By Micheal Rios, Tulalip News
There are four Tulalip tribal members who enjoyed a notable winning streak this fall as members of the Archbishop Murphy High School football team, known as the Wildcats. High school junior Jesus Echevarria, senior Darion Joseph, and sophomore Martin Napeahi Jr. are student-athletes who play for the Wildcats, while Martin Napeahi Sr. mans the sidelines as an assistant coach.
Archbishop Murphy, a Catholic college preparatory school located in Everett, went undefeated in their regular season and came into the Washington State 2A semi-final game, played on Saturday, November 28, a perfect (12-0). Needing just one more win to make it to the state championship game, the Wildcats would take on the top-ranked Tumwater Thunderbirds, who were also undefeated on the season.
The Wildcats were primed to take home the victory after managing to hold off the Thunderbirds for the majority of the game. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, the Wildcats held a 21-17 lead and only needed to run out the clock to secure the W. Unfortunately, Tumwater refused to concede the game and forced a game changing fumble, which ultimately led to a Thunderbird touchdown and a stunning victory. The late game turn of events was undoubtedly shocking for the once undefeated Wildcats, but with a talented team of young players, the Archbishop Murphy football program will look to build on this season’s success and return for another title run next season.
