Mullan shocks Kootenai

Playing on a rain-soaked, muddy field, John Coy ran for touchdowns in each of the first two quarters to lead Mullan to a 26-22 win over Kootenai in a State 1A Division II playoff game Friday at Harrison.

Warriors running back Ben Shannon brought Kootenai to within four points on a 60-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Tigers quarterback Jay Plohartz responded with a 3-yard score in the second quarter as Mullan built a 26-8 halftime lead.

After neither team scored in the third quarter, Kootenai’s Anthony Cranford threw two touchdown passes to bring the Warriors within four. Kootenai then attempted an onside kick that was unsuccessful.

The Warriors avenged a 50-0 loss at the hands of the Warriors on Oct. 27. Kootenai also roughed up Mullan on Sept. 22 with a 48-12 win.

The rain and muddy conditions suited Mullan’s running game perfectly.

Coy finished with 42 yards on 12 carries and Plohartz added 51 yards on 14 carries. For Kootenai, Taylor Wallace had 72 yards and Shannon added 68 yards on nine carries, scoring one touchdown.

Kootenai was forced to pass late in the game, but the rain contributed to mistakes.

The Warriors turned over the ball six times, leading to three Tigers scores, including a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the first quarter.

Mullan (5-3) will host the winner of the Salmon River vs. Notus game. Kootenai finishes its season at 6-3.