Football, Game Coverage, High School

Springboro Turns to Freshman QB After Early Injury, Beats Withrow 23-13

By Cole Swafford | CSwaff Media and Cooper Hamilton | CSwaff Media Contributor
Photography by Oliver Shrider | Contributing Photographer

CINCINNATI, OH — Springboro found itself in an unexpected situation Friday night.

The Panthers entered their Week 3 matchup with Withrow relying on senior quarterback Max Miller, a Central Michigan commit and one of the leaders of the Springboro offense.

Senior QB Max Miller takes off on a run before being injured and ending his night.

But just minutes into the game, everything changed.

Miller suffered a fractured wrist in the first quarter, forcing Springboro to turn to freshman quarterback Cooper Murdock in a game that quickly became a test of the Panthers’ depth and composure.

The freshman answered the call.

Murdock stepped into the spotlight and helped lead Springboro to a 23-13 victory over Withrow, putting together a performance well beyond what would normally be expected from a freshman making his way into a varsity game under those circumstances.

Murdock finished the night 3-for-4 passing for 47 yards, while adding 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns on eight carries.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

4 Star Recruit and Iowa State commit Charles “Chucky” Alexander pregame.

“When I saw Max go down, at first my heart dropped,” Murdock said. “And when they said it was time to go in I was nervous, but after the first drive and getting a big chunk play, I settled in and helped close out the game.”

That first bit of confidence quickly turned into production.

Murdock said the momentum began to shift when he and sophomore quarterback Dane Fisher each helped lead touchdown drives, with explosive plays helping get the Panthers moving.

“Momentum really felt like it shifted our way when Dane and I both led touchdown drives powered by a big explosive play to start it off,” Murdock said.

Springboro’s offense found its biggest success on the ground.

Murdock’s 122 rushing yards came on only eight carries, giving him an eye-opening 15.3 yards per carry as he repeatedly created plays with his legs.

The Panthers also received a major contribution from junior running back Brandon Birdsong Jr., who helped carry the rushing attack and scored three touchdowns.

Murdock credited the offensive line and Birdsong for helping Springboro establish control on the ground.

“Tonight, the run game was working very well,” Murdock said. “The linemen were doing great and Bird wouldn’t go down.”

For Withrow, the loss was a tough way to end what had been a perfect start to the season.

Withrow Senior Mark Madden takes off with the ball for the Tigers.

The Tigers entered Friday night at 2-0 and were looking to remain unbeaten, but Springboro’s defense and ability to control the game on the ground kept Withrow from putting together enough offense to overcome the Panthers’ lead.

Withrow also entered the matchup with plenty of talent of its own, including senior wide receiver Chuck Alexander, an Iowa State commit and one of the Tigers’ top offensive weapons.

The Panthers’ ability to respond after losing Miller became one of the biggest stories of the night.

Miller’s injury forced Springboro to completely change its plans in the first quarter. Instead of allowing the injury to derail the night, the Panthers leaned on their younger players and continued to execute.

For Murdock, the situation was a chance to prove he could handle the pressure.

And as the game went on, the freshman looked increasingly comfortable.

Cincinnati TE Commit Maddox Dixon representing Boro as a team captain at the coin toss.

“This win is huge for us as a team because seeing someone like Max go down in a big game and having guys step up and get a win is a huge moral boost,” Murdock said.

The Panthers’ response was exactly what they needed.

They lost their starting quarterback early, turned to a freshman, continued to pound the football and ultimately walked out with a 23-13 victory.

Springboro improves to 2-1 on the season, while Withrow falls to 2-1.

For Murdock, it was a night he’ll likely remember for a long time.

Freshman QB Cooper Murdock came up in a huge way for Boro after being called into the game.

A freshman quarterback was suddenly thrown into a game after watching his team’s senior leader go down with an injury. He admitted he was nervous. Then he settled in.

Eight carries. 122 rushing yards. Two rushing touchdowns. Three completions on four attempts.

And, most importantly, a win.

Springboro will now have to figure out its quarterback situation moving forward after Miller’s injury. But if Friday night was any indication, the Panthers know they have a freshman ready to step up when his number is called.

Murdock didn’t expect to be the story when the night began.

By the time it ended, he had become one.