Bulldogs Lock Down State Title Game Appearance with Gritty Win

Defense paved the way to the state championship for the Murphy Bulldogs on Friday night as they grounded the Starmount Rams with a suffocating 14-2 victory in the Western Regional final at Murphy High School on Friday, Dec. 5.

The win extends the Bulldogs’ impressive streak to ten games and boosts their record to 12-2, punching their ticket to the NCHSAA 2A State Championship next week.

In a defensive showcase, Murphy’s ball-hawking secondary repeatedly frustrated the Starmount offense, capitalizing on crucial errors by hauling in three interceptions before the night was through.

It was a true group effort as defensive backs Dalton Farmer, Grayson Hall, and Ryan Payne each came away with a pick, disrupting the Rams’ aerial attack and keeping their potent offense largely silent. The Rams, who entered the contest on a six-game winning streak, saw their season end with an 11-3 record.

With the regional title secured, the Bulldogs now turn their attention to a formidable foe in the state final.

Murphy will challenge the Tarboro Vikings Saturday, Dec 13. Kickoff is at 5:00 at Moretz Stadium (Lenior-Rhyne University). Tarboro presents a high-octane challenge, having posted at least 31 points in each of their last ten contests.

The Bulldogs will need a similar, if not stronger, defensive performance to tame the Vikings and capture the state title.