The Benson Bruins clinched the NW Premier Junior Football League’s 12U Championship with an overwhelming 48-6 win over the B12 Bearcats, putting on an impressive show on both sides of the ball. This high-energy championship game featured explosive plays, dynamic rushing, and a series of key turnovers. Benson’s offense set the tone immediately, and their defensive unit stifled B12 throughout the game, preventing any serious scoring threats until late in the fourth quarter.
The Bruins wasted no time showing their strength, as Kaiden Peterson-Leonardo returned the opening kickoff 25 yards to midfield. On Benson’s first play from scrimmage, Peterson-Leonardo sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown, leaving B12 defenders trailing. Quarterback CJ Vala connected with Selassie Trahan-Castillo on the point-after attempt to give Benson a quick 7-0 lead, just 28 seconds into the game. Peterson-Leonardo’s powerful start set the pace, and he would finish the game with 135 rushing yards on 10 carries, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s top playmakers.
Following the quick score, B12’s kickoff return set them up at their own 34-yard line, but they were quickly pinned back by the Benson defense. B12 running back Marcus Fleming was tackled for a three-yard loss by Benson’s MJ Barber, who showed his defensive prowess all game. Terrance “TJ” Tran then came through on third down, applying pressure that forced an incomplete pass from B12’s quarterback, Damien Leha. After failing to move the chains, B12 was forced to punt, giving the Bruins another chance to extend their lead.
Benson took possession at their own 34, but an initial holding penalty moved them back to the 24-yard line. Unfazed, Benson’s offense continued to march downfield with strong runs from Peterson-Leonardo and Landon Bartlett. A 36-yard pass from Vala to Sean Novillo positioned Benson on the B12 29-yard line. Bartlett then added seven rushing yards, and Peterson-Leonardo powered forward for another four, leading to a new set of downs at the 18-yard line. Moments later, Vala capped off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, which he followed with a successful PAT, putting Benson up 14-0 with just over three minutes left in the first quarter.
B12’s offense struggled to respond, with Benson’s defense holding firm. Following an incomplete pass and a stuffed run, Benson’s defensive line imposed their will. Leo Vaofusi sacked B12’s quarterback, pushing the Bearcats back four yards. On fourth down, B12 attempted a punt, but a penalty forced them to turn the ball over to Benson at the 30-yard line. Benson’s offense didn’t miss a beat, as Bartlett, Peterson-Leonardo, and Vala continued to make big gains on the ground. Vala broke free for a 21-yard touchdown run with 7:20 remaining in the half, his second rushing touchdown of the day. Although the PAT was missed, the Bruins extended their lead to 20-0.
Desperate to get on the board, B12 found some offensive rhythm on their next drive. Leha completed a 15-yard pass to DaeShaun Washington, giving the Bearcats their deepest penetration into Benson territory at the 20-yard line. However, the drive was cut short when Vaofusi and Fuiava, Benson’s defensive stalwarts, applied pressure, forcing B12’s quarterback to scramble and eventually turn the ball over on downs.
On Benson’s ensuing possession, Peterson-Leonardo took the handoff and blazed down the sideline for a 75-yard touchdown. His combination of speed and agility helped him outmaneuver defenders, widening Benson’s lead to 27-0 after a successful PAT pass from Vala to Peterson-Leonardo. Peterson-Leonardo’s two long touchdown runs were the highlights of a brilliant day on the ground, as he finished with over 200 total yards, including his receiving contribution.
B12 struggled to regroup, with Benson’s defense remaining relentless. On a crucial fourth down, Barber came through with a big hit on Fleming, stopping him four yards behind the line of scrimmage. Benson regained possession with 3:28 left in the first half, setting them up in excellent field position at the 40. After an attempted pass, Benson fumbled on the next play, giving B12 a brief opportunity. However, the Bearcats couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs after gaining minimal yardage.
As the half wound down, Benson had one more chance to score. Vala found himself in a long-yardage situation after a series of penalties, but a defensive pass interference call on B12 brought Benson back into scoring range at the 15-yard line with only 17 seconds left in the half. With time expiring, Vala connected with Alex Richards on a 25-yard touchdown pass to close the half, extending Benson’s lead to 34-0. Richards also nailed the PAT kick, sending the Bruins into halftime with a comfortable lead.
The second half began with B12 at their own 40-yard line and a running clock due to Benson’s significant lead. Leha tried to reignite the B12 offense but faced unrelenting pressure from the Benson defense, including a tipped pass by Richards and an almost-interception by Trahan-Castillo. Shortly after, Trahan-Castillo showcased his athleticism, snagging a one-handed interception at Benson’s 47-yard line, returning it deep into B12 territory. Benson’s passing game then took center stage as Vala looked to extend the lead. After a few short gains, Vala completed a 56-yard touchdown pass to Peterson-Leonardo, who broke free from the defense to score. Richards’ PAT brought the score to 41-0 at the end of the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, Benson’s defense continued to dominate, with Titialii and Vaofusi making key stops. B12’s offense moved the ball momentarily, but Trahan-Castillo struck again, intercepting Leha’s pass and returning it 63 yards for a touchdown. Richards connected with Trahan-Castillo on the PAT, further extending the lead to 48-0 with just over six minutes remaining.
In the final minutes, B12 finally found the end zone when Leha completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Sefronio-Byrd. Although the PAT was unsuccessful, it marked a small victory for B12 as they avoided the shutout. Benson ran out the clock to secure the 48-6 championship victory, capping off an undefeated season.
Key Performances
Benson Offense:
• Kaiden Peterson-Leonardo: Led Benson’s ground game with 135 rushing yards, including touchdowns from 50 and 75 yards. Added 56 receiving yards and scored a total of three touchdowns.
• CJ Vala: Ran for a touchdown, passed for another, and completed two PATs, showing versatility as Benson’s leader under center.
• Alex Richards: Consistent on PATs and recorded a 25-yard touchdown pass as the first half expired.
• Selassie Trahan-Castillo: Added crucial yards in the passing game and contributed a PAT reception.
Benson Defense:
• MJ Barber: Recorded hard tackles and applied consistent pressure, forcing B12 backward on multiple drives.
• Leo Vaofusi: His sacks and backfield stops kept B12 from finding any rhythm.
• Selassie Trahan-Castillo: Recorded two interceptions, including a one-handed catch and a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown.
• Koa Titialii: Stepped up with a timely sack and added pressure throughout the game.
B12 Offense:
• Damien Leha: Despite Benson’s defensive pressure, he managed to connect with Sefronio-Byrd for the Bearcats’ lone touchdown late in the game.
• Keli’i Weggen: Picked up crucial short-yardage runs when B12 was able to advance into Benson territory.
