By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
No. 3-seeded HEIR 9U combined an explosive rushing attack, a special teams touchdown and a strong defensive performance to defeat No. 6-seeded Royal T Titans 10U 24-0 in the opening round of the Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) playoffs.
After a scoreless opening quarter, HEIR’s offense found its rhythm, while its defense continued to make key stops and create turnovers throughout the game.
Royal T opened the game with the ball and quickly moved downfield behind runs from Jordan Ray McLin, Shawn Dixon III and DaMoni Morales. The Titans put together a promising opening drive, but HEIR’s defense held strong inside the red zone, coming up with back-to-back stops to force a turnover on downs.
HEIR answered with a 22-yard run from Elias Dixon-Love, followed by a 5-yard carry from King Rory Holiwell. However, penalties prevented HEIR from capitalizing, and the opening quarter ended in a scoreless tie.
HEIR began building offensive momentum in the second quarter with runs from Dayton Smith, Khamari Gray and Holiwell. Kavell Rucker added a 12-yard carry before Dixon-Love broke through for a 21-yard touchdown run, putting HEIR on the scoreboard. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, giving HEIR a 6-0 lead with 5:30 remaining in the first half.
HEIR’s defense quickly gave the offense another opportunity when Royal T fumbled and HEIR recovered. HEIR capitalized on the turnover as Smith connected with Peyton Edmond for a 36-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 12-0.
Royal T attempted to respond, but HEIR’s defense delivered another fourth-down stop. With only seconds remaining before halftime, Holiwell added a 12-yard run to keep HEIR’s offense moving, and the team carried a 12-0 advantage into the break.
HEIR extended its lead early in the third quarter when Holiwell returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown, giving HEIR an 18-0 advantage with 9:38 remaining.
The HEIR defense continued its strong performance, forcing another Royal T fumble that was recovered by Zion Lowe. Dixon-Love and Holiwell helped move the offense downfield, but penalties and a bad snap eventually stalled the drive. The third quarter ended with HEIR maintaining its 18-0 lead.
Royal T looked to generate some offense in the fourth quarter, but HEIR’s defense continued to deliver. Multiple tackles for loss and another fourth-down stop kept the Titans out of the end zone.
HEIR then added another explosive offensive play as Dixon-Love broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 24-0 with four minutes remaining. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.
Royal T continued fighting until the final whistle, putting together a late drive behind runs from Morales, McLin and Dixon III. However, HEIR’s defense held firm, completing the 24-0 shutout and securing a spot in the next round of the WYFL playoffs.
