By Kiara Doyal
The Seattle Medium
The 5 Star Cougars and HEIR 6U battled through a cold Saturday morning in The Seattle Medium’s 6U Game of the Week, with the Cougars overcoming a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter before pulling out a thrilling 13-6 victory in double overtime.
HEIR held a 6-0 lead through the first three quarters, but 5 Star refused to back down. Toronto Hickman scored the game-tying touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Royal Brown delivered the winning score in the second overtime as the Cougars completed their comeback.
The Cougars opened the game on offense and immediately put their young playmakers to work. Hickman got things started with a strong 10-yard run, while Brown followed with an 8-yard carry to keep the offense moving. Tristan White Jr. added two determined runs, including a 10-yard gain and a tough 6-yard push on fourth down, as 5 Star continued fighting for every yard.
But HEIR’s defense stood its ground and gave its offense an opportunity to respond.
Cameron Chatman helped HEIR find its rhythm with an impressive 18-yard run that brought energy to the sideline. After another short carry, Kaden Torres delivered the biggest play of the opening quarter, bursting through the Cougars’ defense for a spectacular 32-yard touchdown run. The HEIR sideline erupted as Torres crossed the goal line, giving his team a 6-0 lead.
The second quarter brought another hard-fought battle as both teams looked to gain control. Kairi Dumas helped spark the Cougars’ offense with a 13-yard run, showing his ability to find running room and move the chains.
HEIR’s defense continued working to slow the Cougars, forcing 5 Star to battle for every additional yard. Neither team was able to reach the end zone during the quarter, allowing HEIR to carry its 6-0 advantage into halftime.
The defensive battle continued in the third quarter as both teams searched for opportunities to break through.
Chatman helped keep HEIR moving with a 6-yard carry, while Raylen Jennings added three yards and Arrick Price contributed a 2-yard run as the offense fought for field position.
The Cougars answered with runs of their own. Dumas picked up seven yards, and White Jr. added another five as 5 Star continued looking for a way to get on the scoreboard.
Despite the offensive efforts from both teams, neither defense gave in, and HEIR maintained its 6-0 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
With HEIR still holding a 6-0 lead entering the fourth quarter, the pressure continued to build. Neither team was willing to back down, and the Cougars needed to find the end zone to keep their hopes of victory alive.
True White contributed a short 1-yard run, while Chatman answered for HEIR with carries of four and five yards as both teams continued battling for control.
Dumas then helped move the Cougars forward with a 3-yard run before White Jr. added five more. Dumas followed with another 7-yard gain, bringing 5 Star closer to the end zone.
Hickman then delivered one of the biggest plays of the afternoon, breaking loose for a 9-yard run before punching the ball into the end zone from three yards out for the game-tying touchdown. With the score tied 6-6 at the end of regulation, the two teams headed into overtime.
The Cougars had finally broken through offensively, but their first overtime possession stalled, giving HEIR an opportunity to reclaim the lead.
Jennings sparked HEIR’s offense with a 10-yard run, and Jah’son Doelman followed with another 10-yard gain to move the ball downfield. Torres added a tough 5-yard carry as HEIR continued pushing toward the end zone.
But the Cougars’ defense came through when it mattered, stopping HEIR on downs and sending the game into a second overtime.
That’s when Brown delivered the decisive play.
Brown broke loose for a 10-yard touchdown run, and the successful extra point gave 5 Star its first lead of the game, 13-6. The Cougars’ sideline erupted as the young players celebrated the dramatic turnaround after trailing for nearly the entire contest.
With both teams having battled through four quarters and two overtime periods, the Cougars emerged with a hard-fought 13-6 victory.
After the game, 5 Star head coach Tavion Vaughn Washington praised his Slime Boyz for their heart, toughness and determination throughout the contest.
“They battled through every play, made big defensive stops, and never gave up on each other,” said Washington. “After a hard-fought game that went into double overtime, they dug deep and secured the win! I couldn’t be prouder of these young Cougars. They showed teamwork, perseverance, and brotherhood.”
