🦅 Apollo (5A #9)
vs.
🐯 Murray (3A #3)

🗞️ | WKY Game Of The Week Contender To Kick Off The Season In Murray

Gone is the firepower that scored 48 points on Apollo last year and propelled Murray to the state finals. Someone else is pulling the trigger after a record setting campaign by Wyatt Robbins. The Tigers will be stout at the line of scrimmage, which is the ideal early season building block for a team breaking in a new quarterback and skill people.

It's Apollo that now features the all-state caliber quarterback, with four year starter and Austin Peay commit Max Johnson still directing the Eagles’ offense. He threw for three touchdowns in defeat to the Tigers a year ago.

This has the feel of a crossroads game, with Murray expected to take a step back and Apollo potentially stepping forward. That middle ground could make for barn-burner conditions out west.

This is one of the best underrated games in the entire state for the opening weekend.

I think Apollo should win, but the game being at Murray makes it dead even to me. If Murray can run the ball, they will have a shot.

Johnson is a quality QB for Apollo, and I look for him to have a great game, but this one is a toss-up for me.

Good luck for both teams and no injuries!!!

21 minutes ago, Purple88 said:

This is one of the best underrated games in the entire state for the opening weekend.

Reads like a proper game for our Pick 5 contest.

Apollo’s defense will be tested in this one, especially up front with the size Murray brings along the line of scrimmage. The Eagles will have to tackle well and keep mistakes to a minimum, but I think they have the depth and experience defensively to keep this one close.

Offensively, Apollo has plenty of skill around Max Johnson to make Murray defend the entire field. Lillpop, Williams, Green, Milburn, Jones and Mattingly give them a lot of different options, and with four returning offensive linemen, this is an experienced group that should be able to move the football. Apollo's run game seeks to see much improvement after last year, too. Based on their scrimmages, they have a great running back rotation with several guys who can make explosive plays in their own ways, respectively. (Milburn, Mattingly, Jones, and rising sophomore Llayton Wade)

Big thing for me is how well Apollo travels. Going to Murray is never an easy trip, and they’ll need to come off the bus ready to play. If they handle the road environment, limit mistakes and get the ball to their athletes, Apollo will win.

I think this is the one Apollo has been waiting for since last year we should get to see what they are made of.

Apollo’s Max Johnson is a Qb that doesn’t get talked about as much as he should. The Austin Peay commit has a very strong arm and quick release. He is able to buy time in and around the pocket and can throw 50+ yards on the run on any given play.

I think that is the match up. Johnson’s arm and IQ vs the Tigers’ secondary. Can Murray put enough pressure on the QB to get off the field? Sounds like the Eagles have athletes all over the field. Murray returns 8 defensive starters that have seen a lot of football. I don’t think Apollo can run the ball consistently on this Murray defense. PT had issues running the football (outside of 1 play) vs the Tigers in their scrimmage.

On the flip side, Murray lost Wyatt Robbins & company to graduation. 85% of their offensive stats, gone! But, the core is still there, the entire offensive line, TE, H back are back with more depth than the Tigers have had in a while. New signal caller is a dual threat athlete and seems to be picking up the offense well. Gage Chapman will lead the rushing attack but Murray also has about 5 kids that can make plays running. Can Apollo stop Murray’s offense? My guess is NO. Murray at home!

🐯 35

🦅 14

8 hours ago, FB Head said:

Apollo’s Max Johnson is a Qb that doesn’t get talked about as much as he should. The Austin Peay commit has a very strong arm and quick release. He is able to buy time in and around the pocket and can throw 50+ yards on the run on any given play.

I think that is the match up. Johnson’s arm and IQ vs the Tigers’ secondary. Can Murray put enough pressure on the QB to get off the field? Sounds like the Eagles have athletes all over the field. Murray returns 8 defensive starters that have seen a lot of football. I don’t think Apollo can run the ball consistently on this Murray defense. PT had issues running the football (outside of 1 play) vs the Tigers in their scrimmage.

On the flip side, Murray lost Wyatt Robbins & company to graduation. 85% of their offensive stats, gone! But, the core is still there, the entire offensive line, TE, H back are back with more depth than the Tigers have had in a while. New signal caller is a dual threat athlete and seems to be picking up the offense well. Gage Chapman will lead the rushing attack but Murray also has about 5 kids that can make plays running. Can Apollo stop Murray’s offense? My guess is NO. Murray at home!

🐯 35

🦅 14

I watched the PT/Murray game on YouTube and I think Murray is really solid. With that being said I also have my questions. The Gage Chapman kid is he #10? I looked on the old KHSAA roster and it's #20. Wasn't sure if he was on their or I know at OHS we didn't have everyone's jerseys correct in our two scrimmages.

My concern for Murray is they had a scrimmage vs. PT and it was only like a 1/2 of a game. If they can't handle the tempo of Apollo that might be a concern. I agree Apollo has to stop the run and that is a key factor. If they do then look for Apollo to win this game. If not then Murray will have the win.

The Walls kid is a monster and we have a lot of kids at OHS that know him well. Some kids have said he's injured, but he looked good on that YouTube video scrimmage vs. PT.

Chapman is #20. He did not play vs PT. Walls only played 2 series O, 2 on D.

Should be a solid game with game being in Murray makes it challenging for Apollo but I like the QB they are a solid 5A team and could make some noise in there district. Murray has some maulers up front with Walls he's the number 3 player in WKY area according to WPSD Local 6.

10 hours ago, Phoenix Kid said:

Should be a solid game with game being in Murray makes it challenging for Apollo but I like the QB they are a solid 5A team and could make some noise in there district. Murray has some maulers up front with Walls he's the number 3 player in WKY area according to WPSD Local 6.

Its WKY, NWTN, and Southern IL. #1 player is Graham Simpson ‘28 from Martin Westview (TN). Ty Simoson’s younger brother who many people say is way better than Ty at that age 😳

Is there a stream for this game?

Anyone?

1 hour ago, theguru said:

Is there a stream for this game?

Anyone?

NFHS Video:

https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/murray-high-school-murray-ky/gam224474189f

19 hours ago, FB Head said:

Its WKY, NWTN, and Southern IL. #1 player is Graham Simpson ‘28 from Martin Westview (TN). Ty Simoson’s younger brother who many people say is way better than Ty at that age 😳

Yes correct Graham is 10 times better honestly!

14-14

Big INT by Murray and they are on the Apollo 18.