The Murfreesboro Rattlers moved into a four-way tie for first place in 7-2A Friday night with an easy 54-14 win over the Spring Hill Bears.
The Rattlers are now tied with Dierks, Mount Ida and Foreman, with each sporting 4-1 conference records. Murfreesboro will travel to Foreman this Friday before wrapping up the regular season next Thursday night at Dierks.
The Rattler offense had another big night and racked up 430 yards with quarterback Ryan Roberts hitting 3-7 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Gavin Gardner pulled in one reception good for a 49-yard TD while Troy Stone also had one reception good for a 41-yard TD.
Roberts led all rushers with 13 carries for 227 yards and four TDs followed by Gardner with 11 carries for 85 yards. Tyler Tomlinson added to the 333-yard rushing total with six carries for 14 yards and J.C. Motley, who pulled in two interceptions including a “pick-six,” carried twice for eight yards.
The Rattlers started the night’s scoring with three quick plays, capped by Roberts scoring from 35 yards out and then ducking in with the two-point conversion.
Roberts needed only one play to put the Rattlers further up when he broke a 90-yard TD run. Motley carried in the two-point play for a 16-0 lead.
Murfreesboro’s next points came in the second quarter when Roberts hit Gardner for a 49-yard TD strike on the first play of the possession. The two-point try failed for a 22-0 lead.
The Bears’ first points of the night came in the second quarter on a four-play 78-yard drive. The Bears quickly put more points on the board with a 11-play 74-yard drive. Murfreesboro’s final points of the first half came when Roberts hit Stone for a 41-yard TD and Gardner pushed in for the two-point play. The Rattlers led 30-14 at the half.
Murfreesboro’s defense opened the scoring in the third quarter when Motley stepped in front of a Bear pass and raced 40 yards for the score. Gardner added the two-point conversion.
The Rattlers would score two more times in the third quarter while the defense threw a shutout at the Bears. Roberts scored from one yard out and Gardner punch in the two-point play. The night’s scoring ended when Roberts broke a 56-yard TD and Stone dashed in for the two-point play.