In a commanding Northwest Premier Junior Football League 12U playoff performance, the Benson Bruins defeated HEIR 44-0, earning a spot in the league championship game. Dominant on both sides of the ball, Benson executed explosive offensive plays and stifling defense to control the game from start to finish.
Benson’s dominance was evident from the beginning. After HEIR’s opening drive stalled, Benson took possession at the 44-yard line. On their first play, running back Henry Kwao raced 44 yards for a touchdown. With a successful PAT by Sean Novillo, Benson established a quick 7-0 lead just minutes into the first quarter.
HEIR struggled to gain ground on offense, as Benson’s defense, led by Leo Vaofusi and Charles Smith-Harrison III, continually pushed them back. Benson’s relentless tackling forced HEIR into multiple negative-yardage plays, including a 6-yard loss that forced a punt. Benson took advantage of HEIR’s difficulties, and after moving the ball steadily downfield, Kwao punched in a short touchdown run, extending Benson’s lead to 13-0.
Throughout the game, Benson’s defense dominated the line of scrimmage. Linebackers Kaiden Peterson-Leonardo and Koa Titialii consistently broke through to make crucial tackles for losses. HEIR’s offense couldn’t escape the pressure, with each attempt to gain yardage met with stops by Benson defenders.
Benson’s offense continued its efficient play in the second quarter. Quarterback Cliff Love connected with CJ Vala on a 35-yard pass, setting up another touchdown by Kwao to extend the lead to 20-0. Shortly after, a defensive highlight saw Novillo intercept a HEIR pass and return it 84 yards for a would-be touchdown, though an illegal block nullified the score. Not discouraged, Benson’s offense struck again with Kwao’s 65-yard touchdown run, pushing the score to 26-0 with minutes left in the half. Before halftime, Love launched a 38-yard touchdown pass to Selassie Trahan-Castillo, bringing the score to 32-0.
HEIR opened the second half with a spark, recovering a Benson fumble. But Benson’s defense quickly regained control. Smith-Harrison and Titialii delivered critical tackles, holding HEIR to minimal gains and forcing a turnover on downs. Benson’s defense continued its aggressive play, with Uelese Fomai leading efforts to push HEIR back.
In the fourth quarter, Benson’s defense made a defining play when Alex Richards scooped up a HEIR fumble and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 38-0. Shortly after, MJ Barber capped off the scoring with a 23-yard touchdown run following another HEIR fumble, securing a final score of 44-0.
Key Performances
Benson Offense:
• Henry Kwao (#3): 2 rushing touchdowns, including runs of 44 and 65 yards
• Landon Bartlett (#6): Multiple strong carries, including a 3-yard touchdown
• Cliff Love (#12): 35-yard completion to CJ Vala, 38-yard touchdown pass to Selassie Trahan-Castillo
• Selassie Trahan-Castillo (#23): 38-yard touchdown reception
Benson Defense:
• Leo Vaofusi (#40): Key tackles for loss early in the game
• Alex Richards (#15): 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown
• Koa Titialii (#8): Multiple tackles for loss and pressure on HEIR’s backfield
• MJ Barber (#9): 23-yard touchdown run after a fumble recovery
With this decisive win, Benson advances to the 12U championship game, bringing strong momentum and an undefeated record into the title matchup.
