Prosser High School’s football team made history on Saturday by clinching a spot in the state playoffs for the first time in 20 years. The Falcons secured their victory against Clemente with a decisive 13-0 score at Lane Stadium, marking a significant milestone for the program.
Key Takeaways
- Prosser’s last playoff appearance was in 2004.
- Senior Phinis Hiler scored the first touchdown, setting the tone for the game.
- The Falcons’ defense played a crucial role in the shutout victory.
- Head coach Jason Hosey expressed pride in the team’s achievement.
The game began with high stakes as Prosser aimed to end a two-decade playoff drought. Senior running back Phinis Hiler wasted no time in making an impact. Midway through the first quarter, he broke through the defensive line and sprinted for a 32-yard touchdown run, giving Prosser an early lead.
Hiler’s performance was instrumental, as he finished the game with six carries for 64 yards. His enthusiasm was palpable after the game, stating, "We had to finish it off this time. I can’t stop smiling. There is just so much happiness."
Treyshaun Strong added to the score with a spinning 25-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, sealing the victory with just over six minutes left on the clock. Strong, who had 12 carries for 57 yards, credited his offensive line for their support, saying, "I knew I could get him with a spin move, and then I was in the end zone."
A New Era for Prosser Football
Jason Hosey, a 2004 graduate of Prosser, is in his third season as head coach. Under his leadership, the Falcons have shown remarkable improvement, especially after not fielding a team during the COVID-19 spring season in 2020. Hosey reflected on the significance of the win, stating, "Football was dead at Prosser. I think we are alive now."
The Falcons’ defense was equally impressive, with key contributions from KJ Craig, Nicholas Jones, and Darrieon Beck, who all recorded crucial sacks. Beck emphasized the hard work the team has put in, saying, "We’ve all been working so hard for this since the summer. This moment feels so good."
The Road Ahead
Prosser’s victory not only clinched the White Northwest title but also secured an automatic spot in the state playoffs. The Falcons finished the regular season with a record of 6-2, going 5-0 in their conference. In contrast, Clemente, which last qualified for the playoffs in 2018, will have another opportunity to secure a spot next week against Phoenix.
Despite their loss, Clemente’s coach Patrick Murray acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We shoot ourselves in the foot and then have to battle back. Today we just ran into a better team. They made some more plays than we did."
Conclusion
With this victory, Prosser has not only ended a long playoff drought but has also reignited the spirit of football in their community. As they prepare for the upcoming state playoffs, the Falcons are determined to make their mark and continue their journey of success. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, and fans are eager to see what the future holds for Prosser football.
Sources
- Prosser beats Clemente to clinch state playoff spot for first time in 20 years – Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Sun-Times.
