Murray Ends Season With Another Impressive Showing

— Deandre Murray gave Springdale High’s football coaches more reason to be optimistic about the future on the final night of their season.

As he has done throughout his first year with the Bulldogs (4-6, 2-5 7A/6A-West Conference), the explosive running back showed Friday he’s hard tackle, especially once he gets into a rhythm.

Murray managed only 39 yards on seven carries in the first half, but he found more running room in the second half of a 31-17 loss to Springdale Har-Ber at Jarrell Williams Bulldog Stadium.

The junior rushed for 96 yards after halftime to finish with 18 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. His lone score came when he broke through a hole and sprinted 45 yards for a touchdown to cut Har-Ber’s lead to 24-17 with 2 minutes, 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

“In the third quarter, you could see him run angry and fast,” Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said of Murray, who’s beginning to generate interest from colleges. “He gets through holes so quick it’s unbelievable. He’s really that good. I think he’ll be a highly recruited kid.”

Murray averaged 5.6 yards per carry in the first half, and he raised that average to 8.7 in the second half.

“He did a great job of running right there, and you could tell he was feeling it,” Springdale coach Shane Patrick said. “He was hitting the hole extremely hard, and we were blocking well for him.”

Play of the Night: Springdale safety Cua Rose was at the right spot when Har-Ber quarterback Kyle Pianalto fumbled toward the end of the first half. Rose had no trouble getting his hands on the loose ball and returning it 60 yards for a touchdown, giving the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead with 1:17 remaining in the first half.

Injury Update: Springdale defensive end Jay Patrick appeared to aggravate a shoulder injury he has been battling throughout the season. The senior showed his toughness, continuing to start despite the obvious pain in his shoulder.

Player of the Game: Murray was held to only 21 carries for 68 yards in a 63-0 loss to Bentonville on Oct. 26, but he had more success against another physical defense in Har-Ber. He broke through holes, ran with power and avoided tackles, finishing with 18 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown.

Notable: Springdale committed zero turnovers a week after having six in the loss to Bentonville. ... Former Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain attended Friday’s game and was on the field afterward.

The Lingo: “I think I better just not talk about referees.”

— Shane Patrick

Springdale High coach, on the number of penalties called

Up Next: The Bulldogs didn’t qualify for the postseason, meaning Friday was their final game of the season.

That Figures

115 — Penalty yards Springdale and Har-Ber combined for in the first half

158 — Penalty yards they had in the second half

273 — Total penalty yards for Springdale and Har-Ber combined, only 55 yards less than the two teams had passing

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