Andrews – For the third season in a row, the Bulldogs defeated the Wildcats. Fans from all over Cherokee County came to Andrews on Friday night to see the in-county rivals face-off on the football field, where Murphy picked up a 59-0 win.
Andrews (1-7) received the opening kickoff, but failed to get its offense going early and ended up punting to the Bulldogs.
On the first play of the drive, Murphy (6-2) running back Cameron Clem rushed it 68 yards for the first touchdown of the game. Clem also rushed in the two-point conversion to give the Dogs a 8-0 lead less than two minutes into the game.
After a three and out for the Wildcats, they punted to the Dogs.
Murphy worked its way downfield before Michael Brown rushed it in from two yards out for a touchdown. Kicker Jerry Bui made the extra point to extend the Dogs’ lead to 15-0 with 5:30 left in the first quarter.
Early trouble continued for the Wildcats, as they started their next drive on their own 4 yard line. Murphy got a tackle in the end zone for a safety to increase its lead to 17-0.
The Bulldogs immediately got the ball back and took advantage. On the first play from scrimmage, Anthony Catuto caught a pass from Brady Grant for a 52-yard touchdown. Bui made the extra point and the Dogs led 24-0 with 4:11 still to go in the first quarter.
Murphy’s last score of the opening quarter came when Dontae Barber intercepted a pass from Andrews quarterback Brady McLelland and returned it 81 yards for a pick six. Bui made the extra point to cap off the Dogs’ 31-point first quarter.
Early in the second quarter, Clem had a long rush to the end zone, but it was brought back after a penalty. On the next play, Grayson Hall caught a pass from Grant for a 20-yard touchdown. Bui made the extra point to make it 38-0 only 34 seconds into the second.
On Murphy’s next offensive drive, they put in multiple backup players. With 8:43 remaining in the second quarter, Brody McFaddin rushed the ball in from 44 yards out to extend their lead. Bui made the extra point, and the Dogs led 45-0.
After both teams’ next drives ended with a turnover on downs, the Wildcats got the ball in the final minutes of the second quarter. On multiple big runs and deep passes Andrews worked its way downfield. But before they could find the end zone, time expired in the first half.
Because of Murphy’s 45-0 lead, there was a running clock in the second half.
Murphy started the second half with the ball and worked their way down the field on the ground. From four yards out, Way Herron rushed it in. Bui made the extra point to give the Dogs a 52-0 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Andrews made progress down the field in its next drive thanks to multiple big runs by McLelland. Late in the drive, McLelland’s pass was picked off by Adrain Nguyen to get the Dogs the ball back.
The Dogs continued to run the ball to chip away at the clock. From seven yards out, Trenton Cook found the end zone for Murphy’s last score of the game. Bui made the extra point, and the Dogs led 59-0.
In the final minute, the Dogs kicked it off to the Wildcats. A.J. Johnson had a big return, but it was too late as time expired shortly afterward.
Grant threw for 105 yards on four completions and two touchdowns. On the ground, Clem led the team with 80 yards on three attempts.
Murphy quarterback Peyton Bain had nine yards in the air on one completion, as well as seven rushing yards. Catuto led the team in receiving yards with 54.
After the game, Bulldogs head coach Joseph Watson said his team played well, and he’s happy with their effort.
Talking about the second- and third-string players, Watson said, “I thought they played well. I think there’s some mistakes obviously and there will be, but those guys are betting better and they worked hard all week too. It’s great to see those guys get in there and play …
“They were wanting a shut out and they kept that on the board, so they did a good job.”
To prepare for the Dogs’ game against Hayesville, Watson said they will maintain their regular routine. He added that seniors are especially excited for the last regular-season home game.
“We don’t have many home games, so every one you win is a chance for you to have another one. So they’ll have a good week of practicing and prepare like we always do,” Watson said.
Wildcats head coach Jason Johnson said the loss was a little frustrating.
“I know we had a lot of young guys all over the field, but still we have expectations for those guys no matter your grade level. We have expectations and we expect to come out and play ball, and we didn’t do it against a great football team, and it shows on the scoreboard early,” Johnson said.
Johnson added that
Gabe Aguilar, Kelby Waldroup and McLelland stood out during Friday night’s game.
To prepare for their next game, Johnson said, “We’re going to watch film on Cherokee, and we’ll make sure we’re healthy and we’ll make sure we execute. Gotta execute better.”
Both teams will play their final regular season home games on Friday night, with the Murphy Bulldogs taking on Hayesville and the Andrews Wildcats facing Cherokee. Both games begin at 7:30 p.m.