[Big Blue 09]

Murray High passed its biggest test of the season, traveling to Caldwell County and winning 20-6 on Friday night to just about wrap up the First District 2A title.


Murray is ranked No. 2 in the state and remains unbeaten at 8-0. But both teams entered the game 2-0 in the district, and a Caldwell County team which has progressed impressively this season came in at 5-2.


Murray will have to beat Heath next week to win the district outright, but the Pirates are winless and Murray will be a very heavy favorite.


The victory was Murray's 24th straight during the regular season.


Murray took a 13-0 lead at halftime. And then the Tigers appeared to put their lead on more solid footing on a Bob Fields' 10-yard run to make it 20-0 in the third period. Shaquille Davis had a big 25-yard pickup in the drive and led the Tigers with 98 yards rushing.


Caldwell's Brandon Sigler broke loose for a 62-yard run to trim the deficit to 20-6. And Murray fumbled the ball away midway through the final period. Caldwell recovered and drove to the Murray 12. But Blake Hodges could not connect on three straight passes, and his final pass on fourth down was intercepted by Marte Foster.