Pullman prepares for tough Tumwater

Pullman won the Great Northern League football title. The Greyhounds’ reward is a first-round date with State 2A power Tumwater in the first round of the state playoffs.

“I don’t understand,” said coach Bill Peterson. “Tumwater has a great tradition and always puts out a great product. This one’s no different.”

Tumwater is coached by Sid Otten and was a state semifinalist in 2006. Last year, however, Tumwater entered the playoffs undefeated and was belted by Othello, which the week before had beaten Colville in overtime. The Thunderbirds have gone 31-4 over the last three seasons, including 9-1 this year.

“Obviously, it’s a tough matchup,” Peterson said. “They have great skill guys and the line is very athletic.”

The good news is that Pullman is playing the ground-oriented Wing-T team at home and its senior heavy defense has given up well less than 100 yards rushing per game.

“We’ve been good against the run this year,” Peterson said. “This week we must be better.”

The Greyhounds (8-2) have won their last six games after dropping one to Idaho 5A semifinalist Lewiston and their league opener to Colvillle (21-20).

Pullman’s diversified offense is geared to control the ball. That, Peterson said, will be its best defense.

Cody Weber has rushed for 1,056 yards for an 8.3 average and 14 touchdowns. Jared Byers added 792 yards and 11 TDs, and Lance Keithley rushed for 507 yards and six TDs. Quarterback Cody Peterson passed for 731 yards and Weber 118 yards for a combined 10 more scores. The receiving wealth has been spread mainly among five players.

“I think the seniors have done a good job carrying us through the season,” he said. “They wanted another game at home.”

Colville (7-3) returns to Othello (9-1) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the other State 2A opener involving a GNL team.

State 1A: Freeman (8-1) hosts Granger (8-2) at 2 p.m. Saturday.

State 2B: Colfax (9-0) hosts Kittitas (6-3) and Reardan (7-2) is at Asotin (9-1), both at 7 p.m. Friday.