The state football quarterfinals get underway tonight and three local teams remain in the chase for a state title.

Tonight, the EvCo’s MVP Andrew Brown and the Tumwater T-Birds play host to Archbishop Murphy at Tumwater Stadium. This is the third year in a row that the two teams have met in the playoffs. Last year the Wildcats knocked off the T-Birds 41-6 in the first round avenging 2010’s loss to Tumwater in the state championship game.

This season has been a year of turmoil for Archbishop Murphy despite their 8-2 record. The Wildcats after losing their head coach Bill Marsh early in the season and their interim coach Mike Allison was put on administrative leave. But they still have a potent run game and have won six games in a row including a 45-21 win over Bremerton in the first round. Their two losses came to Lakewood and King’s early in the season.

Tumwater has won ten straight games after their convincing 45-22 win over Steilacoom last week.

Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 PM and the game can be heard on the Eli Sports Network.

Tonight is also the 15th annual Fire and Ice Charity Basketball Challenge at Marcus Pavilion. The game pits the Lacey Fire District #3 firefighters against the Lacey Police Department with proceeds benefitting Adopt-a-Family and Make My Day programs.

Tickets are $5 and there will be a silent auction during the game. Tip-off is at 7:00 PM.