Robbinsville avenges last year's Senior Night loss
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Roman Jones (15) and Bryce Adams (6) lead a sandwich of Murphy's Cameron Clem during the second half of Friday's 26-21 road victory over the Bulldogs. Photo by Kevin Hensley/sports@grahamstar.com
Murphy -- There was steady rainfall; tempers flaring on the field; and a thrilling conclusion.
In other words, a fitting chapter in the long-standing rivalry between the Robbinsville Black Knights and the Murphy Bulldogs.
Friday's 26-21 victory helped Robbinsville (6-1, 2-0) exact a measure of revenge against its Smoky Mountain Conference foe, as Murphy (5-2, 1-1) had traveled to Graham County in 2022 and delivered a 48-16 defeat on Senior Night.
This year, the Black Knights were able to spoil the Bulldogs own night of celebration on the heels of an ultra-motivated Cuttler Adams, who trampled his way past Kurt Odom to second place in the all-time school rushing record books on the strength of 247 yards on 28 carries. Adams posted all four of Robbinsville's touchdowns; save for a Donovan Carpenter keeper after his final score in the third quarter, the Knights were unable to convert three other two-point opportunities.
Adams now sits at 5,643 (Odom had 5,600); he now needs just 521 to surpass Rylee Anderson (who had 6,164 yards on the ground between 2016-19) as the top rusher in both school and conference history.
Likewise, Murphy's offense was solely controlled by one player: Hunter Stalcup. The Dogs senior running back posted 185 yards on 21 touches, with three touchdowns; he attempted to reel in sophomore quarterback Brady Grant's on-the-money Hail Mary at the final buzzer, but Robbinsville's Zeke Silvers tipped the ball over his outstretched hands in the end zone.
Will Joyner was a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points and also had two interceptions for Murphy; Bryce Adams recovered a fumble for Robbinsville in the game, as well.
Look for a more detailed recap in the Oct. 12 edition of The Graham Star.