Bulldogs and Crusaders Meet for the First Time

By Brandon Stephens

(Murphy) – – It’s the first meeting between the Murphy Bulldogs (10-and-1, 5-and-0) and Christ the King High Crusaders (5-and-6, 4-and-3).  The Crusaders slide past the Alleghany Trojans in the first round of the state playoffs 31-to-28 to make the round of 32 1-A teams.  Alleghany has not been the strongest team to face this season.

Christ the King High is in Huntersville, which is 4 to 4-and-a-half hours from Murphy.  The game Friday night should be more interesting in a cold and windy setting for the second round action.

Christ the King High (CTK)will be a step up in competition from last week’s Highland Tech Rams.  The Crusaders have more agility and ability to operate an offense.  Quarterback, Sophomore Jamison Ehret, for CTK has a good arm and accuracy, which comes from good protection by his offensive line.  Last week against Alleghany, Ehret completed 8 of 15 passes for nearly 110 yards and a touchdown pass to his kin, Senior wide receiver Jaxon Ehret.  CTK is lead by a Freshman running back Rhett Decker, who had 23 carries for 109 yards and a 2 touchdowns.  Maybe the Roman Catholic based school follows the Isaiah 11:6 verse that ends, and a little child shall lead them.

CTK is a young football team that has 52 players on the roster, posted by MaxPreps.com with a dozen Seniors.  The Crusaders start only four of the Seniors.

The Crusaders like to run a spread or spread option with two wide receivers.  The offensive attack has been balanced between a good pass or a quick run.  Running between the “B” gaps on the line will be challenging against the Bulldogs.  Murphy linebackers, defensive backs, and safeties will need to stay on their toes for swing or slip screen.  

Week number two is ready to roll out.  The colder and rainy weather this week has dampened some practices.  The Bulldogs are in the gym going through plays slower and keeping time open to the basketball teams now needing time on the hardwood.  Senior linebacker and running back Kadence Leatherwood says the team is staying focused and is ready to stop the Crusaders.

The Crusaders will line up in a 44 or four-man front defense with a Cover-3 look.  Senior tight end Kenyon Nichols says the Murphy Bulldogs will need to execute its game plan well.

Win number 10 is in the books for Murphy Head Football Coach Joseph Watson.  Getting his first 10-win season is not the focus. Watson says the competition improves each week.  The ability observable with CTK. 

The Murphy Bulldogs and Christ the King Crusaders will kick off the second round game Friday night (November 22nd) at 7:30 PM at Bob Hendrix Stadium/David Gentry Field.  Stay connected with Team FYN Sports for more details on this game and others in the Smoky Mountain Conference. 

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