EVERETT — One senior has been to the postseason back-to-back years, getting to the 2A state semifinals at the Tacoma Dome last season.
The other has never been to the postseason.
Both hope to lead the Archbishop Murphy football team to its first state championship since 2003.
Football practices started around the state Wednesday, but the Wildcats’ drive to get back to the Tacoma Dome has been going on for awhile. Led by senior Anfernee Gurely, who was a first-team Associated Press 2A all-state selection a year ago at all-purpose, and bolstered by senior Collin Montez, a transfer from Marysville Getchell who was an AP first-team all-state running back two years ago after rushing for 2,016 yards during his sophomore campaign, Archbishop Murphy is excited to be back on the field and getting its season underway.
“That’s the goal. Anything less, we’ve failed,” Gurley said. “That’s our mentality going into the season. … (Last season’s semifinal loss to Tumwater) was more motivation than anything. We know our finish should have been different than the way it was last year. None of us are satisfied. I don’t even think, even if we won state this year, our team would be satisfied because we’d want to win next year as well.”
One of Archbishop Murphy’s newest players shares the Tacoma dream. Montez — a 6-foot-2, 205-pound running back as a junior — got his first glimpse of Wildcat football.
The former Marysville Getchell star has spent the summer playing baseball. Wednesday served as his opening practice and unveiling to the Archbishop Murphy players.
And their coach.
“Literally, today was the first time we’ve seen him on the football field,” said Archbishop Murphy head coach Jerry Jensen. “From what everybody’s told me he’s a heck of an athlete and I saw little glimpses of that today. I’m pretty excited.”
Montez, who spent time at strong safety and linebacker on defense and running back on offense, deemed the first practice a success and was excited to be a part of his new team.
“It’s happy, good vibes over here,” Montez said. “It’s different. This is basically my first day but for my first day I like it. It’s definitely exciting.”
Montez said he transferred to Archbishop Murphy for “personal reasons,” but was adamant that it wasn’t just to join the Wildcats football team — a perennial power.
“I feel like everybody thinks that’s why I moved here but that’s not why,” Montez said. “Baseball is my first sport. Football is just for fun. I definitely didn’t move here because this football team is better or whatever. Pretty much, it’s a better school and I wanted to surround myself with good people.”
Montez knew Gurley from youth football, and had several other friends on the team including Jesus Echevarria, who played with Montez at Marysville Getchell before transferring to Archbishop Murphy, and Kyler Gordon.
“I’ve known a bunch of these guys for a long time,” Montez said. “I don’t really feel ‘new’ here.”
Originally, Jensen had mixed feelings about Montez transferring. He was excited to get such a talented athlete, but also felt for some of the Wildcats players who had “put their time in and are waiting for their shot.”
After seeing Montez and his team, he doesn’t think team chemistry is going to be an issue.
“The kids have accepted him,” Jensen said. “Some of them knew him beforehand. From what I know he’s a great kid and from what I’ve seen he’s a great kid, so I think they’re going to put their arms around him. It just gives us one more weapon.”
Gurley, who has gotten offers from Eastern Washington and Weber State, said the Wildcats are excited to have Montez on board. And while the pair will likely shine on offense, Gurley said Archbishop Murphy is hoping defense is what the Wildcats are known for.
“That’s going to be the pinnacle of our team,” Gurley said. “That’s going to be our building block.”
Montez said baseball is still his first love. But the senior, who picked up an offer from Washington State over the summer, is hoping to “get the love back” for the sport of football.
And maybe get a taste of the playoffs.
“Maybe get a little lick,” Montez said. “That would be nice.”
ARCHBISHOP MURPHY WILDCATS
Head coach: Jerry Jensen (fourth season)
Key returners: Anfernee Gurley, Sr., RB/WR/DB/Returner; Kyler Gordon, Jr., WR/RB/CB; Connor Johnson, Sr., QB; Emmanuel Osuoha, Jr., WR/S; Paul Schireman, Sr., WR/CB.
Coach’s quote: “We’ve had a good summer workouts and the 7-on-7 camps. But it’s not real football. Getting out here with 11-on-11 and working toward something, with a game 16 days away is a little different.”
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