Western Conference Final: Starmount @ Murphy

OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
I give credit to Murphy on the win, but you are a type of fan that you are describing above. You already stated excuses all week before the game started if Murphy lost. Murphy was not head and shoulders better than Starmount. Our defense has been legit all year and shut down Clem who I consider one of the top players in WNC well below what he was doing the previous weeks.

Hope to see you all next year at our place! A place that we treat our guests with respect and even feed the visiting playoff team a post-game meal win or lose.
I’m not gonna get into a he said she said argument on here. I never stated any excuses before the game was played. I simply believed Murphy was the better team and would win if they handled their business, which they did! I’ll admit Starmount was tougher than I expected, but in the end the best team still won. Also, y’all didn’t “shut down” Clem. You did a good job containing him but if I recall correctly, he did have some nice runs and scored the go ahead TD that would ultimately be all Murphy needed to win the game. As for your fans treating our fans and team with respect at your place next season, I hope they do better than the fans on your side last night that booed Murphy’s players after the handshake, and your players were chippy all night beginning in warmups.
 

80prepster

Freshman
Sep 26, 2025
59
60
18
There’s a good reason some of the bulldogs got booed, if you really want to know? You keep bringing it up…. There was plenty of disrespectful gesturing and taunting directed toward the Ram bench and stands, more than once. At least two unsportsmanlike flags near the bench. I’m sure you couldn’t see any of it because the players were not facing the home side. That is some of the disrespect I’m sure is being referred to?

You’ve been given all the credit you deserve, so good luck and be gracious !! We’ll start a GoFundMe so you can work on the play pen.
 

OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
There’s a good reason some of the bulldogs got booed, if you really want to know? You keep bringing it up…. There was plenty of disrespectful gesturing and taunting directed toward the Ram bench and stands, more than once. At least two unsportsmanlike flags near the bench. I’m sure you couldn’t see any of it because the players were not facing the home side. That is some of the disrespect I’m sure is being referred to?

You’ve been given all the credit you deserve, so good luck and be gracious !! We’ll start a GoFundMe so you can work on the play pen.
Spare me. Your players were crap talking and taking cheap shots and piling on our players all night long. So don’t even pretend that your players are good little choir boys. If our players did what you said they did, I’m sure it was your players and mouthy fans who asked for it. Game is over. We won. On to bigger things for us. Y’all enjoy basketball and creating that GoFundMe, but instead of raising it for our playpen, maybe y’all should buy some diapers and tissues for yourselves instead.
 
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Ball704336

Sophomore
Jul 14, 2025
165
156
42
I’m not gonna get into a he said she said argument on here. I never stated any excuses before the game was played. I simply believed Murphy was the better team and would win if they handled their business, which they did! I’ll admit Starmount was tougher than I expected, but in the end the best team still won. Also, y’all didn’t “shut down” Clem. You did a good job containing him but if I recall correctly, he did have some nice runs and scored the go ahead TD that would ultimately be all Murphy needed to win the game. As for your fans treating our fans and team with respect at your place next season, I hope they do better than the fans on your side last night that booed Murphy’s players after the handshake, and your players were chippy all night beginning in warmups.
The best team won on Friday night in the conditions that they had to play in. The best team on a nice field did NOT win. This one will be a tough loss for a long time.
 
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OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
The best team won on Friday night in the conditions that they had to play in. The best team on a nice field did NOT win. This one will be a tough loss for a long time.
Ridiculous statement. I’m telling you right now, on a dry field and with a healthy #71, Murphy is no less than three TDs better than Starmount. I truly am baffled how you can’t see that.
 

Ball704336

Sophomore
Jul 14, 2025
165
156
42
Ridiculous statement. I’m telling you right now, on a dry field and with a healthy #71, Murphy is no less than three TDs better than Starmount. I truly am baffled how you can’t see that.
I don't think you have the mental capacity to have a conversation about this so I'm gonna stop at my last statement.
 

SMC Observer

Junior
Apr 10, 2012
413
298
63
The best team won on Friday night in the conditions that they had to play in. The best team on a nice field did NOT win. This one will be a tough loss for a long time.
Starmount did not have the offense necessary to beat Murphy on those field conditions or any other, your fanbase seemed to think because you were able to pass the ball against some really bad football teams and secondaries you had a "balanced" offense, but in reality Starmount's passing game was not remotely good and the offense was completely one dimensional. I'll give Starmount credit, they had a good, aggressive and fast defense, #0 in particular was a very good linebacker. I didn't see the same team speed on offense, #1 was a good athlete but as a passer he was extremely limited.
 
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80prepster

Freshman
Sep 26, 2025
59
60
18
I really think the Bulldogs and Rams were pretty evenly matched overall, field conditions aside. Starmount had too many mistakes that were the difference in the game. The score tells it. The early missed field goal, the QB keeper for a touchdown that was ruled short (videotographer film from the end zone shows #1 with the ball across the goal line), and the bad snap deep late in the game that resulted in the Bulldogs go ahead score, were the difference. Miscues were the killer. Both defenses played like it was do or die. Great atmosphere!
 

80prepster

Freshman
Sep 26, 2025
59
60
18
Starmount did not have the offense necessary to beat Murphy on those field conditions or any other, your fanbase seemed to think because you were able to pass the ball against some really bad football teams and secondaries you had a "balanced" offense, but in reality Starmount's passing game was not remotely good and the offense was completely one dimensional. I'll give Starmount credit, they had a good, aggressive and fast defense, #0 in particular was a great linebacker. I didn't see the same team speed on offense, #1 was a good athlete but as a passer he was extremely limited.

Running the ball and passing as well is not exactly “completely one dimensional”
 

SMC Observer

Junior
Apr 10, 2012
413
298
63
Running the ball and passing as well is not exactly “completely one dimensional”
Well let me rephrase, one dimensional in what they could do with any level of competency.

Starmount is a good football team, not trying to suggest otherwise but playing the teams they had since East Wilkes definitely seems to have given most of their fanbase a false sense of how much their offense had actually improved from earlier in the season. And what results is a bunch of talk now after the fact about how they would've done this that or the other to Murphy in different field conditions.
 
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OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
I don't think you have the mental capacity to have a conversation about this so I'm gonna stop at my last statement.
Oh my mental capacity is more than fine. I think you don’t wish to discuss it any further because you realize you don’t have a leg to stand on.
 
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OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
Well let me rephrase, one dimensional in what they could do with any level of competency.

Starmount is a good football team, not trying to suggest otherwise but playing the teams they had since East Wilkes definitely seems to have given most of their fanbase a false sense of how much their offense had actually improved from earlier in the season. And what results is a bunch of talk now after the fact about how they would've done this that or the other to Murphy in different field conditions.
It’s like they think Murphy wasn’t affected by the weather too lol. How many times do you think 8 would have turned the corner on a a dry field? He was very close a few times Friday. I’m sure Clem could have bounced outside a few times too on a dry field…and our passing game, while not our calling card, would have no doubt been able to do some work in dry conditions.
 
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Goatman6

Senior
Dec 1, 2019
271
517
42
Clem runs a lot like Todd Gurley Tarboro folks. He’s a big power back but doesn’t have Todd’s speed.

Starmount pretty much held him in check and credit the Ram defense for keeping us in game.
Can’t we compare him to someone other than Gurley? Lol that’s a stretch. No I watched him play, he is a big physical running back, great player.
 
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Deana_King

All-Conference
Staff member
Mar 4, 2019
897
1,413
93
It looked like an even battle to me. Yards were similar and both defenses played great. 5 turnovers and 2 killer penalties on the Rams gave Murphy the advantage.
 
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Foothills2000

Redshirt
Dec 1, 2025
3
2
3
It was a good game, and I think when both teams are playing their best, they’re two of the top three 2A programs in the state. Murphy is very well coached and has talent in all phases of the game. They were slowed by the field conditions, as their offense didn’t look as quick or shifty. As usual, they used more pre-snap movement than anyone I’ve seen Starmount face, but credit to Starmount’s defense — they looked prepared for it. The field was a mess and it clearly affected Starmount’s DL. They got into the backfield often but looked like they were on skates. The DL has been a strength for the Rams this year, both up the middle and when setting the edge. Tough penalties also came at the most inopportune times. Full credit to Murphy, as they capitalized on mistakes and used the field conditions — both those within their control and those outside of it — to their advantage. I heard that Murphy may be getting a new field before next season. Hopefully it won’t just be new turf, but a major reconstruction that moves the fence farther away. Can anyone confirm?
 
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Ball704336

Sophomore
Jul 14, 2025
165
156
42
It’s like they think Murphy wasn’t affected by the weather too lol. How many times do you think 8 would have turned the corner on a a dry field? He was very close a few times Friday. I’m sure Clem could have bounced outside a few times too on a dry field…and our passing game, while not our calling card, would have no doubt been able to do some work in dry conditions.
No I'm sure that they were affected. If you're honest you knew all week that sloppy field conditions favored Murphy. Starmount wasn't worried about Murphy running on them. No one has all year except for Taeshon Martin with 3 big runs. East Wilkes has the fastest backs in 2A and not one of them was able to run around the outside against Starmount so no #8 wasn't gonna be running outside. When you have 5 turnovers with one being on the goal line you aren't gonna win against anyone. Starmount's strength was in a balanced attack. The field conditions took it away from them, it took away their offense. They gifted Murphy with 5 turnovers(big penalties) and STILL just lose by 12 points. Have you ever tried to throw a wet muddy football? As a receiver have you ever tried to make a break in mud? What more needs to be said?
 

SMC Observer

Junior
Apr 10, 2012
413
298
63
They gifted Murphy with 5 turnovers(big penalties)
Those 3 interceptions were a combination of plays made on the ball by the Murphy DB's/LB's and some poor throws/decision making by your QB. And like I said during the game there very easily could've been 3 more of those.

You can say what you want about a muddy football but the real gift was Starmount believing that because CSOD and Corvian had some success passing (with exponentially better passing QB's and WR's mind you) that they could do the same against Murphy because they had put up some yards on the likes of Cherryville, Ashe County and North Wilkes. Well here's a newsflash, a lot of teams can throw it around some when they have all day in the pocket and wide open receivers.
 
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Deana_King

All-Conference
Staff member
Mar 4, 2019
897
1,413
93
Funny thing is we were suppose to play Murphy in the regular season until the new conference realignment came out. We had tentatively scheduled a game.
 
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Deacs&Rams

Junior
Sep 23, 2018
287
283
63
All the woulda coulda shouldas from both sides is useless. The home team won a close ball game. Both defenses played lights out. It is what it is.

As far as Starmount's issues go, you could tell they are young and get either too hyped up or too rattled at times throughout the year, but the talent is there. Experience and maturity should serve them well next year.

As far as the field goes. I love the mud. Feels like real football as opposed to the turf crap. It definitely affected the timing of the QB and WRs though. Some of those deep ball misses were over thrown by at least 5 yards and I would assume it was because the WR hadn't covered nearly as much ground as they are accustomed to. That is on the team to make adjustments though.

Congrats to Murphy on a fantastic season. With this new realignment, I bet we will be seeing a lot of each other. Good luck next week!
 

SMC Observer

Junior
Apr 10, 2012
413
298
63
Congrats to Murphy on a fantastic season. With this new realignment, I bet we will be seeing a lot of each other. Good luck next week!
I agree, these two should be near the top in the 2A west the next few years. Murphy will probably take somewhat of a step back next year overall but should still be in the thick of things with a young but talented group. 'Dogs have a deep and talented sophomore class that should have them set up for another potential title game push in '27 if they can develop/come up with a few more quality lineman in the underclass.

Having said all that the spectre of Corvian looms large, Corvian brings back basically everything next year and will be very hard to beat, especially with that young QB having another year of experience under his belt, kid is the real deal (already has D1 offers) and he'll be surrounded by size and athletes.
 

Delta53

Redshirt
Oct 23, 2024
62
44
17
I agree, these two should be near the top in the 2A west the next few years. Murphy will probably take somewhat of a step back next year overall but should still be in the thick of things with a young but talented group. 'Dogs have a deep and talented sophomore class that should have them set up for another potential title game push in '27 if they can develop/come up with a few more quality lineman in the underclass.

Having said all that the spectre of Corvian looms large, Corvian brings back basically everything next year and will be very hard to beat, especially with that young QB having another year of experience under his belt, kid is the real deal and he'll be surrounded by size and athletes.
I don't think the Corvian qb will be there next year
 

Deacs&Rams

Junior
Sep 23, 2018
287
283
63
I agree, these two should be near the top in the 2A west the next few years. Murphy will probably take somewhat of a step back next year overall but should still be in the thick of things with a young but talented group. 'Dogs have a deep and talented sophomore class that should have them set up for another potential title game push in '27 if they can develop/come up with a few more quality lineman in the underclass.

Having said all that the spectre of Corvian looms large, Corvian brings back basically everything next year and will be very hard to beat, especially with that young QB having another year of experience under his belt, kid is the real deal (already has D1 offers) and he'll be surrounded by size and athletes.
It is an embarrassment that things like that are allowed to happen in 2A.
 

SMC Observer

Junior
Apr 10, 2012
413
298
63
If he is that good, he has a lot of options in Charlotte.
He is that good in my opinion, his mentality (poise and toughness) impressed me even more than the physical tools (which are definitely good).

I agree he'll have suitors in Charlotte no doubt, but I could see him staying at Corvian one more season because they're set up to legitimately contend to win the whole thing next year with what Tarboro graduates.
 

OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
No I'm sure that they were affected. If you're honest you knew all week that sloppy field conditions favored Murphy. Starmount wasn't worried about Murphy running on them. No one has all year except for Taeshon Martin with 3 big runs. East Wilkes has the fastest backs in 2A and not one of them was able to run around the outside against Starmount so no #8 wasn't gonna be running outside. When you have 5 turnovers with one being on the goal line you aren't gonna win against anyone. Starmount's strength was in a balanced attack. The field conditions took it away from them, it took away their offense. They gifted Murphy with 5 turnovers(big penalties) and STILL just lose by 12 points. Have you ever tried to throw a wet muddy football? As a receiver have you ever tried to make a break in mud? What more needs to be said?
Starmount definitely has a good defense. No question about that. But I think you are selling 8 a bit short. Kid is fast as lightning and can run around or through tacklers. You definitely do not arm tackle him. He has great vision and can run inside or outside, and he’s only a sophomore. He ran for 140 yards on about 10 carries and a TD against AC Reynolds this season, and he broke off a couple of big runs against Heard County GA as well, so I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could have broken off a big run or two on Starmount on a dry field. He had some good runs last week against the rams and had a 30 yarder negated by a penalty. Had around 700 yards rushing as a wing back and averaged about 10 yards a carry on the season (with one game to go). Also caught some passes and a couple of receiving TDs this season.
 
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recycled2

Sophomore
Jul 7, 2025
88
136
33
Starmount definitely has a good defense. No question about that. But I think you are selling 8 a bit short. Kid is fast as lightning and can run around or through tacklers. You definitely do not arm tackle him. He has great vision and can run inside or outside, and he’s only a sophomore. He ran for 140 yards on about 10 carries and a TD against AC Reynolds this season, and he broke off a couple of big runs against Heard County GA as well, so I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could have broken off a big run or two on Starmount on a dry field. He had some good runs last week against the rams and had a 30 yarder negated by a penalty. Had around 700 yards rushing as a wing back and averaged about 10 yards a carry on the season (with one game to go). Also caught some passes and a couple of receiving TDs this season.
How are you related to him?
 

80prepster

Freshman
Sep 26, 2025
59
60
18
I know we have disagreed aplenty the last couple of weeks, but as a Starmount fan I hope Murphy can bring the crown west. It will be a tall task against favored Tarboro. And it should be a crime that the game must be played on a Thursday!! Not fair to players, the schools involved, or either fan base!!

Go Bulldogs!
 

OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
I know we have disagreed aplenty the last couple of weeks, but as a Starmount fan I hope Murphy can bring the crown west. It will be a tall task against favored Tarboro. And it should be a crime that the game must be played on a Thursday!! Not fair to players, the schools involved, or either fan base!!

Go Bulldogs!
We play at 5pm Saturday at Lenoir Rhyne. Thanks for the support. It will definitely be tough. No doubt about that.
 
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OtisDriftwood

All-Conference
Sep 22, 2001
7,065
1,984
113
How are you related to him?
Don’t know if you are being serious or just insinuating that I must be related to him for me to talk about how good he is. But I promise it has nothing to do with relation. Stats and eye test are there for anyone to see.