Dragons Overwhelm Rattlers with Ruthless Start, Clinch 59–6 Road Win

Published On: October 28, 2025Categories: High School, News

Junction City 59, Murfreesboro 6

MURFREESBORO — Junction City roared to a 32–0 first‑quarter lead and never looked back, defeating Murfreesboro 59–6 in a conference matchup Friday night. The Dragons balanced a battering ground game with timely throws and a swarming defense to avenge last year’s loss on their home field.

Senior QB/CB Dakorey Larry directed the early surge, mixing option keepers with play‑action. He added a five‑yard touchdown run and later found Jermaine Kennedy for a 21‑yard strike before halftime. Kennedy, a QB/FS, also tossed a 31‑yard touchdown to Nehemiah “Nemo” Caldwell and ran in a six‑yard score after the break.

Junction City’s depth showed. WR/OLB Brennan Lee powered in for two rushing touchdowns, including a 26‑yarder, while WR/FS Dakylan Hampton added a five‑yard scoring run. WR/CB Jakorey Larry flipped the field with a long punt return to set up another short field. Freshman Reid Cates handled the place‑kicking duties, converting after Caldwell’s TD.

Defensively, OLB/FB Dalton Baker spearheaded a relentless rush that produced a 17‑yard sack and repeated hurries, while WR/FS Zamundrae Gray and the secondary smothered deep shots. Caldwell forced an early fumble that stalled a Rattlers drive.

Murfreesboro showed late resolve. QB Kooper Caldwell guided a fourth‑quarter march and connected with senior Caleb Terrell for the Rattlers’ lone touchdown. The Rattlers also strung together several booming punts and open‑field tackles to temper Junction City’s return game.

With one week left in the regular season, Junction City’s combination of size up front, versatile skill players and ball‑hawking defense looked postseason‑ready.

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter
Junction City – Jackson Caldwell 5 run (Larry run), JC 8–0.
Junction City – Dakylan Hampton 5 run (Larry pass to Nemo Caldwell), JC 16–0.
Junction City – Brennan Lee ~10 run (Larry pass to Nemo Caldwell), JC 24–0.
Junction City – Dakorey Larry 5 run (Larry pass to Dakylan Hampton), JC 32–0.

2nd Quarter
Junction City – Brennan Lee 26 run (kick failed), JC 38–0.
Junction City – Jermaine Kennedy 21 pass from Larry (Larry run), JC 46–0.
Junction City – Nemo Caldwell 31 pass from Jermaine Kennedy (Reid Cates kick), JC 53–0.

3rd Quarter
Junction City – Jermaine Kennedy 6 run (kick failed), JC 59–0.

4th Quarter
Murfreesboro – Caleb Terrell 22 pass from Kooper Caldwell (conversion failed), JC 59–6.

Players Who Stood Out- Junction City

Jermaine Kennedy (QB/FS) — passing TD, rushing TD, TD reception.
Brennan Lee (WR/OLB) — two rushing TDs (incl. 26‑yarder).
Dakorey Larry (QB/CB) — rushing TD; engineered multiple conversions and scoring drives.
Nehemiah “Nemo” Caldwell — 31‑yard TD catch; 2‑pt catch; forced fumble.
Dalton Baker (OLB/FB) — disruptive pass rush with a 17‑yard sack.