TACOMA — Losing hurts, no matter the circumstances.
A year ago Archbishop Murphy High School football players endured a season-ending loss without getting a chance to settle things on the field. In a much-publicized decision upheld by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the Wildcats were forced to forfeit eight victories, the last one a district playoff win, because a player was ruled ineligible for competing with an expired physical exam.
Murphy’s other huge loss last season was its coach, Terry Ennis, who died of cancer early in the season.
This season the Wildcats, led by first-year head coach Dave Ward, obviously had plenty of motivation. But their quest for a state title ended Saturday at the Tacoma Dome when they lost 21-13 versus Lynden in the Class 2A state semifinals.
After the game a reporter asked Murphy senior CJ Milburn, a three-year starter, if losing on the field felt any better than what the Wildcats endured last season.
“They both hurt either way,” said Milburn, a solid 205-pound fullback/linebacker, “but I’d rather play for it.”
His pain was obvious though. The next word he said, after a brief pause, was: “Heartbreaking.”
There were so many reasons Murphy’s 20 seniors wanted to win it all. For Ennis. For Class of 2008 players. To play for the program’s first state title since 2003. But a slew of mistakes, especially in the first half, helped squash Murphy’s hopes.
The Wildcats finished the season with a 12-1 record, two victories short of a championship.
“I just feel like we let everybody down — players last year, coach Ennis. I just feel like a total letdown right now. But we did all we could do,” said Milburn, who rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns.
After the game, which essentially ended when Murphy failed to convert a fourth-and-5 play in the final minute, coach Ward reminded his players to appreciate their achievements.
“It’s been a heck of a year. Don’t hang your head,” he said. “Be proud of your teammates.”
Senior Kelso Wilkins also offered encouraging words to his peers, referring to the close relationships the Wildcats developed.
“The season doesn’t end here,” Wilkins said. “We’re brothers.”
It definitely felt better to decide things on the field this year, said Murphy senior Collin Huggins. The offensive lineman said he was proud to help the Wildcats reach the semifinals for the first time since 2005.
Huggins said he has high hopes for future Murphy teams, and he was honored to play one season for coach Ward.
“I love that man,” said Huggins. “He’s got so much respect from us.”
Writer Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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