Youth Football

Week Three Washington Youth Football League Pictorial Highlights

Renton Rangers edged Tac City Bolts 13-6 in an 8U overtime thriller after battling to a 6-6 tie through regulation. Dondre Dowlen scored the go-ahead touchdown in overtime, then sealed the win with a game-clinching interception, finishing with 106 rushing yards, two touchdowns and two picks in a hard-fought defensive battle.

Week Three Washington Youth Football League roundup features standout performances across divisions, including Renton Rangers' overtime win over Tac City 8U, Benson Bruins' dominant shutouts, and big victories from CD Panthers, HEIR, B12 and RISE. Full scores and highlights from 6U through 14U action across the league.

Tyrone Harris began with the CD Panthers Youth Football program as a father learning alongside his son, eventually becoming athletic director. Now handling equipment, game-day duties and community outreach, Harris values mentoring youth and preserving Seattle's last inner-city football program, emphasizing structure, relationships and life lessons that extend far beyond the game itself.

Week 2 youth football action delivered dominant shutouts and statement wins across divisions. Tac City, Benson, and HEIR squads showcased explosive offenses and stifling defenses, while close battles like Tac City 7U's 13-12 win over FW Hawks kept fans on edge. Standout performances highlighted rushing touchdowns, key interceptions, and improved team chemistry throughout the league.

At 13, Daniel Salas has grown from a football-obsessed toddler into a dedicated B12 Bearcats 14U player. Balancing tackle and flag football lessons, school leadership, and team commitment, Salas continues developing as an athlete. His mother Jade reflects on his humility, perseverance, and passion, while Daniel sets new goals for speed and health this season.

Benson Bruins Pull Up Boyz 12U crushed HEIR 12U 67-6 in Washington Youth Football League play, dominating offense, defense and special teams. Zion Taamu and Reggie Brown each scored three touchdowns, while the defense recorded five sacks and two interceptions, including King Sefronio-Byrd's pick-six sealing the lopsided victory.

Stephanie White began as a Benson Bruins football mom and became the program's equipment manager, ensuring players have safe, properly fitted gear each season. Beyond logistics like helmet recertification and distribution, White values the tight-knit community, prioritizes player safety despite occasional pushback as a woman in the role, and champions inclusivity in football.

HEIR turned in a strong all-around performance, defeating RISE 26-0 behind a dominant defensive effort. The defense forced three takeaways, with Elias Ruiz recording a fumble recovery. The front four of Jakari Foster, IzeYah Faagai, Kobe Finau and Kano Stevens helped control the line of scrimmage, while the secondary, led by Kainoa Nellams, Kymani Morton, Myron Beck Jr. and Ace Wilson, kept RISE from finding much success through the air. The linebackers, led by Kelly Fenstemacher, Elias Ruiz, Marcus Marshall and Jaylen Mitchell, also helped shut down the RISE rushing attack.

When Jessica Shubin learned that the newly formed Bethel Bison Youth Football and Cheer program was putting together a 6U tackle football team, she saw the opportunity her son, Jio, had been looking for after playing flag football, and she quickly began reaching out to other families to help make the team a reality.