The Tumwater High School varsity football team will face Archbishop Murphy (Everett, WA) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 2:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Washington High School Football
Who: Tumwater vs Archbishop Murphy
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024
Time: 2:00. p.m. ET
“2024 Football Washington State Championships – 2A State Football”
Live stream: Watch HERE

Archbishop Murphy vs. Tumwater: A Tale of Two Powerhouse Teams

The 2024-2025 high school football season has showcased some exciting matchups across Washington state, but none more intriguing than the dominance exhibited by Archbishop Murphy and Tumwater. Both teams have proven themselves to be elite competitors in their respective districts, and as the season nears its conclusion, the comparisons between these two programs are hard to ignore. Watch Here

Team Overview

Archbishop Murphy has been a force to be reckoned with, finishing the regular season with a strong 10-1 record. Their district record is an impressive 7-1, securing them a top spot in the league. The Wildcats have shown consistency across all facets of the game, including offense and defense, and they’ve been especially dominant at home, going a perfect 6-0 in front of their fans. However, their lone loss came in an away game, which may be a point of vulnerability as the postseason looms.

Tumwater, on the other hand, is undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record. The Thunderbirds have been dominant in every phase, making a statement both at home (8-0) and on the road (4-0). They have shown an exceptional ability to both score and shut down opponents, boasting an incredible 657 points for the season and allowing just 76 points in return. Tumwater’s undefeated run through the district (4-0) and non-league play (8-0) demonstrates their undeniable strength.

Offensive and Defensive Highlights

The offensive styles of both teams are starkly different. Archbishop Murphy averages 40.1 points per game, with their most productive quarters coming in the second and fourth quarters (12.4 and 7.4 points, respectively). While they have a balanced offensive approach, they tend to perform better after halftime, particularly in the second half of games.

In contrast, Tumwater is a high-scoring juggernaut, averaging 54.8 points per game. The Thunderbirds are especially explosive in the first and second quarters, putting up an impressive 20.3 and 18 points in those periods. Although their offense slows slightly in the second half (11.1 points in the third and 5.9 in the fourth), their early dominance often puts games out of reach before halftime.

Defensively, Archbishop Murphy has been stingy, allowing just 139 points over the season, which equates to an average of 12.6 points allowed per game. Tumwater, however, has been even more formidable on defense, surrendering only 76 points, or 6.3 points per game, which shows their ability to shut down opponents before they can get comfortable.

Common Opponents

One area where the teams have a direct comparison is their performance against common opponents. Both Archbishop Murphy and Tumwater faced Sehome during the season, with each team posting impressive victories. Archbishop Murphy triumphed 56-14 in their away game on October 31, 2024. Tumwater, just a few weeks later, dominated Sehome at home with a 70-7 win on November 23, 2024. These results highlight both teams’ ability to overpower their competition, though Tumwater’s victory margin was significantly larger.

Record Breakdown

When we look at the full breakdown of their seasons, both teams have proven themselves dominant, with Tumwater leading the charge with an undefeated record. Archbishop Murphy’s lone loss came in a tight contest, but their performance in non-league games (6-0) and playoff games (2-0) showcases their resilience and ability to thrive under pressure.

• Archbishop Murphy:
  • Overall Record: 10-1
  • League Record: 7-1
  • Non-League Record: 6-0
  • Home: 6-0
  • Away: 3-1
  • Playoffs: 2-0
• Tumwater:
  • Overall Record: 12-0
  • League Record: 4-0
  • Non-League Record: 8-0
  • Home: 8-0
  • Away: 4-0
  • Playoffs: 2-0

Looking Ahead

As the postseason approaches, both Archbishop Murphy and Tumwater are expected to make deep runs in their respective playoff brackets. Tumwater, with their flawless record and dominating performances throughout the year, will likely enter the playoffs as the top contender. Meanwhile, Archbishop Murphy, despite their lone loss, will be a formidable opponent with a strong team that has shown the ability to rise to the occasion.

Both teams have earned their place among the best in the state, and the coming weeks will determine which team’s season will end in glory. Fans can expect a thrilling finish to what has already been an exceptional year for high school football in Washington.