In what was an “opportunity of a lifetime” San Benito High alumnus Michael Murphy won his second consecutive Division I Football Championship Subdivision national championship Saturday as a member of the North Dakota State Bison.
Murphy’s Bison defeated Sam Houston State 39-13 in Frisco, Texas to clinch its second title in 12 months. The Bison defeated Sam Houston State last year in the title game.
The championship is the Bison’s second since jumping to Division I in 2004. They won five Division II titles.
For Murphy, who played exclusively on special teams as the long snapper, it was a special moment to be a part of, he said.
“It’s really special to have the opportunity to play on a team that even has a chance to win a national championship,” he said. “To play and win my second, it’s something really special.”
What made it even more special was that his family made the trip to Texas for the second year in a row. This time, it was the first chance he had to see them since March, he said.
“My family is a great support system and to see all of them is just great,” he said.
Unlike last year’s tough defensive game – where the Bison won 17-6 – North Dakota got an early second half lead and rolled from there. Never trailing in the contest, the Bison took a 10-10 score at halftime and rallied for 29 second-half points.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Murphy. After a third quarter touchdown extended the Bison lead to 23-10, Murphy was on the field for an extra point. Murphy’s snap, though, was low causing a muffed play. Luckily for Murphy and the Bison, kicker Adam Keller found Mike Hardie in the endzone for a two-point conversion and a 25-10 lead.
“I will always remember that play,” Murphy said. “I had a low snap, the holder bobbled it and tossed it to the kicker. We got two points out of it and it was on ESPN’s top 10 plays. I will always remember it. Last year we had the fake punt and this year we had that.”
For the special teams player, any time he reached the field it was important, he said.
“Playing on special teams, you don’t get the same opportunities as a quarterback or linebacker so you have to make the most of them,” he said. “I tried to do that every time I was on the field.”
And for the second year, that type of play was rewarded.
“Football has taught me that you have to work hard for something you want,” he said. “My dad always told me if you want it, you have to work hard for it. Because of that I got this opportunity.”
And with one more year at North Dakota State, Murphy knows he may only have one last chance after playing for San Benito’s Chris Cameron and Tod Thatcher, he said.
“Coach Cam and Coach Thatcher taught me a lot about football and how you only have a limited chance to play,” Murphy said. “They told me to cherish football and play as long as I can.”
And next year, the goal for Murphy and the team is to return to the title game, he said.
“Our goal – like every team’s – is to win another national championship,” Murphy said. “For me, it’s to perfect my position over the offseason.”
The Bison finished the season 14-1 for the second consecutive year. Head coach Craig Bohl was selected the 2012 AFCA FCS Coach of the Year after the season.
