Pullman High School football beat the defending state champions, Prosser High School in Martin Stadium on Tuesday night for a winner-goes-to-state playoff game.

The Pullman Greyhounds pulled away with a 14-13 victory in a low-scoring, defense-filled competition.

Pullman got on the board first, but it wasn’t until the second quarter of the contest. Senior quarterback Jake Cillay ran the ball into the end zone for the first score and lead of the game. But just before halftime, Prosser answered back.

Senior quarterback Tanner Bolt of the Prosser Mustangs threw a bullet down field right into the hands of half-back Kolby Swift who ran the ball in for a 50-yard touchdown.

Prosser seemed to have underestimated Pullman and their ability to keep the game close as they went into the half. Pullman not only kept up with Prosser in many aspects, but they were able to play better defense — a trait that ultimately helped them win.

In the third quarter, Pullman’s senior outside linebacker Montre Green recovered a fumble, which led to the 14-7 lead over the Mustangs.

In the fourth quarter, it looked like Prosser was about to tie the game again and put this competition into overtime. Swift ran the ball into the end zone for a touchdown, adding six points from Prosser.

The problem was that junior kicker Ricardo Herrera, who nailed the extra point in the first half, was unable to repeat it the second time. The Mustangs came up short, losing to Pullman with a final score of 14-13.

Greyhound freshman strong back Isaiah Strong managed to get by the offensive line and block the extra point. This play summed up the Mustang’s poor execution of offense in the game. Prosser was so close to putting points on the board, but Pullman’s defense stayed aggressive and halted scoring opportunities for Prosser.

Pullman Head Coach Dan Lucier summed up his excitement by praising the defense and special teams.

“We figured coming in that the team that hit the hardest would win,” Lucier said. “Boy, we had our best-hitting game of the year tonight.”

The Pullman Greyhounds are scheduled to play the Sedro-Wooley Cubs at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Pullman High School.