EVERETT — Archbishop Murphy first-year head coach Bill Marsh wanted to do just one thing before walking off the field after his teams 42-21 victory over North Kitsap on Friday night.
Enjoy the moment.
“The whole day has been really surreal,” said Marsh. “I mean it’s been almost four years since I’ve been out here as a head coach. There’s just a big sense of pride. So many people coming out here, the kids did a great job. We didn’t care how we got the win, we just wanted to get the win tonight. These kids have worked hard all summer they deserve the win, I’m just really happy for my team. I’m really happy for my assistant coaches.”
Without a doubt the new look Wildcats — as far as the coaching staff goes — looked a lot like last years state 2A runner-ups. Getting off to a quick 21-0 start in the first quarter behind a 48 yard touchdown run from senior running back Alex Galgano, a 68 yard quarterback keeper from Hans VanderWel and a two yard punch-in from sophomore Jonathan Galgano.
“Our offense is really built around our personnel,” said Marsh in regards to his teams quick start. “So its a diverse offense, but its a running down hill offense, and the kids really bought into it from the very beginning. We had a lot of confidence going into this game, and being able to do the things we wanted to do.”
That running down offense produced 237 yards on the ground in the first half, including 83 yards from Alex Galgano and an impressive 122 yards from VanderWel.
Galgano, who returned kicks to go along with playing both sides of the ball, was absent in the games second half.
“It was just a precautionary reason,” explained Marsh in regards to Galgano. “We could have played him but we just decided to take him off the field, we’re heading to San Diego next week so we wanted to keep him fresh and healthy. If it would’ve been a closer game, we probably would’ve kept him in there. But game in hand..keep him healthy.”
With Galgano on the sidelines in the second half Marsh decided to go with fellow senior running back Ricky Gordon to carry the work load. Gordon would rush for 116 yards on ten carries, all in the second half including a 26 yard touchdown run late in the fourth to put the game out of reach for the Vikings. Gordon also 50 yard run late in the third quarter that would set up a four yard touchdown run from VanderWel with 8:43 remaining in the fourth.
“Ricky became a hero for us tonight,” added Marsh on Gordon’s performance. “We trusted him. He’s a great athlete. He’s been in big games so he understands. The key is to get the ball in the hand of the right guys. He just stepped up when we needed a guy to step up.”
Despite starting down 28-0, North Kitsap carried slight momentum going into the half with a scoring drive that ended with Vikings quarterback AJ Milyard connecting with senior running back Grant Loveless on 15 yard pass to make it 28-7.
North Kitsap would pull within 15 on an eight play, 77 yard drive that concluded with a seven yard touchdown pass to JT Nettleton from Milyard to make it 28-13.
With the victory Archbishop Murphy opens the season on a high note, as coach Marsh and many in the stands at Terry Ennis Stadium.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
