WEST POINT — Even though only a sophomore, Marcus Murphy assumed the leadership role and quarterbacking duties for the West Point High School football team at the same time.
A year later, Murphy’s job title has changed slightly. However, he has a firm grasp on remaining the team leader.
Thanks to his offensive ability and leadership skills, West Point is three wins away from winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State championship.
Murphy had 201 all-purpose yards and a touchdown in a 41-7 victory against Holmes County Central to open the postseason Friday night at Hamblin Stadium.
For his accomplishments, Murphy is The Dispatch’s Prep Player of the Week.
“Everybody is excited because we know we are close,” Murphy said. “You just have to give that maximum effort for three more weeks. To win a championship, you need to be playing your best. We are playing well, and everybody has some extra confidence.”
West Point won its 10th straight to move to 11-1. The last two West Point seasons ended with losses to Oxford. The challenge is to make sure that run doesn’t grow to three in a row when the teams meet Friday night in Oxford in the second round.
“Playing Oxford always is a big motivation,” Murphy said. “We knew we would have to face them sometime to win a state championship. By beating them the first time (a 22-8 victory on Sept. 23), we know we can do it. It is just a matter of coming out and executing to the best of our ability. We can’t get caught up in the past and be pressured because of it. We just have to come out and play our game.”
The transfer of former Saltillo High quarterback Clayton Knight allowed Murphy to focus on running the ball and catching passes. The ability of Knight and Murphy to form a bond right away helped make that transition work even faster.
Murphy is still used some at quarterback to give the Green Wave an alternate plan of attack.
“It has been great having (Knight) with us this season,” Murphy said. “He makes smart decisions with the football. When we are both out there, you can tell there is some chemistry. I enjoy playing quarterback some, but now I can focus on other things to help the team win.”
Murphy has rushed 1,395 yards with 19 touchdowns. The Mississippi State commitment has 137 receiving yards with another touchdown and also passed for a score.
“Marcus is one of the hardest workers on the team,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “He has that type of attitude that rubs off on the other players. The other guys see how hard he works and how he has really emerged as one of the best players of the state. That makes them want to do what he is doing.”
Murphy hopes the hard work continue for three more weeks. The talk is picking up around school. It is no secret West Point is the favorite in Class 5A. It would be the school’s first state title since 2010.
“The expectations are high,” Murphy said. “But that is what happens when you play in this program. You grow up wanting to play on that field and to play in games like this. The whole community is watching and they want us to bring a championship home.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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