POULSBO — Archbishop Murphy’s r0ad to the first round of the 2A State Football Tournament was paved with five forfeits.

North Kitsap’s path was paved with grit and sweat, outscoring their opponents 495-94.

But in the first round of the 2A tournament, Nov. 11 at North Kitsap Stadium, grit met brute force. And brute force won.

The Archbishop Murphy Wildcats held the Vikings scoreless, winning 34-0 to advance to the quarterfinals. The Vikings’ season is over.

The Vikings were well prepared going into the game.

“Our kids certainly paid the price in the off-season,” head coach Jeff Weible said before the game. “One of our coaches is a personal trainer and trained kids during the winter and spring. From their work in the weight room they’re stronger, faster and better athletes. They’ve earned what they’ve got.”

Of facing the Wildcats again, Weible said of his players, “Their whole existence has been built up in the off-season to have the opportunity to play these guys again. It’s gonna be one heck of a battle on Friday night. We respect them, but we don’t fear them.”

— Sophie Bonomi is the sports reporter for the North Kitsap Herald. Contact her at sbonomi@northkitsapherald.com.