There was no panic on the Thurston sideline.

With their season on the line, the Colts found themselves facing a two-score deficit against a quality opponent on Friday, Nov. 7. For a team that hasn't trailed often this year, it was unfamiliar territory that would have caused some squads to fold.

But Thurston leaned into the strengths that have carried it this far — incredible depth throughout the roster, an explosive offense and a defense with a knack for creating havoc plays — to capture a chaotic comeback win.

The Class 5A No. 5 Colts beat No. 12 Bend, 34-17, in the first round of the OSAA Class 5A football playoffs to secure a trip to the state quarterfinals.

"We just trusted our guys. We knew what we were capable of," Thurston quarterback Emmit Distefano said. "We faced a little adv

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