It was a potential matchup that looked more like a dream for a portion of the night last Friday as Murray fell behind Owensboro Catholic 26-0 in the first half. The Tigers used a 41-6 run over the final three quarters to escape Owensboro with a 41-32 win. Junior playmaker Jaiden Jackson led the Murray charge, scoring three touchdowns while senior tailback Mark Thompson chimed in with two touchdowns as well. Thompson has led the rushing attack this season with 1,032 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns.
While the Tigers have displayed a flare for the dramatic at times this season, the exact opposite can be said of Mayfield. In fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more dynamic offense this season than that of the Cardinals.
Through the first 12 games of this season, the Cardinals (12-0) have averaged 48 points per game. In Class 2A, the Cardinals have averaged just over 53 points per game. In their first matchup with Murray, the Cardinals put a season-best 63 points on the scoreboard in a 63-28 rout in Murray. To the Tigers credit, the 28 points scored on the Cardinals were the most Mayfield has given up this season.
Mayfield’s offensive weapons are numerous. Jaden Stinson continues to glide through his junior season campaign at quarterback; passing for 2,429 yards and 30 touchdowns with only four interceptions. He’s found 9 different Mayfield receivers for touchdowns, including Kade Neely who has 13 touchdowns and 812 receiving yards, Diaz Perry who has 9 touchdowns and 674 receiving yards, and Alonzo Daniel who has six touchdown grabs and 415 yards receiving.
Murray (8-4) has featured an explosive balanced attack on offense. On the season, the Tigers have passed for 2,127 yards while rushing for 2,019 yards. Hunter Utley has led the passing attack with 2,127 yards passing and 22 touchdowns this season.
His top three targets this season have been Jorden Duffy with 565 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, Jaiden Jackson with five touchdowns and 552 yards receiving, and Kayden Rogers with five touchdowns and 222 yards receiving. Mark Thompson has led the rushing attack this season with 1,032 yards rushing and 15 rushing touchdowns.
The Tigers and the Cardinals square off at Mayfield’s historic War Memorial Stadium Friday night at 7pm.
Friday Night's Playoff Games
Class 1A Regional Championship
Crittenden County at Campbellsville
Class 2A Regional Championship
Murray at Mayfield
Class 4A Regional Championship
Madisonville at Franklin-Simpson
