Marshall County traveled to Murray High on Friday for the third game of the 2023 season. The Marshals are off to a 1-1 start, losing the season opener to Bethlehem 55-13 and turning things around last week with a 26-20 win over Grayson County.
Murray beat the Marshals 35-6 to improve to 3-0 after wins to start the season over Trigg County 41-21 and Calloway County 35-14.
The Marshals and Tigers played for the 22nd time with Murray leading the all-time series 13-8 coming into Friday’s game. The Marshals last win over Murray came on Sept. 15, 2017. The Marshals and Tigers last played each other in 2019 and with Friday’s win, Murray has now won the last three straight.
“We didn’t put our best effort forward”, Head Coach Steve Etheridge said to WCBL’s Aaron Clayton in post-game comments. “I felt like that was probably one of the worst pregames we’ve had with guys not knowing where they’re at. Not being focused and not ready to go.”
Murray scored on their opening 79-yard drive on a pass to Zavion Carman. Following a short punt by the Marshals on their next possession, Murray’s great field position ended on an interception pulled in by Marshall County’s Kayson Holland which set the Marshals up at their own 3-yard line.
Forced to punt from deep in the endzone gave Murray great field position again and they took advantage this time, scoring on a 32-yard run by quarterback Collin Wilson. The extra point was good by kicker Hank Fronza and the Tigers led 14-0.
On Murray’s next possession, a 38-yard touchdown run by Kainoa Olive was called back on a penalty to the 27. A great defensive stand by the Marshals forced Murray to turn the ball back over on downs.
Starting from their 23-yard line, the Marshals drive ended at the four and on fourth down, the field goal attempt by Parker was blocked. Murray allowed the clock to run down and take a 14-0 lead into halftime.
Murray took a 21-0 lead in the third quarter, scoring on a 7-yard keeper by Wilson. The Tigers extended their lead again on their next possession. Wilson picked up his third touchdown of the game, scoring from the 20-yard line to give Murray a 28-0 lead.
On the Marshals final possession of the third quarter, Aiden Dunigan picked up big yards for the Marshals to the Murray 20 and they would get down to the seven and face fourth down as the quarter ended.
Neyland Jezik was sacked on the fourth down play to open the fourth quarter and it set up Murray’s final touchdown, scored by Carman.
A late game drive for the Marshals started at their 12-yard line and they drove down to Murray’s 3-yard line. With three seconds remaining in the game, Jezik connected with Dalton Hartman to put the Marshals on the board as time expired.
Dunigan finished with 87 yards for the Marshals on 16 carries. Jezik was 10-of-13 in the air for 94 yards and a touchdown. Ethan Webber had three pass receptions for 46 yards.
Wilson had eight carries for 75 yards and three touchdowns for Murray. Wilson was 10-of-14 for 118 yards passing and Jones was 2-for-2 for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Carman was the leading receiver with four catches for 129 yards.
The Marshals will head back to Murray next Friday to take on the Calloway County Lakers (1-2).
Marshall County 0 0 0 6 – 6
Murray 7 7 14 7 – 35
