Springdale running back Deandre Murray showcased his speed and explosiveness on the way to recording the third 200-yard rushing performance of his career in a 42-27 win over Batesville on Friday.
His coach felt like the season opener could have been the senior’s second 300-yard effort.
“He could have had at least another 100 yards rushing,” Springdale coach Shane Patrick said. “He felt like he missed some cuts out there. I think it comes back to having a little rust to live game action. As the game went on, he definitely played much better in the second half.”
Murray had a 53-yard touchdown run negated by a penalty in the first quarter, but had several other highlights while finishing with 200 yards and three touchdown on 25 carries. He broke 59-and 54-yard runs for scores while running behind an offensive line that featured four new starters.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Murray again showcased the playmaking ability that has earned him six offers and interest from BCS-level schools following a junior season in which he rushed for 1,443 yards and 17 touchdowns. The Springdale offense will rely heavily on his ability to provide big plays, something he showed he’s still more than capable of doing in the season opener.
PLAY OF THE NIGHT: Springdale led 14-0 after the first quarter, but two Batesville scores cut it to 14-12 late in the half. Murray broke a 54-yard touchdown run with 38 seconds left to push the lead to 21-12 and give the Bulldogs momentum. They quickly stretched the lead to 35-12 in the third quarter and never looked back.
INJURY UPDATE: Senior fullback Johnny Lemari suffered a sprained knee and is day-to-day, Patrick said.
NOTABLE: Junior cornerback Chris Owens came up with both Batesville turnovers, returning a fumble 25 yards for a third-quarter touchdown and also recording his first career interception. … Sophomore quarterback Fuller Chandler competed 10 of 17 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns in his first start a year after Springdale threw for 200 or more yards in just one game. … Springdale senior Terry Mounce had 84 all-purpose yards, running for 49 yards on seven carries and catching three passes for 35 yards.
UP NEXT: Springdale will again be on the road to face Tulsa Central in the first of two nonconference matchups with Oklahoma teams (Bixby). The Bulldogs won last year’s meeting 41-0 and Central opened this season with a 65-27 loss to Tulsa Memorial.
THAT FIGURES
86 — The length of Chandler’s touchdown pass to Josiah Wymer, easily besting the longest pass in the 2012 season (58).
270 — Yards of total offense for Batesville, significantly less than the 347.7 yards the Springdale defense averaged allowing last year.
3 — Springdale fourth-down conversions in four attempts.