For Michael Matthews, one of the two defining moments of his senior year was four years in the making. The other began to manifest much, much earlier.
Matthews, a linebacker from Camas, Washington, completed two dream scenarios during his final year at Camas High: As an all-state linebacker, he helped lead the Papermakers to their first state football championship, erasing heartbreaking memories of a last-second loss in the state title game four years ago; And he joined his dream school when he committed to Montana on Nov. 10.
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“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my football career in high school. Just those last couple of weeks were all surreal,” said Matthews, who will officially join Montana in seven days when he signs his National Letter of Intent.
Matthews remembers the end to his freshman season, watching a group of senior who had put Camas in a position to make history. “It’s a testament to those teams and all the hard work they put in year after year after year,” Matthews told the Columbian the night of Camas’ 24-14 win over Richland in the 4A title game. “They set a high standard. Now we’re the group of dudes, the first ones to get that ring.”
Matthews started three seasons at inside linebacker, returning the Papermakers to the state playoffs each season. Despite defensive player of the year and all-league honors for its decorated linebacker, Camas fell short of the ultimate goal. But as the 2016 season unfolded, there was little doubt where the ’Makers were headed. They won their first two playoff games by a combined score of 111-6, then outlasted Skyline High and routed Sumner to set up the championship meeting with Richland.
“We played downright amazing in the playoffs. We dominated up front,” Matthews said.
Camas’ state title victory helped galvanize the one-high-school town of almost 20,000. Matthews says he can’t go anywhere in town without fielding a few questions or shaking a few hands. His play throughout the run helped earn an offer from Montana.
“I had kind of been waiting for it for a long time,” Matthews said of the Grizzlies’ scholarship offer. “I just stayed patient and I had a lot of other great offers but I just wanted to stay patient. I had a feeling Montana would come and when it finally did I was so excited. My family was really excited for me. I ended up committing just later that day.”
Before heading east for Montana’s summer camp last July, Matthews had a deep connection to the school. His parents both graduated from Montana and his sister, Jessy Matthews, was once a volleyball coach at Loyola Sacred Heart before taking over at Columbia Falls where she has guided the Wildkats to consecutive Class A state titles.
“I have a lot of ties there. I grew up traveling over there a bunch,” Michael said. “I’m not new to the city; I’ve been around plenty and I fit in over there. I love it.”
Matthew’s summer in Missoula, albeit brief, was spent at the house of Todd Hughes, Loyola’s head coach and Matthews’ father’s best friend. He was here for Montana’s football camp and to persuade the coaches that his work would make him an ideal fit for the Grizzlies defense. He was recruited to play outside linebacker, to join a defense that will also include two of his closest friends.
Matthews’ commitment in November was met with congratulations from R.J. Nelson, a defensive end from Hillsboro, Oregon, and Skyler Martin, an offensive lineman from Vancouver, Washington. The two had formed a close relationship and often texted about playing together in college.
“I think they talked to some coaches for me,” Matthews said. “They didn’t want me slipping away and going to Eastern (Washington) or
anything. It all just kind of came into place really well.”
“I totally believe in coach (Bob) Stitt. I really love what he is doing with the program,” Matthews added. “I think they are a completely rising program. And the location and just the feel of Washington-Grizzly and all the great history that has been there. Montana is just paradise for me. I couldn’t see myself being anywhere else.”
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Photos contributed by Matthews. All Rights Reserved
