Story by Fred Griffin Jr. 

South Lake High senior Murphy Connelly, a 6’0”, 245-pound defensive linchpin, was a steady presence throughout the Eagles’ 2025-26 season. On the defensive front, Murphy finished the year with more than 50 total tackles, including nearly 30 solo stops, while adding five sacks and multiple quarterback pressures. He’s a player who influenced plays even when he wasn’t the one making the tackle.

On Dec. 13, Murphy’s efforts were recognized with an invitation to the 2025 Cure All-Star Bowl. Selected by his coaches, the game provided one final stage for graduating seniors to close out their high school careers. Surrounded by unfamiliar teammates and coaches, Murphy adapted quickly, finishing plays and staying disciplined in an environment with limited practice time.

“My senior year year has been even more special,” Murphy says. “We reached the third round of the playoffs and were called the best South Lake team in school history.”

For Murphy, the all-star appearance felt less like a showcase and more like a natural continuation of the season he had already put together. In a game designed to highlight individual talent, his impact showed up in the details by controlling space at the line of scrimmage, disrupting timing, and setting the defensive tone the same approach that defined his fall with the Eagles.

A two-year team captain, Murphy is also active in track and field and weightlifting. Off the field, he participates in South Lake’s construction academy, helping Habitat for Humanity build homes for families in need including one in his own neighborhood.

This past summer, Murphy received his first football offer from Wittenberg College, a reminder that hard work never goes unnoticed.

Looking ahead, Murphy plans to pursue a degree in sports management, with aspirations of becoming an athletic director and launching a coaching career.

“I want to change the narrative that nothing good comes out of Stuckey,  Murphy says. “There’s a lot of good that comes out of our community.”

Photos provided.