Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The WYFL 12U Championship game between the Benson Bruins and Rise 12U at Mt. Tahoma High School was nothing short of unforgettable. In a game that featured dramatic momentum shifts, explosive plays, and heart-stopping overtime sequences, it was Benson who emerged victorious with a 38-30 win in double overtime to claim the 2025 title.
The championship clash began with Rise taking early command and appeared to be en route to a dominant win. In the first half, Rise controlled possession, field position, and tempo, while Benson struggled to find rhythm on either side of the ball. Behind a punishing ground attack led by running backs Clyde Hawkins IV and Samson Taufalele, Rise stormed out to an 18-0 halftime lead, capitalizing on multiple possessions and scoring opportunities while their defense smothered Benson’s early drives.
The game opened with 21-yard touchdown run from Taufalele, whose physical running style and vision helped set the tone for Rise’s early success. The offense kept its foot on the gas as quarterback Brody Sapp connected with wide receiver Moses Potoa’e for a 40-yard strike, setting up more scoring chances. Rise’s defense also delivered, recovering a fumble and even adding two points with a safety after Benson’s offense was tackled in its own end zone. A 26-yard touchdown pass from Sapp to Braylon Wilson extended the lead, and with consecutive successful extra point conversions, Rise entered halftime firmly in control, leading by three possessions.
But whatever was said in Benson’s locker room at the break sparked one of the most impressive comebacks of the WYFL season. Benson made some second half adjustments and leaned heavily on their workhorse running back, Jayden Moliga, who carried the load throughout the second half. With an aggressive push up front, Moliga began to find daylight. His bruising running style chipped away at the Rise defense, wearing them down one carry at a time.
Early in the third quarter, Benson quarterback Isaiah Pua engineered a methodical drive, capping it with a 4-yard touchdown run. On the next series, Benson’s special teams swung the game dramatically when Sebastian Rojo Jr. fielded a punt and sprinted 64 yards into the end zone for a crowd-igniting touchdown. With both extra points converted, the deficit was cut to 18-16, as the momentum of the game began to shift.
Rise tried to respond, and for a moment it looked like they had regained control. Sapp found Potoa’e again, this time for a 10-yard touchdown to push the lead to 24-16 midway through the fourth quarter. But Benson’s resolve never wavered. With time winding down, Pua connected on a deep 37-yard pass to Rojo Jr., followed by a crucial 17-yard strike to Micaiah Mamea, moving Benson into scoring range. After a series of runs from Moliga, Pua kept the ball himself for a short touchdown run, and a successful two-point try tied the game at 24 with just over two minutes left in regulation.
The fourth quarter ended in a defensive standoff, with both teams unable to break the tie, setting the stage for an unforgettable overtime battle.
In the first overtime period, Rise took the ball first. Hawkins broke off a 7-yard gain before Taufalele powered in from six yards out for his second touchdown of the day. Benson didn’t blink. On their very first play in overtime, Moliga exploded through the middle and sprinted 25 yards to the house to tie the game once more. Both teams failed on their extra point attempts, leaving the score knotted at 30-30 and sending the game into a second overtime.
This time Benson had the ball first and they made the most of it. Moliga and Kay Jay Simonton Jr. combined for tough yards inside the 10-yard line, and Pua finished the drive with his third touchdown of the game on an 8-yard keeper. The extra point was converted to make it 38-30, putting the pressure squarely on Rise.
On the ensuing possession, Rise turned to Taufalele again. He was met immediately for a two-yard loss on first down, gained two yards on second down, and Hawkins added three on third. Facing fourth and goal at the two-yard line, Rise handed the ball to Taufalele one more time, but the Benson defensive front rose to the occasion. Swarming to the ball, they stopped the play short of the goal line, sealing the championship in thrilling fashion.
Moliga was sensational, finishing with 17 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown, consistently delivering chunk plays that moved the chains and controlled the clock. Pua played one of the most complete games of his season, rushing six times for 42 yards and two touchdowns while also completing all three of his pass attempts for 75 yards and another score. His decision-making, poise, and athleticism proved invaluable in critical moments.
Rojo Jr. was a game-changer on special teams and through the air, contributing a 64-yard punt return touchdown and a 37-yard reception that helped set up a key score. Buckley-Evans also made his mark with a 21-yard reception, and Mamea contributed with a clutch 17-yard grab in the fourth quarter drive.
For Rise, the defeat was heartbreaking but did little to diminish the effort of their players. Taufalele was a battering ram, carrying the ball 17 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Hawkins chipped in 72 yards on 14 carries of his own, showcasing speed and toughness. Sapp went 3-for-3 for 76 passing yards and two touchdowns and added 2 rushing yards on the ground. Potoa’e led all receivers with two catches for 50 yards and a score, while Wilson’s 26-yard touchdown catch was another bright spot in the first half.
The game was a testament to youth football at its finest—two evenly matched teams battling not just for a trophy but for pride, momentum, and the joy of the game. The Benson Bruins, once trailing by three touchdowns, showed the kind of grit and unity that define champions. Their come-from-behind effort, powered by relentless running, timely defense, and composure under pressure, will be remembered for years in WYFL history.
With the 38-30 win, Benson capped off their season not just with a title, but with a legacy moment, a reminder that football is about much more than scores—it’s about belief, resilience, and rising to the moment when it matters most.
Player Stats
Benson Bruins – Offense:
• Jayden Moliga – 17 rushes, 140 yards, 1 TD
• Isaiah Pua – 6 rushes, 42 yards, 2 TDs; 3/3 passing, 75 yards, 1 TD
• Kay Jay Simonton Jr. – 2 rushes, 10 yards
• Brannon (BJ) Uluiva – 2 rushes, -2 yards
• Sebastian Rojo Jr. – 1 rush, 37 yards; 1 reception, 37 yards, 1 TD
• Micaiah Mamea – 1 reception, 17 yards
• Zy’Aire “Motor” Buckley-Evans – 1 reception, 21 yards
Special Teams:
• Sebastian Rojo Jr. – 64-yard punt return touchdown
Rise 12U – Offense:
• Samson Taufalele – 17 rushes, 72 yards, 2 TDs
• Clyde Hawkins IV – 14 rushes, 72 yards
• Brody Sapp – 3 rushes, 2 yards; 3/3 passing, 76 yards, 2 TDs
• Moses Potoa’e – 2 receptions, 50 yards, 1 TD
• Braylon Wilson – 1 reception, 26 yards, 1 TD
Rise 12U – Defense:
• Samson Taufalele – 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss
• Dravian Careaga-Yann – 1 fumble recovery
