Here’s what Firth’s Remington Chapman had to say about tonight’s 38-16 win over New Plymouth. #IDpreps pic.twitter.com/BtCb2cDsrU

— Madison Guernsey (@MGuernsey_ISJ) November 11, 2017

POCATELLO — A loss to Ririe five weeks ago sparked the turnaround Firth needed.

A second-quarter pick-six Friday gave the Cougars their defining jolt toward a state title berth.

Firth beat New Plymouth 38-16 at Holt Arena to advance to its first 2A state championship game since 2012. The Cougars' defense inspired the offense, as Coby Johnson's second-quarter, 32-yard pick-six broke open a scoreless tie and propelled Firth toward a date with Declo for the state crown.

Five weeks ago, a 27-12 loss to Ririe took the Cougars to 3-3. They've ripped off five consecutive wins since, and are playing their best football of the year against the best 2A teams Idaho has to offer.

“When we lost to Ririe, I think that was kind of an eye-opener,” Johnson said. “We all want to play in that state championship game, and that's what it came down to. We just kept playing hard, grinded all week in practice, and it just comes together on game day. I'm proud of my teammates.”

Johnson's touchdown put a stamp on Firth's first-half defensive effort. The Cougars (8-3) held New Plymouth to 15 yards on 22 first-half plays and didn't allow the Pilgrims to achieve a first down until their final drive of the half. New Plymouth quarterback Austin Robinson threw two first-half interceptions and was forced to throw under pressure after Firth stifled the Pilgrims' rushing attack.

New Plymouth (7-3) started four first-half drives on its own 46-yard line or better, but had no answer for Firth's smothering defense.

“We just get to pound on guys, and that really gets our defense fired up,” Johnson said. “There's nothing better than that.”

While Firth's defense immobilized New Plymouth, the Cougars' offense sputtered in the first half. The Cougars ended three drives inside the Pilgrims' 35-yard line without points, losing possession on two turnovers on downs and one interception. Running backs Remington Chapman and Victor Burkhart kept the chains moving, but the Pilgrims stiffened up any time the Cougars approached the red zone.

“We were just one or two guys away from making those big plays, and we just needed to get to those one to two guys,” Chapman said. “During the second half, we did.”

After a three-and-out on Firth's first third-quarter possession, Chapman broke free for an 81-yard touchdown on the Cougars' first play of their next drive. Burkhart also ran in two TDs in the quarter, and Firth didn't punt or turn the ball over after its initial three-and-out.

Just like that, Firth had a 30-0 lead and was in complete control on its way to the big game.

“All you've got to get those backs — Victor and Remington — just a crease,” Firth coach Keith Drake said. “If we can get that crease, they're getting big plays for touchdowns.”

New Plymouth didn't crack the scoreboard until early in the fourth quarter, when the outcome was hardly in doubt. Firth's Stockton Giles kicked off the final frame with a 22-yard touchdown run to punctuate his team's dominant effort.

Chapman's 81-yard gash was part of 17-carry, 163-yard effort. Burkhart added 17 rushes for 80 yards and two scores. Firth's lead running backs far surpassed New Plymouth's entire offense, which was suffocated for 99 total yards. Robinson threw three interceptions while completing 6 of 23 passes for 37 yards.

In three playoff games, Firth has outscored Soda Springs, Orofino and New Plymouth 126-28.

The Cougars' last trip to the title game was in 2012, a 22-12 loss to Declo. Firth's defense needs a repeat performance to slow down Hornets' star running back Keegan Duncan and the team's high-powered offense.

“I'd give this W to defense,” Chapman said. “They really helped us out. … This was a defensive win.”