By Morris Malakoff
Herald Writer
MILL CREEK – A crisp October afternoon, perfect for the first game played on the campus of Archbishop Thomas Murphy High School, the first league game in the school’s history, ended imperfectly for the Wildcats with a 14-7 Northwest A League loss to the Orcas Island Vikings.
Certainly not the outcome desired by the Wildcat fans getting their first look at the beginnings of what is being developed into the permanent athletic facility of the only Catholic high school in Snohomish County.
For the architect of the fledgling Wildcat football program, head coach Terry Ennis, the loss of its inaugural Northwest A League game was a learning experience that had more positives than negatives for his team.
“I am disappointed, but not unhappy”, said the veteran coach. “We wanted to compete, play hard and be in it in the fourth quarter and we did that.”
Ennis looked upon the game as a necessary step to eventual success. “We learned today what it takes to win in this league.”
The Wildcats scored first with 3:46 remaining in the opening period when Ben Waiss dived across the goal line from 1 yard out.
Orcas Island evened the score when Randy Harrington caught a punt that almost went over his head at the 10-yard line and scooted 90 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, the Vikings pulled away from the Wildcats.
On second down with 9 yards to go from the Wildcat 49-yard line, Cory Harrington threw a touchdown pass to brother Randy to put Orcas Island out in front 14-7.
In the fourth quarter, the Vikings held off the Wildcats by converting two consecutive fourth downs before turning the ball over on a fumble in the end zone.
The Wildcats were unable to capitalize on that opportunity, with the drive stalling out at the 30-yard line.
Orcas Island-R. Harrington 90 punt return (Commet kick).
Orcas Island-R. Harrington 49 pass from C. Harrington (Commit kick).
Records-Archbishop Murphy 0-1 in league, 3-2 overall. Orcas Island 1-0, 5-0.
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Archbishop Murphy-Waiss 1 run (Albo kick).
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