Postcard from camp | Archbishop Murphy

Eds. note: Herald writer David Krueger visited Archbishop Murphy camp on Monday.

What’s new? Head coach Jerry Jensen

During the 2012 season, the Archbishop Murphy went through head coaches faster than Alex Galgano could run to the endzone. In a season of turmoil, the Wildcats had three different head coaches and still made it to the 2A state quarterfinals.

This year, the Wildcats hope they have found the man that will lead them back to the playoffs for years to come in former Archbishop Murphy assistant coach Jerry Jensen, who was on staff with the original Archbishop Murphy head coach Terry Ennis, who started the Murphy football program.

“Murphy was a really special place when I came here in 2005,” Jensen said. “I was a witness to Coach Ennis starting the program in the beginning. It just holds a special place in my heart. As does the Everett community. Football helped me and the people of Everett helped me through sports and this is kind of my way of giving back to them.”

Jensen, who was an assistant coach at Mount Vernon last year after taking some time off from coaching to build a house, said that he will stress competition, consistency and trying to improve on the field each day.

“We want to be able to compete with the top teams in the conference, the Sultans, the Lakewoods, King’s,” Jensen said. “That’s our goal.”

Returning all-conference players

First team–Foster Wade (Sr., Tight End).

Player to watch: Foster Wade, Sr., OL/DL

With a young squad, Jensen went to his all-league tight end and asked him a favor: Would the first-team All-Cascade Conference tight end be willing to switch to offensive lineman and fill an area of need for Archbishop Murphy?

Wade was more than happy to oblige.

“We’ve asked Foster to switch positions, based on need, and he did that without even a second thought,” Jensen said. “I’ve been very impressed with Foster and his willingness to do whatever the team needs him to do. He’s a guy that’s going to compete. We need more Foster Wades.”

Jensen said Wade will start on the offensive line, and will be an anchor on the Wildcats’ defensive front. It’s still possible Wade could get some snaps at tight end, although Jensen was careful not to promise anything.

“We’ll see how things transpire,” Jensen said. “I would like to be able to play him at tight end but as needs are met that may happen but it’s not guaranteed.”

Fresh Face: Kerry Jackson, So., RB

With many of last year’s Wildcat team graduated, numerous spots were opened across the board for Archbishop Murphy. One position that needed to be filled was running back, where Jackson, a sophomore, has started to establish himself.

“He’s a kid that’s starting to figure out football a little bit,” Jensen said. “We get him moving in the right direction and he’s going to be able to do some things.”

Jensen said that Jackson is a talented athlete, and just needs to get some reps and experience on Friday nights.

“He’s got the raw tools,” Jensen said.

Outlook

With only eight seniors and 12 juniors, Archbishop Murphy is a very, very young and inexperienced team. However, they could be on the verge of another team that they can develop over a couple years and create another dynasty with.

The Wildcats are hardly the only team in the Cascade Conference to lose several key pieces from last year’s team. The entire league is dealing with the graduation of star athletes, which should make the conference anybody’s league to win.

It’s hard to pick against Archbishop Murphy. Even in a year when the Wildcats lost an unprecedented two Cascade Conference games, they were still able to make it to the 2A state quarterfinals.

It’s probably best not to doubt the Archbishop Murphy football team.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.