By Kiara Doyal
The Seattle Medium
Tac City came out firing offensively in its Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) 10U playoff matchup against HEIR, building an early lead behind a powerful rushing attack before holding off a determined second-half comeback to secure a 31-24 victory.
Led by Alijah DeMyers, who scored three rushing touchdowns, and Alijah Nelson, who added a 69-yard touchdown run, Tac City established control early and carried an 18-6 advantage into halftime. However, HEIR refused to go away, scoring three second-half touchdowns and holding Tac City scoreless in the fourth quarter to make it a one-score game.
Tac City wasted little time establishing its rushing attack. Nelson opened with a five-yard gain before DeMyers followed with an impressive 16-yard run. Nelson then broke loose for another explosive 25-yard carry, putting Tac City inside the 10-yard line. DeMyers finished the drive with a nine-yard rushing touchdown, giving Tac City an early 6-0 lead with 8:25 remaining in the first quarter. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.
HEIR struggled to find its footing on its opening possession as Tac City’s defense forced consecutive losses of yardage before forcing a punt.
Tac City quickly took advantage of the opportunity. After a no-gain play and a penalty, Nelson broke free for an incredible 69-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 12-0 with 6:05 remaining. The extra-point attempt was again unsuccessful.
HEIR responded with a drive of its own, finding some rhythm through the passing game. Quarterback Kaleb Marshall connected with Makaya Stokes before eventually finding Zyair Mora for an 11-yard touchdown pass. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, cutting Tac City’s lead to 12-6.
Tac City answered immediately as quarterback Apollo Neloms connected with Marclay Clinton for a huge 38-yard completion before finding Kameron Ross for a five-yard touchdown pass. Tac City took an 18-6 lead into the second quarter.
HEIR opened the second quarter with an opportunity to cut into the deficit, but Tac City’s defense held strong near the goal line. After a short gain from Roman Ailport, Marshall’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Tac City looked to extend its lead behind runs from Neloms, Nelson and DeMyers. However, penalties and an incomplete pass stalled the possession, eventually giving HEIR the ball back.
HEIR responded with a promising offensive series as Marshall connected with Rani Losefa for an impressive 31-yard completion to move the offense downfield. Tac City’s defense came up with a huge play, though, as Ross intercepted Marshall’s pass to give Tac City possession.
The interception gave Tac City another opportunity to build on its lead, but the offense struggled to find room against HEIR’s defense. After losing yardage and failing to complete two passes, Tac City turned the ball over on downs.
HEIR had another chance to put points on the board before halftime, but Tac City’s defense continued to hold firm. Neither team found the scoreboard during the remainder of the quarter, sending Tac City into halftime with an 18-6 advantage.
Tac City kicked off to begin the second half, and HEIR looked to build momentum. However, the offense struggled to establish consistency, with Tac City’s defense limiting the rushing attack and forcing another turnover on downs.
Tac City wasted little time capitalizing. On its first offensive opportunity of the quarter, DeMyers broke loose for an explosive 58-yard rushing touchdown. Dazhinar Watson converted the extra point, extending Tac City’s lead to 25-6 with 7:08 remaining in the third quarter.
HEIR attempted to respond behind a strong 15-yard run from Ailport, but Tac City’s defense came up with another big play as Carter Townsend intercepted Marshall’s pass.
The momentum shifted again when Tac City fumbled on its next possession, allowing HEIR to recover. HEIR took advantage of the opportunity, with Ailport breaking off a 22-yard run before Stokes helped move the offense closer to the end zone.
Stokes eventually broke through for a 29-yard rushing touchdown, cutting the deficit to 25-12 with 4:17 remaining. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful.
Tac City answered with an impressive offensive drive of its own. DeMyers picked up a short gain before Neloms connected with Clinton for a 21-yard completion. After another incomplete pass, Neloms found Clinton again for an eight-yard gain.
DeMyers finished the drive with a nine-yard rushing touchdown, extending Tac City’s advantage to 31-12 with 1:49 remaining.
HEIR continued to battle and answered with another scoring drive. Losefa opened the possession with a 10-yard run before Stokes added six yards. HEIR then found the end zone as Stokes broke free for a 33-yard rushing touchdown with just 26 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, bringing the score to 31-18. Tac City managed one final seven-yard completion from Neloms to Ross before the third quarter ended, maintaining its 13-point lead.
In the final quarter, the teams continued to battle back and forth, with HEIR refusing to give up without a fight.
HEIR’s defense held Tac City scoreless throughout the fourth quarter, while the offense managed to find the end zone one final time. The touchdown brought HEIR within seven points, cutting Tac City’s lead to 31-24.
