Murphy’s Joey Curry and Kadrian McRae.
Across the board, it was a rough first week for Smoky Mountain Conference football.
Preseason favorite Murphy was able to salvage it a little Saturday at Hendersonville’s Dietz Field.
The Bulldogs scored 14 unanswered points in the final 2 minutes and 37 seconds to push past the Bearcats, 21-17.
Kadrian McRae’s second touchdown run in the season opener for both schools (a 10-yard carry) gave Murphy the lead for the first time with 1:01 to play. Joey Curry was 9-for-21 for 142 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. Colton Posey made three receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown.
SMC teams went 1-4 in games played Friday and it wasn’t looking good Saturday for Murphy (1-0).
Demetrius Smith returned the opening kickoff of the game 91 yards for a touchdown. Alex Williford passed for 174 yards and two interceptions. His 3-yard quarterback keeper helped give Hendersonville (0-1) a 14-0 lead at the 10:08 mark of the first quarter.
Bearcats kicker Drew Eudy made a 19-yard field goal with 8:30 to go in the game.
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