Murphy is beginning his sixth season as head coach and has a 13-37 slate at HHS — in order, those records were 1-9, 0-10, 4-6, 5-5 and 3-7. Big Blue’s last winning season came in 2010 under Bob Jacoby.
PRESEASON PREP FOOTBALL POLLS
Asked if there is pressure to start winning more, Murphy said that’s simply part of the head coaching package.
“I feel like it’s always been that way,” he said. “I could’ve stayed at Northwest and been comfortable, but I wanted to come here for this kind of situation and to play this kind of football. There is no down week. I don’t care who you’re playing.
“When I took this job, I was the sixth guy in 13 years. There was a lot of stuff to clean up. I feel like obviously the wins matter, but I’m 41 and I know what we go through on a daily basis here and the love that our football program has for our kids. I know the things that we’re doing for our kids outside of Friday night lights and the opportunities we’re giving our kids.
“I guess the normal guy would feel a crazy amount of pressure, but I don’t. I know I’ve loved these kids, and I couldn’t love these kids anymore. I couldn’t want these kids to succeed in life more than I do. So there’s pressure, but I’m going to trust the big man and keep being me. I’m going to find a way to get better every day myself and get this staff better and hopefully in turn make this football team better.
“I appreciate every opportunity I’ve been given here in Hamilton. We’ve come a long way since my first year. This is a tough city. A wonderful city, but a tough city. We’re fighting a lot of battles. But I love this place.”
Hamilton will have two scrimmages. On Aug. 11, Big Blue will travel to Centerville for a 9 a.m. quad that includes Vandalia Butler and Mount Healthy. HHS will then host Lakota West on Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. — the Firebirds are the only Greater Miami Conference team not on Big Blue’s regular-season schedule.
Murphy & Co. will kick off the year at home against West Clermont on Aug. 24.
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