Red Devils shut out Harrisburg

In the last two weeks, the Murphysboro High School football team has pitched a pair of shutouts.

The Red Devil defense stymied visiting Harrisburg's offense, allowing just 86 yards of offense, on their way to a 27-0 victory on Homecoming Friday night.

The Bulldogs (1-2) managed just six first downs in the contest and were held to 70 yards rushing on 35 carries.

Murphysboro's rushing attack proved to be solid, though three bigs runs helped the offense rack up 301 yards on the ground.

The first big run came on the second play of the game, when Devon Clemons took a handoff and raced 64 yards for a score at the 10:59 mark of the first quarter.

The Red Devil offense was stagnant until late in the second period, when Payton Austin broke free and galloped 69 yards for a touchdown.

Gavin Kuba then hit JaQuan Jackson with a two-point conversion pass to give Murphysboro a 14-0 advantage with 5:23 remaining in the first half.

Clemons would find the end zone once again, scoring on a four-yard plunge with 13 seconds left in the third period to give Murphysboro (2-1) a 20-0 lead.

Kuba would close out the scoring with 7:39 left in the game when he scored from four yards out. Austin added the extra point kick to make it 27-0.

Clemons led the Red Devils with 126 rushing yards on 16 carries. Kuba added 76 yards on six rushes, and Austin gained 73 yards on three carries.

Harrisburg is scheduled to host Herrin Friday, while Murphysboro travels to unbeaten Benton. Both games are set for 7 p.m. kick offs.

1st Downs -- HBG 6, MHS 8

Fumbles -- HBG 1-1, MHS 2-1

Penalties -- HBG 9-68, MHS 4-25

Rushing -- HBG 35-70, MHS 40-301

Passing -- HBG 3-9-0--16, MHS 0-4-1--0

RUSHING: HBG -- Rider 16-44, Lester 10-28, Jaegers 1-3, Stacey 1-1, Gulley 3-(-3), Martin 3-(-2), Hefner 1-(-1). MHS -- D.Clemons 16-126, Kuba 6-76, Austin 3-73, E.Finke 5-28, C.Clemons 4-2, R.Finke 6-(-4).

PASSING: HBG -- Gulley 3-9-0--16, MHS -- R.Finke 0-4-1--0.

RECEIVING: HBG -- Boon 1-10, Hefner 1-8, Lester 1-(-2).