No matter how high-powered an offense is, there’s almost always a time when a football team has to lean on its defense to get through a tight contest.

For CWAC champion East Valley, the moment came early when conference rival Prosser kept the Red Devils out of the end zone late in a Sept. 19 contest.

Moses Lake, which relied on defense in a key CBBN contest at Eastmont on Oct. 17, held off Issaquah in Week 10 with a couple second-half takeaways.

And for Prosser it took the offseason realization that depth and development had to happen after a first-round playoff exit.

All three teams, along with Othello, again will call on their defense this weekend as the state playoffs 

get going (PLAYOFF PRIMER).

East Valley, 10-0 for the first time since advancing to the 2004 championship game, and its senior-

heavy roster have been building to this season, both offensively and defensively.

Just as quarterback Jaxon Berg is in tune with the many weapons at his disposal, all three levels of the Red Devils defense are in sync.

“It’s an experienced group that has played a lot of games together,” East Valley coach Eric Berg said. “That’s across the board. It’s a great group of kids working together – they’re all buddies, friends and brothers.”

In Week 3, with the Red Devils held to a season-low 13 points against the Mustangs, EV’s defense made sure the Mustangs weren’t going to muster much of an attack.

Defensive end Zeliah Wade wreaked havoc, solidifying himself as a disruptor supreme, with fellow end Logan Jones also a standout. And those behind them, the linebacking crew led by Cody Gasseling, and defensive backs, including ball-hawking Jaedyn Buckalew and his five interceptions, delivered.

The whole unit was quick to the ball, working as one. They’ve delivered three straight shutouts heading into the first round.

“That comes from confidence and knowing what you’re doing,” said Berg, crediting defensive coordinator Kenneth Hails. “When you’re prepared you can play fast.”

Moses Lake coach Brady Jay tapped his Tri-Cities roots and pulled in Jeff Muai to lead the Mavericks defense. Muai, who makes the 75-mile trek to Moses Lake, was the defensive backs coach for 2017 state champion Richland.

While record-setting quarterback Brady Jay has snagged headlines, the defense has played a large role, too, in the 10-0 record.

When Eastmont dropped eight defenders and grounded the Mavericks’ air attack, Moses Lake pitched their third of three shutouts this season.

And last Saturday, as the Mavs tried to get back to the state playoffs, two takeaways – a fumble recovery deep in Issaquah territory and later an interception by Theo Kalasountas – helped seal their bracket berth.

“Championship football teams are that level of play in all three phases of the game,” Moses Lake coach Brett Jay said.

Sophomore linebacker John Rainey has led the Mavericks in tackles the last two seasons. Next to Rainey in tackles and the lineup is Petra MacKenzie.

The duo – along with undersized defensive end Treyson Knowles, whose 11 ½ sacks are nearing the school record – have translated their weight room exploits to on-field production.

Prosser (7-3) knew it needed to switch things up after West Valley of Spokane rallied for a 29-28 first-round state victory last year.

“We committed to playing more guys and getting more depth so we’re fresher in third quarter and the fourth quarters,” Mustangs coach Corey Ingvalson said. “We’re not getting wholly lost in scheme and are developing defensive players.”

Ingvalson credits defensive coordinator Kevin Gilman for a defense that’s giving up about a touchdown less a game from a season ago.

“Seniors are being seniors and big guys are playing big,” Ingvalson said.