Western Conference Final: Starmount @ Murphy

[Deana_King]

Anything you saw on Starmount in the first part of the season is nothing like you are seeing now. The East Surry game was between brothers and they know each others tendencies very well. Would not put any stock into that game score-wise.

Murphy will be bigger as Starmount has pretty much been smaller than most teams they have played. They do have good team speed on defense.

OL - 6-2, 235; 6-2, 225, 5-10, 250; 6-3, 250; 6-2, 240

DL - 6-2, 215; 6-2, 225; 6-3, 250; 6-1, 215

 

[80prepster]

He must have also missed the film where Murphy put a running clock on the same ES team that Starmount beat by only a couple of TDs.

I acknowledged that was an early game for the Bulldogs. So was Starmount’s game against East Surry. I was not implying that Murphy is not impressive as a team to do what it takes to win. But the simple running game by both teams was not much to look at. I think both Bulldogs and Rams have vastly improved over the season. Credit to Murphy for having tough opponents. Starmount has played in a split conference with larger schools of West Wilkes and North Wilkes (3A), Wilkes Central and Ashe County (4A), and all of its non-conference were against 3A opponents. Truth be told, the Rams toughest conference tests were against 2 of the other 3 2A programs: Alleghany and East Wilkes. Sadly, the rivalry with Elkin is no longer there.

Looking forward to the game Friday. Hope Murphy has some good accommodations and good places to eat! The drive from Charlotte is a long one!

Go Rams! #GATA

 

[SMC Observer]

Looking forward to the game Friday. Hope Murphy has some good accommodations and good places to eat! The drive from Charlotte is a long one!

With the scenic mountain locale and the Harrah's Cherokee Valley River Casino in town limits, Murphy is more or less a tourist town these days so there's plenty of places to eat and plenty of places to stay.

 

[SMC Observer]

Murphy will be bigger as Starmount has pretty much been smaller than most teams they have played

OL - 6-2, 235; 6-2, 225, 5-10, 250; 6-3, 250; 6-2, 240

DL - 6-2, 215; 6-2, 225; 6-3, 250; 6-1, 215

Murphy will bigger at offensive tackle and nose tackle but the rest looks like the same sized type of kids to me

 

[OtisDriftwood]

It's gonna be a tall task to contain that running game. Not gonna be able to stop it.

Will Starmount be able to stop Clem, Davis, Brown, and McFadden from running the ball?

 

[Deana_King]

Starmount’s strength on defense is against the run. Only giving up 87 yards a game.

 

[SMC Observer]

I was not impressed with film I watched of the Bulldogs against Franklin. I think that was an early season game, and I’m sure they have improved?

Here is Murphy's game Friday night against Corvian, you can judge for yourself the difference. Actual game starts at the 49 minute mark.

 

[Deana_King]

Both teams are good!! Look at my prediction in July about the top 2A West Contenders!

 

[Mhsneer]

This one ends in a shootout. Rams are better than you think. Murphy at home is tough to beat

 

[Murphydawg4life]

Starmount’s strength on defense is against the run. Only giving up 87 yards a game.

Murphy is averaging over 500yds rushing in the playoffs so something has to give here lol.

Also, don’t think Murphy’s run defense is getting too much attention. They are only allowing 50yds a game in the playoffs.. granted the previous two teams were pass heavy teams but still impressive nonetheless

 

[OtisDriftwood]

With all the back and forth about stats between these teams, I’m just gonna say this…Murphy has played the much tougher schedule and will be the best team Starmount has played so far this season. The Dogs are battle tested and will be playing this game in their own backyard. I like their chances. May the best team win.

 

[buzzcoach]

Will be a cold physical football playoff game!