The Cowboys locked up the final postseason spot in Region 11 by defeating Ben Lomond 13-12 and Bear River 17-14 at Davis High. Grantsville played one half against each team, with the clincher coming against the Bears, to whom they had lost 31-7 earlier this season.

"We were confident," Cowboys running back Alex Childs said. "We knew they were both teams we should have beat in the beginning.

"After the first game, we were so pumped. It was no doubt we were going to win the second, too."

The unique play-in format materialized when all three teams tied for the region's final postseason berth with 1-4 records. Rather than let a coin toss settle the outcome, the teams decided to duke it out, with the winner getting all the spoils.

"As coaches, we call this a three-ring circus," Grantsville coach Tony Cloward said. "If there's a tie, let's play. It was a wonderful opportunity for us. We prepared our kids for it, and they were not surprised about anything. They showed a lot of heart tonight."

Cloward recalled a time when he coached at Uintah and watched Ogden, Ben Lomond, and Grantsville play in a similar situation. With that in mind, the Cowboys focused on ball control and hard-nosed defense to give them a chance.

"I knew all week these kids didn't want to finish their season yet," Cloward said.

Childs' 3-yard touchdown run with 45 seconds remaining - the fourth lead change of the abbreviated game - gave the Cowboys their final lead. Bear River quarterback James Taylor threw four straight incompletes with time running out to seal the win.

"We did what we needed to do when we needed it," said Childs, who rushed for 63 yards and two touchdowns. "We've gotten better each game since we faced them."

After the first game, Grantsville was given a 15-minute break to change jerseys and return to the field in time to warm up again and start the second game.

Cloward said he wanted the least amount of time possible so his team could continue its momentum.

Fortunately, the Cowboys didn't have to tweak their defensive game plan much since Ben Lomond and Bear River both use the spread shotgun offense.

Forrest Stephenson had an interception and Kort Fonger blocked a punt for Grantsville.

The Cowboys travel to Hurricane in the first round of playoffs Saturday at 3 p.m.

"We heard they're tough, but it's the playoffs, so I don't think it matters," Childs said.