Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The Rise 10U team capped off their impressive season with a commanding 26–6 victory over the Federal Way Hawks to capture the Washington Youth Football League 10U Championship. Behind a balanced offensive attack and a disciplined defensive effort, Rise controlled the game from start to finish, never allowing the Hawks to establish rhythm or momentum on either side of the ball.
The tone was set early on special teams. On Federal Way’s opening drive, the Hawks went three-and-out and were forced to punt from their own territory. Rise’s Tahj Henley broke through the line, blocked the punt, and scooped it up in stride, racing 43 yards for the opening touchdown. The play ignited the Rise sideline and sent a clear message that they were ready for championship football. Although the extra point attempt failed, Rise took an early 6–0 lead.
Moments later, Rise’s relentless pressure forced another Federal Way miscue when the Hawks fumbled the kickoff, and Rise recovered near midfield. Running backs Fakaosi “JR” Talakai and Nani Talakai went to work immediately, ripping off runs of 14 and 5 yards to push the ball into Hawks territory. However, a fumbled exchange pushed Rise back, and a fourth-down pass from quarterback Liam Bartlett fell incomplete, turning the ball over to Federal Way.
The Hawks tried to respond with a steady diet of handoffs to their workhorse back, Messiah Nettles, who picked up tough yards between the tackles. But Rise’s front seven held firm. Defensive linemen AJ King and Kingston Mefi clogged running lanes, and Cameron Stroud made a key tackle behind the line to force another Federal Way punt.
With their defense dominating, Rise’s offense found its rhythm again early in the second quarter. After a short run by Josiah Croskey, Jason Doelman Jr. provided a spark with a 14-yard burst up the middle. On the next play, Nani Talakai broke free on a 10-yard run for a touchdown, giving Rise a 12–0 lead heading into halftime.
Federal Way’s offense continued to battle but couldn’t find consistency. Nettles and running mate Anthony Langston pieced together short gains, while quarterback Tyree Woods mixed in a few quick passes, but every promising series was eventually slowed by penalties, negative plays, or tackles for loss. Rise’s defense was fundamentally sound, as they swarmed to the football and closed running lanes before the Hawks could find daylight.
The third quarter began much like the first. Henley returned the kickoff 46 yards to set Rise up with excellent field position. But momentum briefly swung when Bartlett’s pass was intercepted by Federal Way’s Davion Lyles. It was a small victory for the Hawks, yet their offense once again failed to capitalize, managing just a few short runs before punting back to Rise.
Capitalizing on the defensive stop, Rise engineered perhaps their best offensive drive of the game. Fakaosi (JR) and Nani Talakai took turns pounding the ball up field, with Nani picking up 16 yards and Josiah Simms adding another 10. Simms then capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, powering through defenders at the goal line. The successful extra point extended Rise’s lead to 19–0 entering the final quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Rise’s offense delivered the dagger. Bartlett, who had managed the game efficiently all night, found Jason Doelman Jr. streaking downfield for a 31-yard touchdown strike. It was a perfectly executed play that showcased Rise’s balance between the run and pass. After the successful conversion, Rise held a commanding 26–0 advantage.
Federal Way, to its credit, refused to quit. Nettles continued to grind out tough yards, and the Hawks’ offense began to find rhythm late in the game. Nettles completed a pair of short passes to Tyree Woods and John Baker, moving the chains and finally breaking into the red zone. With under two minutes remaining, Nettles capped the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run to get the Hawks on the board. The extra point failed, but the late score made it 26–6, avoiding the shutout.
The Hawks attempted an onside kick and recovered it, showing grit until the very end. However, the Rise defense closed the door with tackles from Stroud and King to seal the win. When the final whistle blew, Rise celebrated midfield as WYFL 10U champions.
This championship showcased everything that defined Rise’s season. Their offense combined power running with key passing plays, while their defense remained stout, forcing turnovers and limiting explosive plays. Special teams also proved decisive, with Henley’s early blocked punt touchdown setting the tone.
For the Federal Way Hawks, Nettles was a bright spot, contributing both as a rusher and passer, while Woods and Langston added grit on the ground. But ultimately, Rise’s depth and execution were too much to overcome.
As the sun set over Mount Tahoma High School, Rise’s players gathered for the championship trophy presentation, grinning from ear to ear. Their victory wasn’t just about points on the scoreboard. It was about teamwork, preparation, and heart, the hallmarks of a true champion.
Player Stats
Rise 10U – Offense:
• Tahj Henley – 1 rush, 43 yards, 1 TD (blocked punt return TD)
• Fakaosi (JR) Talakai – 5 rushes, 50 yards
• Nani Talakai – 3 rushes, 29 yards, 1 TD
• Josiah Simms – 3 rushes, 26 yards, 1 TD
• Jason Doelman Jr. – 1 rush, 14 yards; 1 reception, 31 yards, 1 TD
• Liam Bartlett – 1 rush, -6 yards; 3/3 passing, 34 yards, 1 INT
• Josiah Croskey – 1 rush, 2 yards
• Micah Wu‑Mallory – 1 reception, 3 yards
• Jacob Mancao – 1 rush, 6 yards
• Major Robinson – 1 rush, 8 yards
Rise 10U – Defense:
• Liam Bartlett – 1 INT
• AJ King – 1 tackle
• Kingston Mefi – 1 tackle
• Cameron Stroud – 1 tackle
Federal Way Hawks 10U – Offense:
• Messiah Nettles – 13 rushes, 42 yards, 1 TD; 4/4 passing, 19 yards
• Anthony Langston – 6 rushes, 30 yards
• Tyree Woods – 1 rush, 7 yards; 3 receptions, 13 yards
• John Baker – 1 reception, 6 yards
• Kobe Pankey – 3 rushes, 6 yards
Federal Way Hawks 10U – Defense:
• Davion Lyles – 1 INT
