Pullman, East Valley Reach 2A Round of 32

Pullman and East Valley secured the Greater Spokane League’s two playoff places Monday through a three-team 2A tiebreaker. East Valley first defeated Rogers 20-8, earning one berth. Coach Adam Fisher then rested his starters against Pullman, which scored on each of its opening four possessions to claim the other spot. Rogers’ players and coaches left before that second game reached halftime.

The format used three contests, each made up of two 10-minute halves. A preseason blind draw determined the schedule, with the opening winner guaranteed a playoff place. East Valley’s result also meant Pullman’s game decided the remaining berth and seeding. The setup produced the outcome the teams wanted, but the long trip and uneven second matchup left coaches and players dissatisfied with the process. Pullman traveled about four hours by school bus for its contest, while Rogers watched the decisive game from the end-zone area.

Pullman earned the No. 22 seed and will visit No. 11 Burlington-Edison Saturday at 11 a.m. The Greyhounds finished second in the league through the tiebreaker. East Valley received seed No. 23 and is scheduled to play at No. 10 North Kitsap, with the day and kickoff time still to be determined. East Valley reached the tiebreaker after opening league play with two losses, then winning its next five games, including four league victories. Its earlier win at Pullman was part of that run.