledbetter helped move the ball to the red zone.

The offensive line, traditionally a strength for the Black Knights, will look to dominate in the trenches, controlling the time of possession and wearing down opposing defenses. Defensively, Robbinsville will rely on its experienced linebackers and secondary to contain Murphy’s versatile offense.  Senior lineman Tytan Teesateskie does work for Robbinsville to stop the opponent on defense as a tackle and open the holes for the rush at guard on offense.  Bryce Adams and Isiac Collins back up the defense at linebacker posts.

Strong teams make up the four losses Robbinsville has faced this season.  East Surry, Franklin, Mountain Heritage, and Trion are no push overs for any opponent and Robbinsville stood tough against them.  Copper Basin and Cherokee provided good wins for the Black Knights, which includes a first SMC win.  The daunting schedule may have forced Robbinsville to build each week.  The only game that got out of hand for Robbinsville was the 30-to-Seven loss to Franklin, which is the only common thread to Murphy at this point.  Murphy lost in the opening game to Franklin 33-to-13 at Bob Hendrix Stadium/David Gentry Field.  Robbinsville is showing signs of building its team and becoming the force it has been known to in the SMC.

Robbinsville’s home field, “The Big Oaks,” is known for its electric atmosphere, and the Black Knights rarely lose on their turf. With the entire community rallying behind them, Robbinsville will be ready to defend their home and stake their claim as the top team in the region.

Bulldogs: Hungry for Another Run

The Murphy Bulldogs, led by head coach Joseph Watson, have a storied football history, boasting multiple state championships and consistently ranking among the top teams in the region. Coming off a successful 2023 season, the Bulldogs are aiming to build on their momentum with a roster packed with talent and depth.

Murphy’s offensive attack will feature a balanced mix of power running and strategic passing. The Bulldogs are poised to orchestrate a powerful offense.  Running backs Sophomore Cameron Clem and Seniors Will Shore and Jonah Hedden are expected to pound the ground game behind a strong offensive line. Clem is the obvious target in this game for Black Knight defenders as he leads the team in rushing and scoring by averaging 100 yards per game and about 12 yards per carry.  Hedden, who was out for a few games with injury has been developing more as solid offensive contributor.  Senior running back Kadence Leatherwood filled in effectively for Hedden while he was out.

Watch for the Bulldogs to pass.  Junior quarterback Brady Grant is also completing about 50 percent of his passes.  Grant has racked up more than 550 yards passing with half a dozen touchdowns.  Murphy is averaging about 110 yards passing each week.  Junior receiver Ryan Payne is the man to watch for a pass either on offense or defense.  Ryan has brought the “Payne” to a few opponents picking off passes from defense or a reception that places the Bulldogs in good field position.  Grant says entering the conference portion of the schedule is exciting.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will lean on a solid front line and highly skilled linebackers and defensive secondary that likes to eat up its opponents.  Last week’s game with Hayesville was a breakout night for defenders like Sophomore defensive back Aayden Willaims, Junior lineman Brody Orton, and Senior lineman Charlie Graves.  At the top of the defensive list is Kadence Leatherwood at linebacker, who leads the team in tackles.  Williams earned a pick-6 and Graves stripped the ball to go for a touchdown in the game against the Yellow Jackets.  Leatherwood says in the present day each team still getting the opportunity to play on Friday should be thankful and come with the biggest and best intensity it can.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Murphy’s Running Game vs. Robbinsville’s Front Line: Both teams pride themselves on their physical style, and the battle in the trenches will be key. If Murphy’s offensive line can create space for their running backs, they’ll have a chance to control the clock. Robbinsville’s men in the trenches will need to be stout to prevent big gains and force Murphy into passing situations.
• Robbinsville’s Rushing Attack vs. Murphy’s Defense: The Black Knights’ offense thrives on grinding down defenses with their powerful running game. Murphy’s defense will need to stay disciplined and tackle well to limit Robbinsville’s ground game. A powerful performance by the Bulldogs’ defensive front could shift the game in their favor.
• Pass to Open the Rush:  Most teams will work to rush to open up opportunities to make the passing game work.  With all defensive eyes watching the expected rush from dives, traps, jet or buck sweeps, Robbinsville and Murphy may have to dig deep into their bag of schemes to move the ball with an effective toss of the football.  Both teams have aligned the defensive secondary with quick players that know how to read and offense.  Thread the needle with a few screen passes and you’re the team that leads the game.
• Turnover Battle: As in most high-stakes games, turnovers could play a pivotal role. Both teams have opportunistic defenses, so ball security will be crucial.

Regardless of the possibilities, Murphy Head Football Coach Joseph Watson says both teams are keenly aware of what the other does and who does it.

Robbinsville Black Knights and the Murphy Bulldogs

The Bulldogs lead the series with Robbinsville 45-to-26, with one tie (records dating back to 1960).  Last season, Robbinsville stopped a late game come-back to win 26-to-21.  During the last decade Robbinsville has been leading the series 10-to-6 over Murphy.  During this time, the Bulldogs and Black Knights have met more than once during some seasons in the SMC schedule and in the playoffs.  The average score between the two is Murphy 28 Robbinsville 18.  Murphy’s highest scoring game was 61 points and Robbinsville 48.  Murphy has shutout Robbinsville three times.  Robbinsville has shut out Murphy twice.  Eight times these two teams have met a second time in the playoffs, with each team having four of those post-season wins.  It stands to reason that these two teams may have an excellent shot to see one another again in November.

Stay connected to Team FYN Sports this week for more information on games in the SMC.

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