Gotta Win for the Bulldogs and the Wildcats

By Brandon Stephens

(Andrews) – – Gotta Win!  That is the thought of both Murphy (5-3, 1-2) and Andrews Wildcats (4-4, 0-3) this week for various reasons.  Since last season the Andrews found ways to win over Murphy and ended the long winless streak in this series.  Since entering the conference portion of the season, the Wildcats are on a three-game losing streak (Swain County 20-to-nothing; Cherokee 21-to-14 in overtime; Robbinsville 36-to-19).  Murphy is out of the Smoky Mountain Conference title race, which is probably between the undefeated Swain County Marron Devils (8-0, 3-0) and Robbinsville Black Knights (7-1, 3-0).  End the losing streak to Andrews and end the season with two wins to build the rating for the NCHSAA 1-A play-offs is probably the goal for the Bulldogs.  All of that is window dressing for the game.  Let’s find out how the ball may bounce.

Andrews is recovering from Junior Quarterback Everett Tatham being out and now back at his starting post.  Recently Junior Running Back Eli Aguilar went out this an injury, but Holden Todd will make up some of his work and complement the rush from Senior Dalton Rose.  Rose leads the team in rushing with 854 yards on the season and a dozen touchdowns. Rose has also caught a few passes to boost his all-purpose offense to almost 900 yards.  The Wildcats have not gone to the air that much this season with nearly 40 passes in 8 games.  Look for the rush from Rose.  The Wildcats have packed a good punch from the trenches.  Most of the linemen are Juniors and have an averaging 6’0 and 230 pounds of lean agile players.

Murphy is looking to build up after losing to Swain County Friday (October 13^th) 37-13.  The Bulldogs are led by Hunter Stalcup, who continues to build his offensive stats to around 1250 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns this season.  Freshman Cameron Clem continues to make plays and going from the new guy to seasoned player at running back.  Clem has made some impressive plays carrying 74 times for nearly 550 yards (Average 7 yards per carry) as well as four touchdowns.  The real key for Murphy will be stopping Dalton Rose.  He will have to carry through the gauntlet of well-skilled defenders like Camden Brezeale, Brody Orton, Brayden Killian, Charlie Graves, and Kadence Leatherwood have been leading the Bulldogs averaging 7 solo tackles each.  Will Joyner is the one I left out who won the polling for the SBLive Western North Carolina Defensive Player of the week with two interceptions in the Robbinsville game and has been in on a few solo sacks and tackles.

Andrews and Murphy are searching for momentum building, confidence boosting, inspiring formula, or maybe just a four-leaf clover to push the teams.  Each coach and some of the players we spoke with realize there are parts of their play they need to clean up; take care of the ball; get healthier; and come to the game more fired up than their opponent.  So maybe a little drama plays larger in this game.  Let’s hear from the coaches and players.

Andrews Wildcat Head Football Coach James Phillips

Murphy Head Football Coach Joseph Watson

Murphy Quarterback Brady Grant

Murphy Offensive Lineman/Linebacker Kadence Leatherwood

The Andrews versus Murphy game kicks off at Andrews High School Friday night (October 20) at 7:30 PM.  Stay in contact with Team FYN Sports for score updates, more preview information, and wrap up of the game.