EAGLE — Rocky Mountain's solid season — surprising to many after a winless 2008 campaign — was halted Friday night in the opening round of the 5A state football playoffs by an Eagle High team that made big plays in key moments.

The Mustangs won 35-17 and were led by quarterback Taylor Kelly, who scored on runs of 75 and 51 yards.

The Eagle offensive line cleared the way for 233 total rushing yards and afforded Kelly ample time to throw. The senior quarterback completed 11-of-18 pass attempts.

"The overall key to the game was our ability to stay focused and disciplined," Eagle coach Paul Peterson said.

Eagle (9-1 overall) returns to the 5A state semifinals. The Mustangs advanced to the state championship game last season, but fell short against Highland.

The Grizzlies (6-4) kept the score close for much of the contest, but two costly interceptions and trouble running the ball consistently tripped them up.

Still, Rocky Mountain coach Jason Warr held his players in high esteem for their efforts and marked improvements in the school's second year.

"They raised up to a very competitive level," he said.

It wasn't enough Friday against an Eagle team that scored early and often. The Mustangs began the game with a near six-minute drive highlighted by Marc Cooper's 5-yard touchdown run.

Rocky Mountain answered with a ground-heavy, Jordan Deck-laden scoring drive of its own. The junior running back reeled off several tough runs, the last of which put six points on the board.

But Kelly roared back with a 75-yard touchdown sprint down the right sideline on the next play. He broke one tackle, then simply outran three defenders the rest of the way.

Eagle scored again early in the second frame on a quick strike across the middle from Kelly to Jason Lane.

The Grizzlies threatened to score twice more in the initial half, but two interceptions by Dillon Lukehart foiled those plans.

Rocky Mountain settled down in the second half, cutting the lead to seven points on a 23-yard pass to David Trompke, then to four points on a field goal by Josh Dalmas.

But Kelly was up to the task. A 31-yard pass play soon after was followed by a 21-yard touchdown throw to Mike Zarian.

Later, Kelly iced the game with another scoring run.

Capital 38, Mountain View 13

BOISE — Kasen Covington returned a second-quarter kickoff 99 yards to give Capital a lead it would never reqlinquish, pushing the undefeated Eagles (10-0) into the state semifinals Thursday against Highland at Bronco Stadium.

Kyle Sosnowski had a passing and receiving touchdown and quarterback Jeremy Powers was a perfect 8-of-8 for 110  yards and one touchdown. Leading the Capital ground game was Charlie McMartin (21 carries, 134 yards, touchdown).