The Renton Rangers held off a determined comeback by HEIR 9U to secure a 27-24 victory in a Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) 10U playoff matchup, surviving a game that featured explosive offensive plays, momentum-changing defensive stops and a dramatic finish.
Renton established control early behind a rushing attack led by Dion Hooks III, Quincy Mitchell and Jay’Ceon Wyrick. However, HEIR refused to go away, using an explosive passing attack led by quarterback Dayton Smith and receiver King Rory Holiwell to challenge the Rangers throughout the second half.
Smith completed six of 12 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns, while Holiwell caught five passes for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Holiwell also scored on a 15-yard run, accounting for three touchdowns in the game.
Renton’s opening offensive possession featured a steady dose of Wyrick, who helped move the Rangers deep into HEIR territory. However, the drive ended when HEIR’s Peyton Edmond intercepted a Mitchell pass near the goal line.
The Rangers’ defense helped regain possession, giving Renton another opportunity to score. After moving the ball into scoring position, Renton broke through for the game’s first touchdown on a short rushing play. The successful extra-point attempt gave the Rangers an early advantage.
HEIR attempted to respond behind Holiwell, but Renton’s defense continued to make things difficult. Hooks stopped Holiwell for a seven-yard loss during one possession, while the Rangers’ defensive pressure prevented HEIR from establishing a consistent offensive rhythm.
In the second quarter, Renton put together another sustained drive, relying on its running game to move the football.
Mitchell picked up five yards on third down, while Hooks contributed gains of nine and five yards. Facing fourth-and-long later in the possession, Ezra Arthur kept the drive alive with a 31-yard run, moving Renton deep into HEIR territory.
Mitchell followed with a six-yard gain before Hooks powered his way into the end zone on an 11-yard touchdown run. The successful extra-point attempt extended Renton’s lead.
HEIR continued battling, with Elias Dixon-Love contributing an eight-yard run and Holiwell breaking free for a 14-yard gain. However, the Rangers’ defense prevented HEIR from turning those opportunities into points before halftime.
The second half brought a dramatic change in momentum as both teams began producing explosive scoring plays.
Renton’s Evan Powell opened the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, providing the Rangers with another major boost.
HEIR answered almost immediately.
Smith connected with Dixon-Love on a 52-yard touchdown pass, putting HEIR on the scoreboard and demonstrating the big-play potential of its offense.
Renton responded with another lengthy drive, with Hooks carrying much of the workload. He contributed gains of four, 10, five and three yards as the Rangers moved inside HEIR’s 10-yard line.
However, HEIR’s defense came up with a critical stop. After Mitchell was tackled for a four-yard loss, Amir Rogers was stopped for a five-yard loss on fourth down, ending the Rangers’ scoring threat.
HEIR capitalized on the opportunity to keep fighting its way back into the game.
After a short gain by Dixon-Love and a tackle for loss by Ny’eri Cummings, Smith connected with Holiwell on a 74-yard touchdown pass, giving HEIR another explosive scoring play.
The fourth quarter featured more big plays and defensive stands as both teams fought to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Renton received an important contribution from Jeffery Kamoto, who scored on a four-yard touchdown run following another defensive opportunity deep in HEIR territory.
HEIR answered with another long touchdown pass, this time with Smith connecting with Holiwell for 46 yards.
The HEIR offense continued applying pressure later in the quarter. Holiwell picked up 10 yards on a rushing play before Smith connected with him for an 18-yard gain, moving HEIR into scoring position.
Holiwell then broke free for a 15-yard touchdown run, adding another scoring play to his impressive performance.
With the game hanging in the balance, Renton turned back to its rushing attack. Hooks contributed several important carries, while Kamoto added another short gain as the Rangers attempted to maintain possession and protect their lead.
HEIR mounted one final offensive push, with Smith connecting with Holiwell for a 40-yard gain, but the Rangers ultimately held on for the two-point victory.
Hooks finished with 76 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Kamoto added a touchdown run. Powell contributed the 55-yard kickoff return touchdown, and Mitchell helped direct Renton’s offense.
For HEIR, Holiwell finished with five receptions for 181 yards and three total touchdowns, while Dixon-Love added a 52-yard touchdown reception. Smith’s 233 passing yards and three touchdown passes highlighted an explosive HEIR offense that kept the Rangers under pressure throughout the second half.
Game Stats
Renton Rangers
Passing: Quincy Mitchell, 0-of-1, 0 yards, 1 INT; Ezra Arthur, 0-of-3, 0 yards.
Rushing: Dion Hooks III, 14 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD; Ezra Arthur, 3 carries, 37 yards; Jay’Ceon Wyrick, 6 carries, 20 yards; Treydon York, 3 carries, 15 yards; Jeffery Kamoto, 5 carries, 14 yards, 1 TD; Quincy Mitchell, 7 carries, 6 yards; Johnathan Pellum, 1 carry, 3 yards; Amir Rogers, 2 carries, minus-6 yards.
Defense: Quincy Mitchell, 1 INT (listed in official summary); Evan Powell, Dion Hooks III and Ny’eri Cummings, 1 tackle each.
Special Teams: Evan Powell, 55-yard kickoff return TD.
HEIR 9U
Passing: Dayton Smith, 6-of-12, 233 yards, 2 TDs.
Rushing: King Rory Holiwell, 7 carries, 26 yards, 1 TD; Kavell Rucker, 4 carries, 6 yards; Elias Dixon-Love, 6 carries, 3 yards; Zion Lowe, 1 carry, 0 yards; Dayton Smith, 4 carries, minus-12 yards.
Receiving: King Rory Holiwell, 5 receptions, 181 yards, 2 TDs; Elias Dixon-Love, 1 reception, 52 yards, 1 TD.
Defense: Peyton Edmond, 1 INT; Zion Lowe, 1 tackle.
