Pullman entered Friday’s matchup looking to build on its momentum from a win over East Valley High School. Rogers opened with a run-heavy approach led by junior quarterback Coby Sprugin, but after a 7-yard carry, the Pirates went three-and-out.

On their second drive, head coach Ryan Cole leaned on Idaho commit Jerry Allen, targeting him four times and handing it off three. Three Greyhound penalties helped the Pirates move downfield, but the drive ended with a missed field goal.

Pullman struck first on a trick play, as quarterback Connor Stewart threw to Theodore Engle, who passed to Ramsey Itani for a 20-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, giving Pullman a 6-0 lead.

The Pirates moved the ball well but failed to finish drives. Pullman’s defense bent but did not break, with Vaughn Holstad intercepting a deep pass intended for Allen.

Rogers’ defense answered with a three-and-out, and Damien Shaw blocked the ensuing punt for a safety, cutting the lead to 6-2. The Pirates could not capitalize before halftime, with penalties and poor clock management stalling their final drive.

After the break, Pullman’s offense found its rhythm. Stewart completed quick passes and converted a key fourth down, while Nic Neville ran for 15 yards to push the Greyhounds inside the five. Neville later scored to make it 13-2.

Rogers switched quarterbacks, bringing in backup Everett Long, but the offense still stalled. A misjudged punt return by Allen pinned the Pirates deep, leading to another short field for Pullman. Kicker Adi Alshuwayhi hit a 23-yard field goal to extend the lead to 16-2.

Midway through the fourth quarter, tensions rose after reports of racial slurs prompted officials to pause the game for a sportsmanship meeting with both teams.

Moments later, Sprugin connected with Hands Warrick on a short route that turned into a 74-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 16-9. Following another brief delay, Rogers’ defense blocked a punt, setting up the offense inside the Pullman 30. Allen took a 25-yard run to the 1-yard line before Roman Gumm punched it in. The extra point bounced off the crossbar and in, tying the game 16-16 with 4:36 left.

Pullman’s offense stalled, giving Rogers one more chance, but Itani intercepted a deep pass from Long. The game went to overtime tied at 16.

In overtime, Rogers went first and failed to convert on fourth down after Long’s pass was batted down by Nono Gonzalez. Pullman responded with a short drive capped off by Alshuwayhi’s game-winning field goal to secure a 19-16 victory.

Pullman head coach Kevin Agnew praised Neville’s defensive performance against Allen.

“Two words — Nic Neville,” Agnew said. “He played amazing against him. He’s a heck of an athlete and player.”

Rogers head coach Ryan Cole credited Pullman’s preparation.

“I have a ton of respect for that team and coaching staff,” Cole said. “They came ready to play. We didn’t put Jerry in the right positions to make plays.”

Allen expressed frustration with his role.

“When I was a running back, I was making plays,” Allen said. “When we went to Long at quarterback, we should’ve relied more on me.”

Warrick disagreed, saying execution matters more than personnel.

“No matter who’s at quarterback, we have to execute,” Warrick said. “We practice with both during the week.”

Pullman quarterback Stewart credited his team’s improvement after an 0-4 start.

“Practice has been better and more intense,” Stewart said. “We’re starting to click, and I’m excited for next week.”

Pullman (2-4) faces North Central (0-6) at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at North Central High School.