Murphy Bulldogs Rally Past Franklin Panthers in 29-16 Thriller

CULLOWHEE, N.C. — The Murphy Bulldogs staged a late comeback to defeat the Franklin Panthers 29-16 in a high school football showdown on Friday, Aug. 22, at Western Carolina University’s E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The game was relocated from Franklin High School due to ongoing field construction.

Murphy (1-0) struck first, capitalizing on their opening drive with a touchdown at the 8:45 mark of the first quarter, taking a 7-0 lead. Franklin (0-1) responded with a touchdown of their own with 4:05 left in the first, narrowing the gap. A mishandled snap on a Murphy punt attempt sailed through the end zone for a safety, giving Franklin a 9-7 lead with 1:53 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Panthers extended their advantage in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run at 5:56, followed by a successful point-after attempt, pushing the score to 16-7. Murphy battled back in the fourth, finding the end zone with 10:06 left to trim Franklin’s lead to 16-14.

The Bulldogs seized momentum late in the game. With 3:45 remaining, a 2-yard touchdown run gave Murphy their first lead since the first quarter, and a quarterback keeper on a 2-point conversion extended it to 22-16. Franklin’s woes continued as Murphy recovered a turnover on the ensuing kick return. The Bulldogs sealed the victory with a 3-yard touchdown run and extra point with 2:22 left, setting the final score at 29-16.

Murphy will travel to face Heard County on Aug. 29, while Franklin looks to rebound against Robbinsville.