Under the Thursday night lights, the Pullman Greyhounds (0-3) battled hard but fell short in a 23-14 loss to the Deer Park Stags (2-1). The Greyhounds had several strong drives but ultimately fell short of the Stags’ strong defense.

The first quarter would start with Greyhounds junior quarterback Connor Stewart launching a deep pass to senior wide receiver Will Focht. He sprinted down, outpacing the Stags’ defense, putting the Greyhounds ahead 6-0.

The Stags would answer with senior running back Shaun Naccarato, who powered through the Greyhounds’ defense with a series of tough runs. This drive would set the stage for Stags senior quarterback Aidan Martin, who ran the ball inside the endzone with the help of his offensive line, tying up the game 6-6.

The second quarter began with Martin throwing an interception to Greyhounds defensive senior lineman Samuel Sears. Later in the second half, Martin would throw a 68-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Gavin Carnahan. The half ended with Stewart throwing an interception to senior defensive back Paul Kapfer Jr.

The Greyhounds opened the third quarter with possession, as Stewart completed a first down pass to senior running back Brady Coulter. However, the Stags’ defense stopped the Greyhounds at the end zone.

Seven minutes into the third quarter, Naccarato broke loose for a 24-yard run, putting the Stags within field goal range. Stags’ senior kicker Zane Moss scored a field goal, putting the Stags up 16-6. To end the quarter, Stewart threw an interception to Stags senior linebacker Evan Henry

Late in the fourth quarter, Stewart threw another interception to Stags senior linebacker Tyzer Coffin, the pick-six and the kick would increase the Stags lead 23-6. With a minute left in the game, Coulter would run it in for a touchdown and an extra point from junior wide receiver Silas Wheatley made the final score 23-14.

The Greyhounds play West Valley on Sept. 27.