By Joe Livarchik and Andy Nystrom

Reporter Newspapers

Redmond, Mercer Island and Interlake will decide who gets the final two postseason berths out of 3A KingCo with a three-team playoff Tuesday night at Juanita High.

After Mercer Island’s 24-14 upset win over the Juanita Rebels in its KingCo league finale Friday, the Islanders (4-5, 2-3 in KingCo) found themselves tied with Redmond (3-6, 2-3) and Interlake (6-3, 2-3) in conference standings for the league’s final two playoff spots.

And so, the three teams will square off in two “mini-games” for the league’s second and third playoff seeds, Mercer Island head coach Brett Ogata told the Reporter. Interlake and Redmond will compete in a two-quarter contest, with the winner earning 3A KingCo’s second seed. Interlake defeated Redmond, 41-0, on Friday night.

After a 20-minute “halftime” period, the loser will take on Mercer Island for the third seed in a second two-quarter game. The matchups were decided by coin flip Friday night, Ogata said.

Interlake and Redmond are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. Tuesday night in Kirkland.

Redmond stands in the same position it did last Friday — playing Interlake for the No. 2 seed and home-field playoff game.

“It’s a mulligan of sorts for us. Not many people get second or third chances at great opportunities in life and when you do, like we are, you must make the most of them. Nothing great in life comes easy. What a fun opportunity we have Tuesday,” said Redmond head coach Jason Rimkus.

Rimkus added that Friday’s loss to Interlake was a tale of two halves. The Mustangs were down just 7-0 at halftime and then Interlake took over. The coach said his players need to believe in themselves to rebound from the loss.

“This is the same group that has pulled out close games against great opponents — they need to remember that every snap on Tuesday night,” Rimkus said.