Murray sets the pace for Bulldogs' backfield

    Murphy – After two seasons of playing behind upperclassmen in the backfield rotation, Murphy running back Devonte Murray is finally the lead Dog, and he’s shining in the spotlight.
    Midway through the Bulldogs’ 6-1 season, Murray leads the team with 916 rushing yards and is averaging a whopping 8.6 yards per carry along with 152 yards per game.
    “I think its been a crazy season so far,” Murray said after a practice during Murphy’s bye week. “We’ve had bad stuff happen to us, but we’ve also had a lot of good stuff happen. I think that if we keep working hard, we’re gonna get that goal we’re wanting.”
    The senior running back also leads the team in touchdowns with 10, eight rushing and two receiving, as the Bulldogs head into the homecoming game with Hayesville on Friday night.
    One of the things Murphy head coach David Gentry said separates Murray from other running backs is his ability to run through tackles.
    “His yards after contact have been outstanding, probably as good as any back we’ve had,” Gentry said. “That makes him a pretty special back. Anybody can run as long as everyone is blocked, but how many yards are you gonna get after you get hit? That’s the big question.”
    While his production on the football field cements him as one of the Bulldogs’ statistical leaders this season, Gentry said Murray
has also stepped up as a leader in the locker room for Murphy.
    “He’s always working hard in the weight room, works hard everywhere he goes,” Gentry said of Murray’s role as a leader for the Bulldogs. “He’s a great leader both on-and-off the field and represents our football team extremely well.”
    For Murray, who already has two state championship rings, stepping into a role as one of the Bulldogs’ leaders has been a gratifying experience.
    “It’s going to be something to remember,” Murray said after taking a moment to think. “Stepping up and leading these guys the right way is making me a better person. I’m going to miss these guys.”
    With five games remaining on the season and the North Carolina all-time wins record on the horizon for Gentry, Murray says the team just needs to continue getting better as the playoffs near.
    “We just need to keep doing what we do and that’s getting better every play,” Murray said echoing trademark phrase. “Every practice and every second of every day, we just need to keep getting better.”