Douglas County had the defense that was not about to bend in Friday's Class 5A state semifinal and the rubber match with Mullen went to the Huskies 21-14.

Defensive back Tyler Jackson and linebacker Ryan Misare came up with huge interceptions to help lift Douglas County into the state championship game a week from today at Invesco Field at Mile High against the winner of today's game between Bear Creek and Grandview.

Douglas County improved to 11-2 while Mullen, last season's runner-up, ended its season 12-1. It was the third meeting of the two powers in the state playoffs, the Huskies winning their state championship encounter in 2005 and losing to the Mustangs in overtime in last year's semifinals.

With 8:56 left and the score tied 14-14, Jackson made a diving interception of a pass by Mullen quarterback Tim Tancik. On the next play, tailback Jose Astorga, who rushed for 211 yards, ran 83 yards for the winning score.

The two teams traded possessions, but it was the second Mullen effort that would prove decisive for Douglas County.

Mullen drove the ball from its 22-yard line to the Douglas County 11. But on second down, Misare intercepted Tancik and coach Jeff Ketron's Huskies began their celebration with 8 seconds left.

"That was a big play, I guess," Jackson said. "But we studied the film and I knew that post was coming. I'm glad to make the play for the team. It was a fun game out there. Mullen plays hard and they are winners. But we knew we could get a game off them as we are a good team, too. Now it's on to next week."

Misare, who was the leading rusher last season for Douglas County, was ready to make the interception that clinched the game.

"They ran that play the time before," Misare said. "Tyler thought he heard one of the Mullen coaches call for the same route, so I just jumped it. This is one of the greatest feelings because I was part of the reason we lost last year.

"We had some trouble with them at first when they were running the ball," said Misare, who also rushed for 50 yards. "At the half, we said we are going to come out and dominate this game."

Douglas County was on the board first on a 6-yard run by Astorga with 2:14 remaining in the first quarter. The touchdown was set up by his 55-yard run to the Mullen 23.

But the second quarter belonged to Mullen and tailback Adonis Ameen Moore.

Moore scored twice, his first touchdown a 10-yard run with 6:48 left. A 38-yard run, four plays earlier, went to the Douglas County 18-yard line.

Moore, who rushed for 149 yards, scored his second with 28 seconds left in the half on a 1-yard run.

The key plays on the drive were passes of 12 yards from Tancik to Ryan Heagle and a 34-yard strike to Terrance Dent.

"Turnovers were the key and we got it done," Ketron said. "Jose ran his butt off and there you have it."

Douglas County7 0 0 14 - 21

Mullen0 14 0 0 - 14

First quarter

DC - Jose Astorga 6 run (Gabe Romano kick).

Second quarter

M - Adonis Ameen Moore 10 run (Caleb Pavy kick). M - Moore 1 run (Pavy kick).

Fourth quarter

DC - Will Arnold 1 run (Romano kick). DC - Astorga 83 run (Romano kick).

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing - DC, Jose Astorga 23-211, Ryan Misare 11-50, Will Arnold 6-53. M, Adonis Ameen Moore 25-149, Jonathan Gaye 11-39, Ryan Heagle 3-24, Tim Tancik 4-7, Josh Ford 1-2.

Passing - DC, Arnold 7-12-78-1. M, Tim Tancik 10-26-128-3.

Receiving - DC, Jeff Stevens 3-51, Jake Schultz 2-26, Justin Brown 1-7, Astorga 1 (-8).

Interceptions - DC, Jake Kubasta, Tyler Jackson, Misare. M, Arron Murray (2).