Archbishop Murphy’s quick-strike offense torpedoed Coupeville’s hope of a homecoming football game upset as the Wildcats ran by the Wolves 60-6 at Mickey Clark Field Friday, Oct. 14.

Archbishop Murphy, a perennial state power, cruised to a 53-6 halftime lead on eight lightning-quick drives. No drive took over four plays and three took only one.

The Wildcats opened the scoring on their first possession, taking four plays to go up 7-0.

After Coupeville went three-and-out, ATM scored two plays later.

The Wolves then responded with their own lightning strike when Dalton Engle blew through the ‘Cat defense for a 67-yard scoring run to trim the lead to 14-6.

That, however, would be it for the Wolves’ scoring and Archbishop Murphy would tack on two more scores before the end of the first quarter on the way to the big win.

Coupeville put the clamps on the Wildcats in the second half, setting the tone by forcing ATM to turn over the ball on downs on its first possession of the third quarter.

The Wildcats’ final score came on a long pass late in the game against Coupeville’s reserves.

While the Wolves slowed Archbishop Murphy in the second half, it couldn’t make up ground because the Wildcat defense also stiffened. Coupeville generated only 50 yards rushing the second half after compiling 146 in the first.

The Wolves also had trouble moving the ball through the air. Quarterback Jake Tumblin connected on only seven of 16 passes for 36 yards.

Coupeville coach Jay Silver said, “We couldn’t pass protect.”

Not only was the game one-sided, but it was also marred by a series of personal foul penalties on both teams.

The win enabled Archbishop Murphy to raise its season record to 6-1 and its league mark to 4-1, remaining in the hunt for the Cascade Conference title. King’s is a half game up at 5-1, and Lakewood and Cedarcrest also have 4-1 records.

Coupeville fell to 0-6 in league, 1-6 overall.

Silver was disappointed that his team couldn’t “put on a better show” for homecoming and the community.

He said, “The town has been unbelievable (in its support). The parade was fantastic; people lined the streets.”

Silver was pleased his “kids fought hard” even when the game was out of reach.

Engle led the Coupeville offense with 113 yards on 17 carries, and Mitch Pelroy topped the receivers with three catches for 18 yards.

Freshman Miguel Rodriquez added 50 yards on three carries in the fourth quarter.

Silver also lauded Engle for his “big hits” on defense and Pelroy’s all-around effort.

The Wolves wrap up the regular season at rival South Whidbey (3-4, 2-3) Friday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m.