League recap: Murphy win leads to rise in state rank

Murphy moved up to 110 from 144 in the state rankings this week, the biggest jump in 1A Smoky Mountain. The Bulldogs were able to make the jump by beating Robbinsville 55-21.

Rosman was the team that gained the most ground in the standings this week, jumping from seventh to fourth in the league. Earlier in the week, the Tigers defeated Andrews 43-26.

Hayesville's offense was tough to stop this week, as it produced the league's top passer, rusher and receiver. Zach Wall threw for 68 yards and Caleb Nuklolls had 25 yards receiving. On the ground Chris Stiles chipped in 45 yards. Isaac Mills helped Hayesville's passing attack out by catching two balls for 23 yards.

Thanks to the talents of Wall and Nuklolls the Yellowjackets have been able to do all sorts of things on offense. Wall leads the league in passing with 430 yards, while Nuklolls has rushed for 459 yards this season. Swain County's Greg Tisho leads the league in receiving yards with 211 on nine catches.

A big matchup in the league this week will be when Cherokee takes on the Maroon Devils. At the moment, the Braves are in sixth, while Swain County is in first.

Neil Blankenship's team extended the longest winning streak in 1A Smoky Mountain this week by beating Hayesville, 38-7. This was the team's seventh consecutive win.