By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
With a 6-1 record, the Federal Way Hawks 12U football team has positioned itself for a postseason run behind demanding conditioning, developing young talent and a shared commitment to winning a championship.
Head coach Dwayne Bell credits much of the team’s success to its preparation, particularly the emphasis on physical conditioning that has helped the Hawks compete despite having a relatively small roster.
“The biggest thing has been our conditioning. The kids don’t like to be in shape, but when you only have 18, 16 kids on a team, the conditioning is the biggest part,” said Bell. “So, they took that, and they actually ran with it figuratively. We ran hills every single day, because it is all about the conditioning.”
Bell describes the Hawks as an explosive, stubborn and determined group whose players have remained committed to the goals they established at the beginning of the season. While the team’s preparation has been demanding, he said the players have maintained their enthusiasm for the game.
“They’re a great group, and they’re just there having fun,” said Bell. “The difference from other teams I have coached in the past is that this group is more objective. They had an objective at the beginning of the year, and they’re actually sticking to it, which I’m proud of them for doing.”
The Hawks have also benefited from the development of several young players who have stepped into important roles and helped the team succeed.
Bell credited quarterback Messiah Cain, who is in his first season as a starter, as one of the key contributors to the team’s success. He praised the young quarterback’s development, particularly his growing confidence directing the offense and throwing the football.
“He is really coming to his own, slinging the ball around the field,” said Bell. “It is his first season as a starter, but it looks like he’s been doing it for a couple of years now.”
Cain’s development has also created opportunities for the Hawks’ receiving corps. Bell called out wide receiver Zen Jarmon, whose speed and reliable hands have made him a dangerous target in the passing game, and Samjay Pankey who he described as the true leader of the team.
“I got my wide receiver Zen, who’s been the beneficiary of Messiah throwing the ball around a bunch. The kid’s lightning fast. He’s got great hands, and if you get the ball in his hands, he’s gone,” said Bell. “Samjay is unstoppable on both sides of the ball and the true leader of this team on the field during games and at practice.”
Along with the team’s offensive playmakers, Bell credited team leader Darren Tito for bringing football knowledge and experience to the group. Having coached him for several years, Bell said his understanding of the game has become an important asset to the Hawks.
“I’ve had him for a couple of years now, and the kid’s just so football smart,” said Bell. “I barely have to teach this kid anything. He already knows it before I even try to teach him something.”
For Bell, helping young players develop their skills is only one part of his role with the Federal Way Hawks.
Now in his 12th year with the organization, Bell first became involved as an assistant coach when his son was playing football and his daughter was participating in cheerleading. Although his children eventually aged out of the program, Bell chose to remain because of the relationships he had developed and his desire to continue serving the community.
“Once they aged out, I decided I was having such a great time, and I wanted to give back to the community even more,” said Bell. “I decided to stick around, and another six years later, here I am again.”
Coaching players at the 12U level also gives Bell an opportunity to support young people during an important period of personal development. As they navigate adolescence and begin preparing for the next stages of their education and athletic careers, Bell believes his responsibility extends beyond teaching football fundamentals.
He said he wants his players to know they have someone they can turn to when they face challenges, whether those difficulties arise on the field or at home.
“This is the age where a lot of them start to hit manhood or start to hit puberty. So, a lot of them don’t understand, or they can’t figure out how to try to figure themselves out. And I’m there trying to help them with any kind of situation that they need,” said Bell. “Any of them that have my phone number know that if they have something up at home, they’re more than welcome to reach out and talk to coach. That is what I’m here for, because a lot of these kids don’t have a male role model in their life, so that is what I am trying to be for any of them that want it.”
Bell’s commitment to mentorship has remained central to his approach throughout his years with the Hawks. While he wants his players to succeed on the football field, he also hopes to provide the guidance and support they need as they grow older.
With the postseason approaching, Bell’s immediate focus is getting several injured players healthy and preparing his team for the challenges ahead. After a season built on conditioning, teamwork and the development of young players, he believes the Hawks have an opportunity to compete for a championship.
“Looking forward, I just got to get a couple kids healthy,” said Bell. “Once I get them healthy, we’re looking to just run through the playoffs, and we’re looking for the championship this year.”
