Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The Benson Bruins are heading to the Washington Youth Football League’s 8U Division championship, and on Saturday, they showed exactly why they’ve been one of the top teams in the league all season.
In a semifinal matchup featuring two talented squads, Benson powered past the Federal Way Hawks in a 40 to 0 victory. The game was called early in the third quarter due to the score margin and concerns for player safety. The win sends Benson to the title game with their undefeated record still intact.
Federal Way had earned their place in the semifinals with a strong 26 to 7 quarterfinal win over Parkland, but they struggled to gain any momentum against a physical and fast Bruins team that was ready from the opening whistle.
Benson’s opening drive set the tone. Judah Tamasaunoa Maile burst for a 26-yard gain, setting up the offense inside Hawks territory. After a couple of short plays and a tackle by Kanan Rogers, James Hatfield broke free around the edge and sprinted 24 yards for the game’s first touchdown. The extra point was good, and the Bruins were up 7 to 0.
Federal Way tried to respond but immediately ran into trouble. Ayden Delacerda was stopped in the backfield by Keila Sausau, and a series of negative plays followed. David Baker and Cornelius Maxey Jr. were met by Benson’s front line, including Karmelo Fesili and Cuhsyas Ahto-Faamalele, and the Hawks were quickly forced into a turnover on downs.
After regaining possession, Benson’s offense went right back to work. Following a short gain from Maile, Khalil Ladd took a handoff and exploded through the defense for a 49-yard touchdown. The Bruins converted the extra point to go up 14 to 0.
On the very next possession, Emmett Noel pounced on a fumble, giving Benson another short field. Tyrone Bellinger Jr. took advantage, racing 52 yards for another score. The Bruins were now up 21 to 0, and the first quarter wasn’t over yet.
Another fumble recovery by Noel gave the Bruins yet another possession, and Maile delivered again. After a 48-yard run, he finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown plunge. That pushed the lead to 27 to 0 to close the first quarter.
Benson continued to dominate into the second. After Ladd recovered a fumble, Maile picked up 31 more yards on the ground, and Hatfield finished the drive with his second touchdown of the game, a 28-yard run. With the extra point, Benson led 34 to 0.
Federal Way struggled to get anything going offensively. Their best drive ended with another fumble, this one recovered by Sausau. A few plays later, Maile capped off his afternoon with a 48-yard touchdown, giving him three for the day and making the score 40 to 0.
The Bruins’ defense deserves just as much credit as their offense. Sausau led the team with three tackles, while Fesili and Ahto-Faamalele each made key stops behind the line. Benson’s defense recovered five fumbles and never allowed the Hawks to reach the red zone.
Federal Way’s offensive unit tried to find a rhythm, but the Bruins’ pressure disrupted nearly every play. Maxey Jr., Baker, and quarterback Reece Liggens were limited to negative yardage, with the Hawks recording just one completed play in the third quarter before the game was called.
After the game, Bruins Head Coach Mike praised the team’s effort and mentality.
“Our boys execute. Real physical,” Mike said. “We’re going to tell you where we’re coming from and hit you in the box every time. That’s it.”
Despite the loss, Federal Way’s season shouldn’t be overlooked. They finished among the final four teams in the league, earned a playoff victory, and developed a foundation that will benefit them next season. Players like Maxey Jr., Baker, and Rogers showed grit throughout the year, even on a tough day.
For Benson, the win was another showcase of dominance built on fundamentals, toughness, and speed. Maile finished with 165 yards and three touchdowns on just seven carries. Hatfield added 52 yards and two touchdowns, while Ladd and Bellinger Jr. each contributed long scoring runs. Noel recovered two fumbles and added several key plays, and the defense once again proved to be among the best in the league.
With the victory, Benson advances to the 8U championship game where they’ll look to complete a perfect season and bring home a title. Based on Saturday’s performance, the Bruins are playing their best football at exactly the right time.
Player Stats
Benson Bruins (Offense):
Judah Tamasaunoa Maile – 7 rushes, 165 yards, 2 TDs
James Hatfield – 2 rushes, 52 yards, 2 TDs
Tyrone Bellinger Jr. – 2 rushes, 48 yards, 1 TD
Khalil Ladd – 2 rushes, 48 yards, 1 TD
Benson Bruins (Defense):
Keila Sausau – 1 fumble recovery
Emmett Noel – 2 fumble recoveries
Khalil Ladd – 1 fumble recovery
