Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The top-seeded Benson Bruins earned a decisive 46-6 victory over the fourth-seeded B12 Bearcats in the WYFL 12U semifinal matchup, using a complete performance on both sides of the ball to punch their ticket to the championship game.
The Bearcats came out swinging and stunned the Bruins defense on the opening drive. On just the second play from scrimmage, Bearcats quarterback KJ Hammick broke through the defense and raced 48 yards to the end zone. The quick touchdown gave the Bearcats a 6-0 lead, but it would be the only time they would score.
Benson responded swiftly. Running back Drew Fuiava gained 10 yards on his first carry to kickstart the Bruins’ offense. Isaiah Pua added a 2-yard gain before Kaleo Denwiddie rumbled for 21 yards to get the Bruins deep into Bearcats territory. Jayden Moliga and BJ Uluiva helped finish off the drive, with Uluiva scoring from 4 yards out to tie the game. The extra point attempt was no good, keeping the score even at 6-6.
From that point forward, it was all Benson.
The Bearcats managed to pick up a few more first downs in the first quarter, including a 12-yard pass from Hammick to Bennie Moreno and a couple of solid runs. But Benson’s defense held firm in the red zone, forcing a turnover on downs midway through the second quarter.
Benson’s offense regained possession and turned to Jayden Moliga, who started heating up behind strong blocking. He strung together runs of 11, 12, 8, and 25 yards before finishing the drive with an 11-yard touchdown run. The Bruins had taken a 12-6 lead.
On the next Bearcats possession, Benson’s Nehru Faattu made a back-to-back tackle for loss that helped force a punt. The Bruins then took advantage of the short field. Day Day Horne broke off a 13-yard run, and Uluiva followed with a 38-yard dash to the end zone to extend the lead. With the extra point good, Benson led 19-6.
After another quick stop, the Bruins weren’t done scoring in the half. Pua completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to Motor Buckley-Evans in the final minute of the second quarter, giving Benson a 26-6 lead at halftime.
Benson came out of the break with just as much energy. On the opening kickoff of the second half, Sebastian Rojo Jr. fielded the return and took it 75 yards for a touchdown. Although the extra point was no good, the Bruins had blown the game wide open at 32-6.
After a Bearcats three-and-out, Moliga once again found room on the ground. He added a 16-yard burst, setting up Pua’s short completion to Drew Fuiava. Moments later, Pua connected again with Rojo Jr. for a 31-yard touchdown pass to make it 38-6 late in the third quarter.
Benson’s defense continued to do its job. Hammick completed a pass to Dom Crane for 5 yards, but Pua stepped up on the next play and intercepted a pass, stopping any chance of a Bearcats comeback.
The Bruins capped off the win with a final statement drive in the fourth quarter. After recovering a Bearcats fumble, Moliga broke loose again for a 69-yard touchdown run. The two-point conversion was good, putting Benson up 46-6 and sealing one of their most dominant performances of the season.
Moliga led all rushers with 158 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Uluiva added 42 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Pua went 3-for-3 passing for 82 yards and a touchdown, and also recorded an interception on defense. The Bruins defense held the Bearcats scoreless after the opening drive and forced multiple turnovers.
The Bruins’ coaches, Benzo and Nate, were unified in their praise for the team and their coaching staff’s collective effort.
“It feels good,” said Nate. “Our main thing is getting better every single day. We like to focus on right now and not look too far ahead of us. Right now we’re going to enjoy this win and come right back on Tuesday.”
“We bend but don’t break,” said Benzo. “I want everyone to know the coaches we have make the kids. Each coach on this staff could be a head coach anywhere, but they decide to build and stick together to elevate everyone in our house.”
Benson will now turn its attention to the WYFL 12U championship, where they will look to carry their momentum and physical play into the title game.
Player Stats
Benson Bruins (Offense):
Isaiah Pua – 2 rushes, 16 yards; 3/3 passing, 82 yards
Jayden Moliga – 10 rushes, 158 yards, 2 TDs
BJ Uluiva – 2 rushes, 42 yards, 2 TDs
Motor Buckley‑Evans – 1 rush, 46 yards, 1 TD
Sebastian Rojo Jr. – 1 rush, 31 yards, 1 TD
Kaleo Denwiddie – 1 rush, 21 yards
Day Day Horne – 1 rush, 13 yards
Kay Jay Simonton Jr – 1 rush, 14 yards
Drew Fuiava – 2 rushes, 17 yards; 1 reception, 5 yards
Benson Bruins (Defense):
Ryder Scanlan – 3 tackles
Isaiah Pua – 1 interception
B12 Bearcats (Offense):
KJ Hammick – 12 rushes, 89 yards; 5/5 passing, 32 yards, 1 TD
Bennie Moreno – 2 rushes, 16 yards
Dom Crane – 1 rush, 5 yards
Braylon Sanders – 1 rush, 11 yards
Daniel Salas – 5 rushes, 8 yards
B12 Bearcats (Defense):
KJ Hammick – 1 interception
