In a commanding Northwest Premier Junior Football League playoff performance, the Benson Bruins surged past Federal Way with a decisive 58-6 victory. Benson’s offense was unstoppable, and their defense delivered big plays to secure their place in the league championship game.
Benson struck first on their opening drive as Junior Falefia exploded for a 30-yard touchdown run. Though the PAT was missed, Benson took a quick 6-0 lead with 8:38 left in the first quarter. Federal Way’s initial drive was quickly halted, turning the ball over on downs and giving Benson excellent field position at the 27-yard line. Runs by Peyton Taito and Chunky Taamu moved Benson within striking range, and Reggie Brown took advantage, breaking free for a 22-yard touchdown. Ryan Cruz’s successful PAT kick extended Benson’s lead to 14-0.
On Federal Way’s next possession, the Bruins’ defense continued to shine, with Silas Fuiava and Nolan Atofau combining for a big sack, driving Federal Way’s quarterback back 7 yards. On the next play, Benson’s defense, led by Osa Fomai, stopped Federal Way’s running back for a 3-yard loss. Benson’s Reggie Brown then electrified the crowd with a 37-yard punt return touchdown, giving Benson a 20-0 lead with 2:38 left in the first quarter.
Federal Way fought for yardage as the first quarter ended but continued to face setbacks. Early in the second quarter, a 27-yard pass moved them into Benson territory, but moments later, Taamu broke through for a 62-yard touchdown run, with Cruz’s PAT kick extending Benson’s lead to 28-0. Federal Way gained a reprieve on a roughing-the-passer penalty, setting them up at Benson’s 19-yard line. Federal Way’s #30 pushed forward for a 4-yard gain, and a pass interference penalty moved them closer. Federal Way finally broke through when their quarterback punched in a 1-yard touchdown to make it 28-6 with just over a minute left in the half.
Just before halftime, Federal Way seized momentum with an interception at Benson’s 47-yard line. Although they completed two passes to move the ball downfield, Benson’s defense held steady, ending the half with the Bruins up 28-6.
The second half began with Benson’s defense once again making an impact. Falefia intercepted a pass and returned it to the 20-yard line. On the very next play, Peyton Taito bolted into the end zone on a 20-yard touchdown run, widening Benson’s lead to 36-6. Moments later, Atofau joined in with an interception return for a touchdown, and Falefia converted the PAT, pushing Benson’s lead to an overwhelming 42-6 with 5:48 left in the third quarter.
With their momentum surging, Benson continued their offensive assault. Quarterback connected with Reggie Brown on a touchdown pass, and Cruz’s PAT kick was good, closing out the third quarter with Benson firmly in control at 50-6.
In the fourth quarter, with a running clock, Benson capped off their dominant performance as Miles Dequier powered through for a 26-yard touchdown run. Cruz’s PAT kick brought the final score to 58-6, sealing Benson’s ticket to the championship game.
Key Performances:
Benson Offense:
• Junior Falefia: 30-yard touchdown run, interception return touchdown, 1 PAT.
• Reggie Brown: 22-yard rushing touchdown, 37-yard punt return touchdown, receiving touchdown.
• Peyton Taito: 20-yard touchdown run.
• Chunky Taamu: 62-yard touchdown run.
• Miles Dequier: 26-yard touchdown run.
• Ryan Cruz: 5 PATs.
Benson Defense:
• Osa Fomai: Multiple tackles for loss, key stops.
• Silas Fuiava and Nolan Atofau: Combined for sack, defensive pressure.
• Atofau: Interception return touchdown.
With their dominant win, Benson moves forward to the Northwest Premier Junior Football League Championship game next week, bringing strong momentum and confidence to their title quest.
Final Score: Benson 58, Federal Way 6
