Murray holds off challenge from Colonels

If you gave wins based on heart, the Christian County Colonels would have a big “W” following Saturday night’s high school football game against Murray at the Stadium of Champions.

Unfortunately, points determine the winner and the Class 2-A, fifth-ranked Tigers outscored the Colonels 54-36 to drop Christian County’s record to 0-4 on the season.

Murray junior quarterback Wyatt Robbins completed his first 15 pass attempts of the second half and finished the night 28-of-33 for 354 yards with four touchdown passes. He also had rushing scores of 9 and 3 yards.

University of Nebraska commit, Jeremiah Jones caught 11 passes for 167 yards. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder also had touchdown receptions of 5, 19 and 28 yards.

Murray (4-1) scored on its first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead with 4:27 to play in the opening quarter. But the Colonels answered with one of their best drives of the season, marching 70 yards on 13 plays. Jaeden Williams scored the first of his two rushing touchdowns from 1 yard out and Josh Bridges’ conversion cut the lead to 14-8 on the second play of the second quarter.

Amarion Bomar pushed the lead back to 22-8 on a 2 yard scoring run with 8:56 to play in the half. After Isaiah Martin’s first of two interceptions, Robbins hit Martin on a 25-yard scoring pass. The point-after kick failed leaving the score 27-8 with 7:05 left in the half.

Christian County answered again, this time going 55 yards in nine plays capped by a 4-yard scoring run by Williams. Aiden Jesse caught the conversion pass and drew the Colonels to within 27-16 with 1:44 to go in the second quarter.

But Robbins and Jones connected for a 19-yard scoring pass with 7 seconds left in the half. The fourth of Maddux Duncan’s six extra-points was good giving the Tigers a 34-16 halftime lead.

The Colonels cut the lead to 34-22 on its first drive of the second half. Williams connected with Jesse for a 30-yard scoring pass with 9:13 left in the third quarter.

But, Murray answered with an 11-play, 70-yard drive capped by a 3-yard run by Robbins with 4:05 to play.

Trailing 40-22, the Colonels had a good kick-off return by Bridges and needed only three plays to go 36 yards. Tristan Dillard scored on a 10-yard run and his conversion run cut the lead to 40-30 with 2:36 left in the third.

Robbins stayed hot and found Martin for a 4-yard scoring pass with 11:12 left in the game and a 47-30 advantage.

Williams drew the Colonels to within 47-36 with a 28-yard scoring pass to Josh Bridges with 7:17 to play. Williams ended the night with two touchdown passes and two rushing scores.

Murray stopped any upset bid with a 28-yard scoring pass from Robbins to Jones with 2:25 left.

Dillard led all rushers with 84 yards on 16 carries. Williams finished with 70 yards rushing on 18 carries. Bridges had four catches for 57 yards and Jesse caught five passes for 53 yards. Murray outgained the Colonels 471-288.

Christian County returns to action Friday night at home against Caldwell County.

Score by Quarter:

Murray                                 14           20           6              14-54

Christian Co.       0              16           14           6-36

Individual Scoring:

M: Wyatt Robbins, 5-yard pass to Jeremiah Jones; Maddux Duncan, kick.

M: Robbins, 9-yard run; Duncan, kick.

CC: Jaiden Williams, 1-yard run; Josh Bridges, conversion run.

M: Amarion Bomar, 2-yard run; Duncan, kick.

M: Robbins, 25-yard pass to Isaiah Martin; Kick failed.

CC: Williams, 4-yard run; Williams, conversion pass to Aiden Jesse.

M: Robbins, 19-yard pass to Jones; Duncan, kick.

CC: Williams, 30-yard pass to Jesse; Conversion failed.

M: Robbins, 3-yard run; Kick failed.

CC: Tristan Dillard, 10-yard run; Dillard, conversion run.

M: Robbins, 4-yard pass to Martin; Duncan, kick.

CC: Williams, 28-yard pass to Bridges; Conversion failed.

M: Robbins, 28-yard pass to Jones; Duncan, kick.

Photos by Peyton Biaquis