Archbishop Murphy and Orting Set for Exciting Matchup in WA State Football Playoffs

As the Washington State football playoffs heat up, two high-performing teams, Archbishop Murphy and Orting, are set to face off in what promises to be an exciting contest. With impressive season records and a history of strong performances, both teams have earned their spots in the postseason, but only one will advance.

Team Overview

Archbishop Murphy (Everett, WA) enters the game with an overall record of 9-1. Their success on the field is a result of a balanced offensive and defensive approach, with a scoring average of 43.1 points per game. Offensively, they dominate the ground with 229.4 rushing yards per game, while quarterback Zach Gemar leads the air attack, averaging 132.5 passing yards per game. Defensively, they are tough to break down, allowing only 130 points all season, a testament to their solid tackles and disciplined play.

In contrast, Orting (Orting, WA) has posted a strong 9-2 record this season. Their offense is centered around a potent rushing attack, but they have been a bit more inconsistent in the passing game, averaging 132.5 yards per game compared to Archbishop Murphy’s efficient air assault. Despite some offensive struggles, Orting has been resilient, earning a respectable 818 win percentage in the district and playing tough both at home and away.

Recent Performance

The most recent game between these two teams, played on November 16, was a dominant 31-0 victory for Archbishop Murphy. The game featured a shutout effort from Archbishop Murphy’s defense, which prevented Orting from scoring in all four quarters. Orting’s inability to put points on the board suggests Archbishop Murphy’s defensive prowess could play a crucial role once again in their upcoming matchup.

In terms of scoring averages, Archbishop Murphy has shown consistent offensive output, with 7.3 points per game in the first quarter and 12.8 points per game in the second, setting the tone early. Orting, on the other hand, has had a stronger start with 13.1 points per game in the opening quarter, but their offense tends to stall in the middle of games, averaging just 5.9 points per game in the second quarter.

Key Players to Watch

Both teams feature standout players who can shift the momentum in their favor. For Archbishop Murphy, running back Carson McCall has been a key performer, rushing for an average of 65.9 yards per game, while Zach Gemar, the quarterback, is also a key player with 129.9 passing yards per game. Wide receiver Mason Belvedere, averaging 54.6 receiving yards per game, has been a reliable target in the passing game.

For Orting, the leaders include running back Carter McCall, who brings a 20.1 yards per game rushing average. Their quarterback, Zach Gemar, has also been impressive in passing and total yardage. Defensive standout Brock Armstrong, with 7.2 tackles per game, could be a crucial piece in containing Archbishop Murphy’s powerful offense.

Team Stats Comparison

Looking at the statistics, Archbishop Murphy has the edge in total offensive production, averaging 361.9 total yards per game. In contrast, Orting averages 355 total yards per game, with a larger portion coming from the ground game.

On defense, Archbishop Murphy has shown superior performance in both tackles and sacks per game, registering 61 tackles and 2.4 sacks per game. Orting has some notable individual performers but lacks the same depth across the board.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season. Archbishop Murphy has a perfect 1-0 record against common opponents, having defeated Bremerton 59-7 in their most recent matchup. Orting also defeated Bremerton but with a slightly narrower margin, 35-7, in early September. While both teams have experienced success against common foes, the upcoming playoff game will be a true test of their abilities to perform on the big stage.

Playoff Outlook

Archbishop Murphy will look to continue their dominant run, leveraging their well-rounded team and impressive defense. Orting will need to improve on their performance from their recent loss and find a way to break through Archbishop Murphy’s defense while tightening up their own game.

As the two teams prepare to clash, all eyes will be on the big-game experience and depth of Archbishop Murphy against the resilience and fighting spirit of Orting. With both teams boasting high win percentages and proven playoff experience, this game is set to be a thrilling battle for supremacy in Washington State high school football.