Originally published November 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified November 9, 2007 at 10:01 PM

Prep Football | Ineligible player forces Archbishop Murphy out of playoffs

Archbishop Murphy High School's football season, which began with the death of its legendary coach, ended Friday when the private school near Mill Creek had to forfeit games because of an ineligible player.

Seattle Times staff

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In a conference phone call Friday, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Executive Board upheld the decision of the WIAA District Directors Appeals Board, WIAA Northwest District Board and the Cascade Conference that required Archbishop Murphy to forfeit regular-season games as well as their Cascade Conference championship. The school's administration self-reported that a player participated in varsity football competitions without having the proper physical examination required by WIAA rules.

The decision eliminates the unbeaten 10th-ranked Wildcats (10-0) from the first round of the Class 2A state football playoffs. Archbishop Murphy was scheduled to play Mark Morris of Longview today at 1 p.m. at Everett Memorial Stadium. Bellingham will replace Archbishop Murphy and the first-round game will be played Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Everett Memorial.

Terry Ennis, Archbishop Murphy's legendary coach, died of cancer Sept. 12 at age 63. Rich Stubrud, Ennis brother-in-law, took over as head coach, and led the Wildcats to eight more victories, including a 28-6 win over Bellingham last weekend in the preliminary playoffs.

“The WIAA Executive Board commends Archbishop Murphy High School for alerting the league of this violation,” said Al Falkner, WIAA executive-board president. “This action reinforces the associations’ high value placed upon ethical conduct within the WIAA membership.”

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