Reported by Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
In a pivotal WYFL 12U clash between two of the division’s top squads, the Benson Bruins flexed their depth and execution with a 38-0 win over the previously unbeaten B12 Bearcats. Both teams entered the game undefeated in league play—Benson at 2-0, Bearcats at 3-0—and carried one non-league loss apiece. But from the opening quarter onward, the Bruins seized control and never let up, delivering a complete performance in all three phases of the game.
The Bearcats showed early promise on their opening possession, but the drive came to a sudden stop when Daniel Salas lost the ball and Benson’s Isaiah Pua recovered the fumble, swinging momentum to the Bruins. On the very next snap, Pua turned the corner and bolted 68 yards down the sideline, setting up Benson’s first scoring drive. A few plays later, Drew Fuiava followed his blockers into the end zone from two yards out, putting the Bruins ahead 6-0.
Kristopher “KJ” Hammick responded with poise for the Bearcats, picking up first downs on the ground and through the air, including a crisp 10-yard pass to Dominic Crane. But as they crossed midfield, Benson’s defense buckled down. Mesake Vee and Nehru Faaitu combined on a drive-ending stop, halting any Bearcat momentum.
Back on offense, the Bruins didn’t waste time testing the Bearcat defense again. Daylen Horne ripped off a 10-yard gain, but Benson faced a long third down after back-to-back stops. Pua calmly delivered an 18-yard completion to Zy’Aire Buckley-Evans to keep the chains moving. Penalties briefly disrupted the drive, including one that negated a 47-yard touchdown pass, and Benson was ultimately forced to punt.
Midway through the second quarter, the Bearcats mounted their best drive of the game. Hammick connected on a series of short passes, and a deep throw to Crane—fumbled forward but recovered by Braylon Sanders—moved them inside the 20. But again, Benson’s defense stiffened. Vee stuffed Salas for a six-yard loss, and on fourth-and-long, the Bruins forced an incompletion to end the threat.
Then came the backbreaker. With just one play, Pua sprinted 91 yards for a touchdown, leaving defenders in his wake and pushing the lead to 13-0. The Bearcats tried to claw their way back before halftime, but Benson closed the half with another defensive stand. Vee made yet another key tackle, and the Bruins took a two-score lead into the break.
After halftime, Benson came out with their foot on the gas. Quarterback David Boyce Jr connected with Sebastian Rojo Jr for 14 yards and then hit Micaiah Mamea for another 17. After a short gain, Boyce powered through on a one-yard keeper to make it 20-0.
Benson’s defense continued to bottle up the Bearcats, forcing quick stops and a turnover on downs. Jayden Moliga then churned out 12 yards to set up a 31-yard touchdown pass from Boyce to Rojo Jr, extending the margin to 27-0.
The third quarter turned into a clinic. After another stop, Kingston Corpuz added an 11-yard touchdown run, and shortly after, Pua snagged his second interception of the game. On the next play, Boyce launched a 38-yard strike to Buckley-Evans, capping a 25-point third quarter and pushing the lead to 38-0.
The fourth quarter was largely academic. The Bearcats continued to move the ball in short bursts, but a late fumble was recovered by Benson’s Kaydon Fletcher, and Pua ended the game the same way he started it—with another interception to seal the shutout.
Following the win, Bruins head coach Benzo emphasized his team’s consistency and mindset.
“Every game we play, we’re preparing like we’re playing in the nationals,” he said. “We never overlook any opponent or take any matchup for granted. Every team brings a different dynamic, and it’s our job to identify it and to shut it down.”
Player Stats
Benson Bruins (Offense):
• Isaiah Pua: 3 carries, 158 yards, 1 TD; 1/3 passing, 18 yards
• David Boyce Jr: 2 carries, 1 TD; 4/4 passing, 100 yards, 2 TDs
• Jayden Moliga: 5 carries, 47 yards
• Drew Fuiava: 2 carries, 5 yards, 1 TD
• Kingston Corpuz: 1 carry, 11 yards, 1 TD
• Sebastian Rojo Jr: 2 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
• Zy’Aire Buckley-Evans: 2 receptions, 56 yards, 1 TD
Benson Bruins (Defense):
• Isaiah Pua: 2 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery
• Mesake Vee: 3 tackles, including 2 TFLs
• Kaydon Fletcher: 1 fumble recovery
B12 Bearcats (Offense):
• Kristopher “KJ” Hammick: 5 carries, 54 yards; 9/13 passing, 75 yards
• Daniel Salas: 9 carries, 10 yards
• Dominic Crane: 2 receptions, 47 yards
B12 Bearcats (Defense):
• Jah’leel Smith: 1 interception
• Kristopher “KJ” Hammick: 1 interception
• Clayton Sullivan: 1 tackle for loss, 1 sack
