Compiled by Karrington Kincaid
In The GRID’s Washington Youth Football League Game of the Week, the Benson Bruins used a steady rushing attack and strong team tackling to earn a 49–6 win over the CD Panthers in 8U division play. Benson rushed for 340 yards and scored seven touchdowns on the ground, spreading the ball across multiple backs while playing disciplined, assignment-based defense.
Benson opened the game with an onside kick recovery by Raynen Alejaga, giving the Bruins an early opportunity to establish their rhythm. After a short series of runs by Judah Maile and Khalil Ladd, the Bruins were turned away on downs, but their defense responded immediately by holding CD to minimal gains. Kiela Sausau and James Hatfield Jr. each recorded stops behind the line of scrimmage to force a turnover on downs.
The Bruins took control on their next drive with a 12-yard carry by Ladd and a 22-yard burst from Tyrone Bellinger Jr. That set up a 17-yard touchdown run by Hatfield Jr., who followed a block to the outside and found space down the sideline. The extra point was good, giving Benson a 7–0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Early in the second, Ladd broke loose for a 40-yard touchdown run that showcased both speed and vision. Following another defensive stop—highlighted by tackles for loss by Karmelo Fesili—the Bruins put together a quick scoring drive. Emmett Noel picked up 21 yards on a well-blocked run, and Maile added 18 yards before Ladd punched in a 5-yard touchdown.
The Panthers got on the board with a big play of their own. Jarmaquil Keeley Jr. returned the ensuing kickoff 60 yards for a touchdown, cutting into the Bruins’ lead. But the Bruins answered immediately. After a 17-yard run by Maile and a short gain from Ladd, Hatfield Jr. scored again on a 13-yard carry. On the next kickoff, Ladd recovered the onside kick and, just two plays later, broke away for a 46-yard touchdown—his third of the game. At halftime, the Bruins held a 35–6 lead.
The second half opened with more efficient running from Benson. Aiden Nieves-Leon picked up 18 yards, and Maile followed with a 42-yard rushing touchdown midway through the third quarter. Defensively, the Bruins kept CD in check with more stops in the backfield, including tackles from Ladd and Fesili that resulted in negative yardage.
In the fourth quarter, Maxwell Kis-Young added a 23-yard run before Hatfield Jr. found the end zone once more on an 8-yard carry, completing his three-touchdown day. The Panthers responded with their best offensive series of the game, as Daniel Caldera broke off a 29-yard gain and added a 7-yard carry. Da’Reek Whitner chipped in with an 11-yard run, and Syn’cere Williams added 4 yards, but the drive stalled just outside the red zone.
Benson’s defense played a key role throughout. Ladd led the team with three tackles, including two for loss. Fesili and Sausau each recorded two tackles for loss, helping the Bruins control the line of scrimmage. Hatfield Jr., Erwin Sessions, and Isaac Romos-Vilchez also contributed stops. For CD, Camden Johnson and Williams each recorded tackles for loss, and Keeley Jr. stood out with his kickoff return touchdown.
After the game, Benson head coach Mike Fesili praised his team’s focus and commitment.
“Our mindset is to be physical, physical, physical and to come to work and do our jobs,” Fesili said. “They come to work … they come to practice every day, and that’s what makes us great.”
Both teams showed effort and sportsmanship throughout the matchup, and the Panthers will look to build on their second-half improvements as the season continues.
Player Stats
Benson Bruins Offense:
• Khalil Ladd: 8 carries, 117 yards, 3 TD
• Judah Maile: 5 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD
• James Hatfield Jr.: 4 carries, 51 yards, 3 TD
• Tyrone Bellinger Jr.: 2 carries, 30 yards
• Emmett Noel: 1 carry, 21 yards
• Aiden Nieves‑Leon: 1 carry, 18 yards
• Maxwell Kis‑Young: 1 carry, 23 yards
Benson Bruins Defense:
• Khalil Ladd: 3 tackles (2 for loss)
• Karmelo Fesili: 2 tackles (2 for loss)
• Kiela Sausau: 2 tackles (1 for loss)
CD Panthers Offense & Special Teams:
• Jarmaquil Keeley Jr.: 60‑yard kickoff return TD
• Daniel Caldera: 4 carries, 38 yards
• Da’Reek Whitner: 1 carry, 11 yards
CD Panthers Defense:
• Syn’cere Williams: 1 tackle for loss
• Camden Johnson: 1 tackle for loss
