What’s more difficult than stopping the Archbishop Murphy football team’s Wing-T offense? Consider how challenging it would be to trim more than 300 hours of film into a cohesive 90-minute movie.
Filmmaker Derek Klein is taking on the latter daunting task. Klein and his staff are in the midst of their third season following Archbishop Murphy gridiron squad. They’re working on what Klein called a “docudrama” about the Wildcats and their former head coach, Terry Ennis, who last month died of cancer.
Klein, who lives in Everett, said the title of the film is “Run” and he hopes to release it in 2008. The crew has finished about 85 percent of filming, said Klein, and has taken a comprehensive approach, using as many as nine cameras at games. They also put microphones on players to capture the intensity and excitement of the Wildcats’ contests.
“It really brings you in,” Klein said.
The film will highlight Ennis’ impact on Murphy student-athletes, particularly during the 2005 season, and Ennis’ battle with cancer, Klein said. “You see how he can really change and mold people’s lives and what kids get out of that,” said Klein.
Former Herald sports columnist Larry Henry is involved with the project, which Klein said will feature interviews with former Murphy players Shiloh Keo and Stan Smith, as well as Cleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore, who played in the Cascade High football program when Ennis was the Bruins’ head coach.
Klein said he plans to eventually submit “Run” to several film festivals and get a distribution deal. The film’s message is universal whether you care about football or not, he said: “Teaching life through the game is what Ennis is all about.”
Smooth sailing
Shortly after their respective Cascade Conference triumphs Friday night, the playoff-bound Archbishop Murphy and Cedarcrest football teams, along with many fans, rode the same ferry back to the mainland from Whidbey Island.
“It’s a little awkward,” Cedarcrest defensive back Chad Soptich said, referring to the throng of boisterous rival players shoehorned together on the ferry.
“Yep, we’re watching and trying to keep our guys on this end,” Archbishop Murphy coach Rick Stubrud said, chuckling.
Archbishop Murphy (9-0 overall) hosts Bellingham (5-4) in a Class 2A District 1 crossover game Saturday at Everett Memorial Stadium. Cedarcrest (8-1), whose only loss came against Murphy, hosts Blaine (5-4) in a crossover playoff contest Friday.
Catching on
Shaundell Burns hasn’t caught many passes this season, but his latest grab was the kind of spectacular effort that usually comes from well-seasoned receivers. Burns, a senior running back/defensive back, made a sliding, spinning touchdown reception Friday in the Mariner football team’s victory against Kamiak. On a fourth-and-6 play in the third quarter, Mariner quarterback Tyler Tuiasosopo chucked the ball down the middle toward the goal line. Burns, who came into the game with just four catches all season, perfectly shifted his body, dove and made a stunning 26-yard TD catch. It gave Mariner a 21-3 lead and provided what turned out to be the winning points in the Marauders’ 28-17 triumph.
By Mike Cane, Herald Writer
Herald Writer Bob Mortenson contributed to this report
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
