LANGLEY – South Whidbey is headed to the playoffs.

The Falcons beat the Lakewood Cougars 64-57 in a back-and-forth battle Friday for the last automatic berth to the District 1 boys basketball playoffs.

The Falcons trailed 11-6 at the end of the first quarter, but tied the game at 11-11 on a Sean George basket from inside at the 6:42 mark in the second.

The teams traded the lead throughout the second quarter, with South Whidbey pulling ahead 23-22 after Riley Newman sank a three-pointer from the left corner.

Both teams were impressive from the free-throw line in the physical contest. The Falcons connected on 23-of-29; the Cougars were 12-of-14.

Newman led the Falcons with 14 points in the second half and finished with 20.

South Whidbey will play Burlington-Edison on Friday.