In a decisive performance, the Benson 10U squad captured the Northwest Premier Junior Football League Championship with a commanding 34-0 victory over HEIR. Benson’s offense took control early, capitalizing on key turnovers and demonstrating a powerful ground game, while their defense kept HEIR scoreless throughout the game. Defensive contributions from standout players like Miles Dequier further cemented Benson’s championship-winning season.
The game kicked off with Benson’s Ryan Cruz returning the opening kickoff to HEIR’s 47-yard line, setting Benson up in great field position. Runs from Peyton Taito and Chunky Taamu quickly moved Benson down the field, but a holding penalty pushed them back. HEIR’s defense took advantage, with Cariz Altheimer tackling Benson’s Johnny Johnson for a five-yard loss, forcing Benson into a punt.
HEIR started their first possession at their own 28-yard line but struggled against Benson’s fierce defensive line. After an incomplete pass, Benson’s Jacob Tupou sacked HEIR quarterback Maddux Sua for a six-yard loss, forcing HEIR to punt. A fumbled snap on the punt handed Benson possession at HEIR’s 13-yard line.
From there, Benson’s Taito punched in a 6-yard touchdown, capping the short drive. Cruz added the PAT, and Benson took an early 8-0 lead. Benson continued to apply pressure, recovering the ensuing kickoff after a miscue by HEIR, setting up another drive in HEIR territory. Although HEIR’s defense managed to slow Benson momentarily with tackles from Mekhai Crawford and Tyree Bellinger, Taito’s quick 7-yard run brought the ball to HEIR’s 3-yard line. Junior Falefia then punched in a short touchdown run to make it 16-0, with Cruz’s PAT kick extending the lead to 18-0 early in the second quarter.
HEIR’s struggles continued as Benson’s defense tightened up further. On the next HEIR possession, Sua was sacked in the end zone by Tupou and Dequier for a safety, increasing Benson’s lead to 20-0. Benson’s Reggie Brown returned the following kickoff to the HEIR 29-yard line, and Benson wasted no time advancing. A 10-yard run by Taamu and another tough run from Falefia pushed them deeper into HEIR’s territory. From the 22-yard line, Jayden Mendoza connected with Taito for a 22-yard touchdown pass, making the score 26-0 after Cruz’s successful PAT.
HEIR took over with just over two minutes left in the first half but was unable to find any rhythm. An incomplete pass and a fumble, recovered by Benson’s Osa Fuiava, gave Benson yet another scoring opportunity with less than a minute on the clock. Benson’s offense capitalized quickly, as Mendoza found Cruz open for a 22-yard touchdown. Another PAT by Cruz extended Benson’s lead to 34-0 going into halftime.
The second half saw HEIR attempting to get back into the game. Starting from their own 40-yard line, Sua connected with Bellinger for a 5-yard pass, but Benson’s relentless defense, led by Falefia, Fuiava, and Dequier, swarmed Sua on the next play. Forced to punt, HEIR fumbled the snap, with Benson recovering the ball at the HEIR 33-yard line.
Despite the dominant position, HEIR’s defense made a stand in the red zone, with Crawford stopping Benson’s back for no gain on two consecutive plays, eventually forcing a fourth down. Benson’s drive stalled as Altheimer sacked Mendoza, resulting in a turnover on downs for HEIR.
HEIR’s offense struggled to build momentum. Sua tried to scramble, but Fuiava and Dequier swarmed him in the backfield, resulting in another loss. HEIR’s attempt to pass was thwarted by an interception from Noah McKinney, who returned the ball to the HEIR 20-yard line.
Benson’s offense looked poised to add another touchdown, with Cruz running 16 yards to set up first-and-goal from the 4-yard line. However, HEIR’s defense stepped up once again, as Crawford tackled Benson’s ball carrier at the line. A fumble on the next play nearly gave HEIR the ball, but Benson recovered it at the 3-yard line. Benson attempted one final push with Taito but was stopped just inches short of the goal line by HEIR’s defense, resulting in a turnover on downs.
With under a minute left in the game, HEIR took over at their own 2-yard line but could not advance. As the final whistle blew, Benson’s players and fans erupted in celebration, marking their championship win and undefeated season.
In a game that showcased Benson’s discipline, offensive firepower, and defensive dominance, the Benson 10U team capped their season with a well-deserved championship victory. With consistent pressure from both offense and defense, they claimed the 10U title and left a memorable mark on the championship stage.
Key Performances
Benson Offense:
• Peyton Taito: Led Benson’s rushing attack with over 70 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown and a crucial 22-yard reception for a score.
• Junior Falefia: Consistent and tough runner, scoring on a 1-yard plunge, adding critical yardage on multiple plays.
• Jayden Mendoza: Passed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Taito and Cruz in critical moments.
• Ryan Cruz: Key receiver with a 22-yard touchdown catch and added PATs to extend Benson’s lead throughout the game.
HEIR Offense:
• Maddux Sua: Faced constant pressure but connected on several short passes.
• Tyree Bellinger: Showed resilience, picking up yards and completing short receptions when given space, but was limited by Benson’s defensive coverage.
Benson Defense:
• Jacob Tupou: Instrumental in Benson’s defensive dominance, recording two sacks, including one in the end zone that resulted in a safety.
• Noah McKinney: Intercepted a pass in the second half, shutting down a HEIR drive.
• Osa Fuiava: Recovered a fumble and made several stops in the backfield, consistently disrupting HEIR’s offensive attempts.
HEIR Defense:
• Mekhai Crawford: Recorded key tackles in the red zone, preventing additional Benson scores.
Cariz Altheimer: Made critical stops throughout the game and recorded a sack to help keep HEIR in contention.
