It’s been eight years, but the Coupeville football team will make a return to the post-season in 2005.

“It feels real good,” CHS head coach Ron Bagby said.

The Wolves, who can now finish second or third in the Northwest A/B, earned a guaranteed playoff berth, beating Cedar Park Christian 44-22 on the road Friday night.

Coupeville wasted little time jumping on the Eagles.

On the Wolves’ first offensive possession, senior quarterback Mike Bagby took an option run 60 yards down the field for a touchdown.

On Cedar Park’s ensuing offensive possession, Mike Bagby picked up a fumbled snap and returned it 40 yards for a quick 14-0 lead.

CHS took a 22-9 lead to the locker room, then allowed Cedar Park to tie the game in the third quarter.

The Wolves’ ability to rush the ball, however, proved the deciding factor over the final two quarters as they pulled away for the win.

Senior J.J. Marti led CHS with 155 yards rushing on 18 carries. Mike Bagby had a season-high 126 yards rushing on just two carries.

Coupeville (5-1, 6-3) takes on La Conner (5-1, 7-2) at 6 p.m., tomorrow, Nov. 3 at Mickey Clark Field.

The Winner earns a number two seed in the Northwest A/B and a first round state qualifying game at home against the number three seed from the Southwest Washington division. Possible opponents include White Pass, Onalaska and Illwaco.

The loser has to travel to Kalama to face number-one seeded Chinooks. Facing the dominant 8-1 team, ranked fourth in the state, is something both Coupeville and La Conner will want to avoid.

“This really is kind of a playoff game for both of us,” coach Bagby said of Thursday’s game.