By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Playing up in the 12U division, the Benson Bruins 11U team started the season winning their first three games and scoring over 30 points per game in the process. Despite losing 43-20 against Gridiron last week, the Bruins are still looking to make a playoff run and were hoping to face Heir’s 12U team, who are sitting at the top of the division and coming off a 64-6 win against B12 Bearcats.
Heir, currently ranked second for the 2023 Fall Season National Youth Rankings, came into the game averaging over 40 points per game and have given up a combined total of only 14 points. Looking to remain undefeated this season, the Heir Apex Predators, coached by Reggie Jones, an ex-NFL player, and Super Bowl Champion with the New Orleans Saints, aimed to maintain their winning ways against one of the top 11U teams in the country.
“This was the game of the week, it’s the game that our state has been wanting to see as it featured two of the nation’s top teams at their age groups,” expressed Jones.
From the opening kickoff, Heir showed why they are currently ranked second but are making a claim to the number one spot. Defensively, Heir swarmed the Benson offense in a variety of ways, starting with their very active secondary, forcing dropped passes, incompletions, and not allowing many yards after a catch. In addition, the Heir defensive backs did not allow any big plays or the Benson receivers to get behind them.
On the line of scrimmage, Heir couldn’t be stopped, putting endless pressure throughout the game on Benson’s quarterback, forcing difficult pass attempts and creating sacks. Alongside disrupting the quarterback, Heir also hindered the Bruins’ rushing attack by not allowing big runs and getting tackles for losses because they were able to beat out blockers and limit the running lanes for the Bruins’ running backs. Shutting down any offensive rhythm that Benson hoped to have, Heir’s defense helped fuel the offense.
When possessing the football, Heir’s offense has been scoring at will all season. Arguably the quickest and most efficient scoring team throughout the entire division, the Apex Predators had contributions from many players, putting 52 points on the scoreboard.
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The rushing attack was successful; Heir running backs managed to break free from tackles, make the right reads as blockers opened up running holes for them, and more importantly, gained positive yards upfield which kept the chains moving to put them in a position to score. Once the run game was established, it allowed quarterback Cordae Norling to be comfortable in the passing pocket and make throws to open teammates. Whether it was downfield, across the middle, or in the flat, Norling kept the offense in a consistent rhythm.
When it was all said and done, Heir was able to score 50 or more points for the third time this season. Justin Suega, Andrew Peapea, Dash Jones, Marquis Tovia, Cordae Norling, and Elijah Littles all managed to find their way into the end zone for Heir, as the Apex Predators recorded 311 yards of offense.
“Heir dominated this game offensively and defensively; the Heir defense completely shut down a traditionally explosive Benson offense,” stated Jones.
With the win, Heir remains undefeated and in first place for the 12U division; the Bruins will look to get a win this week against the 5 Star Cougars. The Apex Predators will face Gridiron as they look to remain undefeated.
