Fourth school forfeits football game against Archbishop Murphy High School

BOTHELL, Wash. -- Cedar Park Christian School is the latest school to forfeit against powerhouse Archbishop Murphy High School.

Cedar Park Christian School’s Superintendent Dr. Clint Behrends released a statement on Monday with the decision:

"Cedar Park Christian regrets the unfortunate controversy and the confusion that has developed concerning the scheduled football games with Archbishop Murphy.

Cedar Park Christian School has found itself caught in the middle of a rising controversy that has several legitimate viewpoints.  While the timing of the issue plays into a larger controversy playing out in society, the motivation for initiating a football program remains the school’s philosophy of teaching young men loyalty, character, courage, commitment, and self-discipline in the face of adversity. These character qualities are valued throughout our entire school, and shared by our families.

The concern of CPC parents over the safety of their sons has led Cedar Park Christian to forfeit our game with ATM scheduled for October 14th. As our previous press release states we "support and respect all families and their perspectives" and "respect every parent and their God-given obligation to raise their children."  Archbishop Murphy’s Principal Alex Crane and AD/Football Coach Jerry Jensen have been notified of this decision."


Archbishop Murphy’s game against Cedar Park Christian was scheduled to be the team’s homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 14.

This is the fourth school to forfeit. Granite Falls High School announced a forfeit last week after parents there cited safety concerns.

Archbishop Murphy held a press conference last Wednesday to express disappointment and frustration.

South Whidbey, Sultan, and Granite Falls have all forfeited their games to Archbishop Murphy so far. Archbishop Murphy dominated their first three games against Issaquah, Bishop Blanchet and King’s with a combined 170-0 score.

The forfeits have raised the question whether private schools should play in the same conference with public schools. However, the WIAA has said that schools decide which conference they will participate. WIAA determines classifications. The WIAA announced it is offering counsel and assistance to the schools in the Cascade Conference following the forfeits.