By KEVIN ENDEJAN

Sports editor

Since 1982 the Oak Harbor football program has made three journeys into the state tournament — two of those coming as recently as 2002 and 2003.

In each of their three appearances, the Wildcats were eliminated in the first round.

OHHS coach Dave Ward hopes the trend will change in 2005 when Oak Harbor (9-1) “hosts” Gig Harbor (9-1) at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 11 at Mount Vernon High School.

“We’re very hungry to advance to the next round,” he said.

Ward said he expects Gig Harbor, the Narrow’s Bridge co-champions, to present similar challenges to the Wildcats’ previous opponent Spanaway Lake. From the tape he’s seen, the Tides like to run the ball first and then throw.

Ward noted Gig Harbor’s big up front like SLHS, but maybe just a little smaller.

“It’s strange how close they are,” he said.

Gig Harbor uses primarily two running backs, who have combined for over 2,000 yards this season.

Junior Michael Murphy is listed at 6-foot and is in the 150 pound range.

“He wants to cut back and make something happen,” Ward said.

Senior Gary Cole is a larger running back, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs close to 220 pounds.

“Those guys get the ball almost every time,” Ward said.

When they do throw Gig Harbor’s senior quarterback Troy Burki (6-foot-2, 183 pounds) has had success spreading the ball to receivers.

“The quarterback kind of reminds me of Spanaway’s,” Ward said.

The Tide’s only loss this season came, 21-14, at the hands of league rival Shelton. The Wildcat’s lone loss came 8-7 on the road at Stanwood.

Whoever advances through Friday’s game to the quarterfinals won’t get an easy match up. The winner of the Oak Harbor/Gig Harbor game travels to either the state’s top-ranked team Skyline of Sammamish or the state’s fourth-ranked team, Mead of Spokane. Those two teams play Saturday, Nov. 12 in Sammamish.

Oak Harbor’s first round state game can be heard locally on KWDB 1110 AM.