The Murphy Middle School eighth-grade football team poses for pictures while roading on a float during a parade. Submitted photo

By Mark Woodyard

The Murphy Middle School football program is on the rise.

This year, under the direction of head coach Mark Woodyard and his coaching staff, the school’s four teams – seventh and eighth grade A and B teams –have a combined record of 19-2, with the seventh A and B teams and eighth-grade A team all maintaining an undefeated season thus far. 

After a nine-year hiatus from their last outright City Championship, the eighth-grade A team is trying to bring home the school’s fourth City Championship in its 21-year history.  

Murphy played fellow Eastside program Bowman Middle School at Tom Kimbrough Stadium on Tuesday Oct. 29, in the Plano ISD semifinal game with a berth in the City Championship game on Nov. 6 on the line.

This team has some future stars, led on defense by defensive lineman/linebacker Eli Tamalini, defensive linemen Romero Hartfield, linebacker Carter Heise, and defensive lineman Teagan Caldwell. 

Murphy’s high powered offense, led by quarterback Jack Sekimoto, running back Treyce Seldon, tight end Demarcus Ussery and wide receiver Owen McCullough has outscored their opponents 276-20 through their first six games.

Seldon has more than 1,400 all-purpose yards and 32 touchdowns. 

Current Plano East high school football players, quarterback Jackson Hays, running back Travis Agee, tight end Jackson Howard, center CJ Chaloux, safety Andrew Earls and linebacker Jace Boutte all came from Murphy Middle School.