Archbishop Murphy football scores 35 points in first game of a three-week break

Archbishop Murphy football players took the field at Terry Ennis Stadium in Everett on Thursday for their first game in 21 days. The Wildcats defeated the Lynden Lions 35-14 to end a long stretch of waiting caused by conference investigations and two forfeited matchups.

The delay began earlier this fall when allegations regarding player eligibility surfaced during a meeting among Wesco Athletic Directors. The Wesco Conference and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association launched investigations into a prominent transfer player who joined Archbishop Murphy over the offseason. Two Northwest Conference 2A opponents opted out of playing the Wildcats on consecutive weeks, leaving the team without a scheduled game from October 8 through October 29.

The last game before the break was a 24-17 victory over Lynden Christian on October 8. The Wildcats then missed games against Sultan on October 16 and Lakewood on October 23. Coach Joe Cronin and athletic director Jeff Latta both declined to speak to reporters after Thursday's win.

The investigation centers on claims that coaching staff members encouraged players to enroll at Archbishop Murphy while coaching for a 7-on-7 football program known as the Wipe Me Down Boyz. The school denied that any staff member coached for that team and stated the program followed WIAA rules during the transfer process. An appeal of the eligibility determination was heard by the WIAA Executive Board on Thursday. The WIAA said it expected to share more information on Friday.

On the field, Archbishop Murphy controlled the game from the opening drive. The defense held Lynden to three and out, forcing a punt. The Wildcats then moved 85 yards on 14 plays. Freshman Charlie Tevaga and junior Cole Sievers made key third-down gains. Senior Andrew Lucas finished the drive with a 19-yard run on the right side for a touchdown with 2:47 left in the first quarter.

The defense continued to dominate the Lions' second possession. Senior William Wilson recorded a tackle for loss on third down to force another punt. Archbishop Murphy then drove from their own 19-yard line. Sievers took a sweep to the right and handed the ball to junior Ben Eagle on a reverse for a 15-yard score. The Wildcats led 14-0 with 8:52 left in the first half.

Senior Gus Morrow stopped Lynden on fourth down near midfield to cause a turnover. Later, senior Javen Latta returned an interception 36 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 21-0. Lynden reached the red zone once in the second quarter with a 48-yard pass to Samm Puello Arango, but Archbishop Murphy forced two incompletions to keep the shutout alive at halftime.

Tevaga added a one-yard touchdown in the third quarter to make it 28-0. Muscle cramps affected several Wildcats players during the long layoff. Senior Dawson VanDalen broke free for a 62-yard rushing touchdown to cut the deficit to 28-7 with 3:49 left in the third quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats missed a short field goal attempt. Wilson recorded two more stops to force a turnover on downs. Sievers scored on a six-yard run with 1:57 remaining. Junior Lawsen DeBoer caught a pass and ran 65 yards for a touchdown with 1:43 left, setting the final score at 35-14.

If the WIAA determines the transfer player was ineligible, Archbishop Murphy could forfeit the first four games of the season. The team went 3-1 in that span.