Texas QB commit Maalik Murphy picks up first win of the season

Future Texas Longhorns quarterback Maalik Murphy got one in the win column, leading his Serra Cavaliers to a 12-6 win over the Chaminade Eagles on Friday.

Murphy finished the game 12-of-30 passing for 166 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

The Cavaliers — and Murphy himself — struggled with the speed of the Chaminade defense and were unable to find an offensive rhythm throughout the game. One sequence saw a speed rush get past the backside tackle, bringing Murphy down for a blindside sack and a loss of 12 yards.

Back-to-back false start penalties set up the offense with a 3rd and 34, putting the defense at a significant advantage.

Murphy’s lone touchdown on the night came in the second half on a sequence of three consecutive completions for 46 yards. Murphy often showed command of throws that required more arm strength than finesse, throwing passes from hash-to-hash with ease. He seemed to struggle when the pass required more finesse, failing to lead receivers in a few spots, as well as throwing balls off the hands of open receivers.

The Cavaliers will be back in action next week against the Cathedral Phantoms, who are 0-2 on the season after being outscored 45-6 in their first two games. This could be a showcase game for Murphy as he reaches the halfway point of the six-game season.