Quarterback Cole Morgan found a home at Central

ELLENSBURG — Before Central Washington called, Cole Morgan stood at a crossroads in his college career: quit or go to Canada where they play 12-man football.

"I thought maybe I'd just hang them up," said the 6-foot-3, 203-pound quarterback. "Maybe that's God's plan. Get a job and go to work.

"I've been through so much. I've been to so many different places. The strain I put on my family. I just kept getting my heart broken and I didn't want to risk being disappointed again."

But Morgan gambled on Central and now he leads the top-ranked and undefeated Wildcats (12-0) in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals against second-ranked and No. 2 seed Northwest Missouri State (11-1) at Tomlinson Stadium today at noon.

"All of this might not have happened for me," Morgan said. "I had been so close to playing so many times in my career and it finally happened here. I don't know why, but it did."

The former Ballard High School star quarterback, who led the Beavers to the 2003 Class 4A state championship game, crisscrossed the state searching for a chance to play.

He bounced between Washington State and Western Washington as a backup to Alex Brink and Adam Perry, respectively.

When the Vikings dropped football in January 2009, Wildcats defensive coordinator Joe Lorig offered a chance to replace Central legend Mike Reilly.

"I'd been through this before so I asked how many guys you got at quarterback and what's their age," said the 23-year-old Morgan. "Then I said thanks, but no thanks. I don't want to put myself in that situation."

Soon after, Lorig called again.

"There's a spot for you," he said. "It's open. It's an open race."

Morgan took a trip to Ellensburg and threw for coach Blaine Bennett. After the visit, he decided to play his senior season at Central and never second-guessed his decision.

"I was pretty sure I was going to go to UBC [University of British Columbia], but I knew [Central] had freshmen competing for a job with an extremely senior-heavy team and I just thought this is as good a shot as any," Morgan said. "This is the highest level that I can play right now and I want to give it a shot."

Soon after his arrival, former Washington quarterback Johnny DuRocher committed to the Wildcats. The quarterback derby also included Nick Lomax, a transfer from Boise State and the son of ex-NFL star Neil Lomax, Montana State transfer Jordan Rasmussen and redshirt freshman Ryan Robertson, the former Eastlake High standout.

When training camp began, only Robertson and Morgan remained. And when the season began, Bennett chose Robertson.

"Cole had a chance not to come in here when he heard all of these other quarterbacks, but he decided to come and compete," Bennett said. "He ended being the No. 2 guy.

"He could have packed his bags and left very easily. And a lot of people would have. But not Cole. He stayed and understood his role. And when the opportunity came about in week 7 or 8, he performed well."

Morgan came off the bench and helped Central to three comeback wins, including a 23-21 victory against Western Oregon in the Battle of Seattle, before Bennett made the switch at quarterback.

"You don't see too many undefeated teams changing quarterbacks," Bennett said. "But it was the right thing to do."

Morgan started the next four games, including last week's playoff game against Tarleton State, and the Wildcats kept winning.

As a starter, he's completed 63 of 86 passes for 828 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He has 1,287 yards on 97-of-172 passing, eight touchdowns and three interceptions this season.

"When I'm in the game, we're just not going to lose," Morgan said. "I don't know why I feel like that. And I don't think it's like I'm overconfident or cocky. I just don't ever feel like I'm going to lose.

"With the talent I've got around me, I know how to play with it. I don't know what I could have done differently, but I always felt I would win if given the chance."

Percy Allen: 206-464-2278