In a thrilling Northwest Premier Junior Football League 12U playoff matchup, the B12 Bearcats secured a spot in the championship game with a hard-fought 43-20 victory over the Royal T Titans. Despite the final score, this was one of the most entertaining matchups in Saturday’s slate of playoff games, with both teams delivering big plays, showcasing relentless defense, and thrilling fans with their competitive spirit.
The Bearcats set the tone from the opening kickoff, as DaeShaun Washington fielded the return and burst downfield for a huge gain, bringing the ball all the way to the Royal T 16-yard line. On the first offensive play, quarterback Damien Leha found Keli’i Weggen wide open in the end zone for a quick touchdown strike. Leha then connected with Royal Sefronio-Byrd for a successful point-after attempt, giving B12 an early 7-0 lead. Washington’s kickoff return and Weggen’s score set the stage for what would become a high-scoring game, with both teams trading blows.
Royal T’s first possession, however, ended abruptly. After an unsuccessful punt attempt that resulted in a loss of yards, B12 regained possession on the Royal T 25-yard line. Weggen made his presence felt again, breaking off a 19-yard run to the 6-yard line. Two plays later, Steven Tuiileila punched it in for a 6-yard touchdown. The extra point was no good, but B12 extended their lead to 13-0.
Despite falling behind, Royal T responded with determination. Jackson Congar and DJ Morales led the Titans’ offense downfield, breaking several tackles and moving steadily into Bearcats’ territory. Congar showcased his strength with a 12-yard run, dragging multiple defenders with him, while Morales added a 21-yard dash that electrified the crowd. But the B12 defense, led by standout lineman Xeem Vue, made a critical stop on fourth down, forcing a turnover.
Moments later, Royal T struck back on defense as Greason Pita intercepted Leha’s pass and returned it 35 yards to the B12 10-yard line. A facemask penalty on the tackle brought Royal T even closer, setting them up at the 5-yard line. Morales powered through on the next play for a 5-yard touchdown, and Congar’s successful point-after brought the score to 13-7, narrowing the Bearcats’ lead with seconds left in the first quarter.
After recovering Royal T’s onside kick attempt, B12 started their next drive near midfield. Weggen continued his strong performance, powering through for a 24-yard run, followed by consecutive runs from Marcus Fleming that brought the ball to the 2-yard line. Washington capped off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. Though the extra point was unsuccessful, B12 increased their lead to 19-7.
Royal T attempted to answer back, with Morales delivering a 46-yard kickoff return to set up the Titans deep in Bearcats territory. However, the B12 defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs. On the ensuing drive, Fleming dragged defenders for a bruising 23-yard run, followed by a 31-yard pass from Leha to Washington, placing the ball on the 1-yard line. Washington then dove into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game, and B12 extended their lead to 25-7.
Royal T tried to rally late in the half. Congar added another impressive 11-yard run to his total, and Morales continued to fight for yardage, but a high snap over the quarterback’s head ended the Titans’ drive just before halftime, keeping the score at 25-7.
The second half saw Royal T come out strong, determined to close the gap. Morales, who finished the game with 130 rushing yards on 15 carries, sparked the offense with runs of 9 and 11 yards, pushing deep into B12’s territory. After a series of offsides penalties moved Royal T to the Bearcats’ 30-yard line, Morales broke through again, sprinting for a 20-yard touchdown. O’Neal found Congar for the point-after, narrowing the Bearcats’ lead to 25-14.
Royal T continued to press after forcing B12 to punt. Taking over at the Bearcats’ 38-yard line, Morales and Congar kept the chains moving, combining for several powerful runs. Facing fourth-and-8 on the 2-yard line, Royal T nearly scored, but a fumbled exchange was recovered by Vue, ending the Titans’ drive. On the very next play, Washington stunned the Titans’ defense with a 91-yard sprint, only to be stopped just short of the goal line by Pita. Weggen finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run, bringing his total to 108 rushing yards on seven carries. The Bearcats now led 31-14.
In the fourth quarter, B12’s defense delivered a game-changing play as Sefronio-Byrd intercepted a Royal T pass and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown. Though the extra point was no good, the Bearcats widened the lead to 37-14.
Royal T showed heart late in the game, responding with a creative 54-yard scoring play. O’Neal connected with Washington, who lateraled to Morales, who broke away from B12’s defense for the touchdown. Despite the missed point-after, the Titans had narrowed the score to 37-20.
B12 closed out the game with one final drive, as Fleming powered forward with consecutive runs of 12 and 15 yards, setting up a 1-yard touchdown plunge. Fleming’s effort brought his game total to 91 rushing yards on nine carries, capping off the scoring at 43-20. Weggen sealed the win with a late interception, allowing B12 to run out the clock and celebrate their victory.
Final Stats:
B12 Bearcats:
• DaeShaun Washington: 2 touchdowns, 1 kickoff return for 84 yards, 91-yard run
• Keli’i Weggen: 7 carries, 108 yards, 2 touchdowns; 1 touchdown reception
• Marcus Fleming: 9 carries, 91 yards, 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
• Damien Leha: 2 TD passes (1 to Weggen, 1 to Washington)
• Royal Sefronio-Byrd: 1 interception return for 62 yards and a touchdown; 1 PAT reception
• Xeem Vue: 1 fumble recovery, 1 tackle for loss on fourth down
Royal T Titans:
• DJ Morales: 15 carries, 130 yards, 2 touchdowns; 54-yard touchdown on lateral
• Jackson Congar: 10 carries, 79 yards, 1 PAT reception
• Greason Pita: 1 interception return (35 yards)
• Ryan O’Neal: 1 TD pass (lateral to Morales), 1 PAT pass to Congar
Final Score: B12 Bearcats 43, Royal T Titans 20
With this thrilling win, the B12 Bearcats advance to the Northwest Premier Junior Football League 12U Championship Game, where they’ll look to bring home the title and cap off an impressive season.
