By Kiara Doyal
The Seattle Medium
The No. 4-seeded HEIR 12U team used a pair of touchdowns in the closing minute of the first half and a dominant defensive performance to defeat the No. 5-seeded Benson Bruins 11U team 18-0 in the opening round of the Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) playoffs.
With both teams looking to keep their championship hopes alive, the matchup featured a scoreless opening quarter, key defensive stops and multiple turnovers before HEIR took control just before halftime.
HEIR opened the game by kicking off to Benson, and its defense wasted little time making its presence felt. On Benson’s opening possession, Latrell Noel broke through the offensive line to sack Bruins quarterback David Valentine, putting Benson behind the chains.
Benson attempted to respond with a 9-yard run by Fakaosi Jr Talakai, but penalties and defensive pressure made it difficult to establish an offensive rhythm. Talakai’s fourth-down run came up short, but a penalty against HEIR gave the Bruins another opportunity. Benson was unable to capitalize, as another false start, a tackle for loss, an incomplete pass and a fumble the Bruins recovered eventually led to a turnover on downs.
HEIR took possession, but Benson’s defense answered with pressure of its own. A holding penalty pushed HEIR backward, and Benson defenders Messiah Nettles and David Bell teamed up to bring down Jaylen Price II. Charlie Butela managed a 3-yard gain before a Benson penalty extended the drive.
Price followed with a 6-yard run, but a bad snap stalled HEIR’s momentum as the opening quarter ended with the teams tied at 0-0.
The second quarter opened with HEIR looking to capitalize on its possession. Quarterback Grayson Kvamme connected with Butela for a 2-yard completion, but an incomplete pass brought up fourth down. HEIR appeared to score on the ensuing play, but a holding penalty wiped away the touchdown. Another incomplete pass ended the drive, keeping the game scoreless.
Benson put together a promising drive behind runs of four and nine yards by Talakai, a 1-yard carry by Nettles and a 12-yard completion from Valentine to Nettles.
However, HEIR’s defense came up with a critical play when Benson fumbled, and Ezekiel Jennings recovered the ball to give HEIR another opportunity.
Price immediately appeared to capitalize with a touchdown run, but the score was called back. He followed with runs of 20 and four yards to move HEIR closer to the end zone.
After using a timeout with one minute remaining in the half, HEIR continued its offensive push. Kvamme connected with Caleb Magdsick for an 8-yard completion before delivering a 14-yard touchdown pass to Noel. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but HEIR had taken a 6-0 lead with just 46 seconds remaining in the first half.
The excitement wasn’t over.
Benson fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and HEIR recovered, giving its offense another chance to score before halftime. However, Benson’s King Zirek Turner-Sims intercepted a pass from Kvamme, briefly giving the Bruins an opportunity to respond.
After a loss of a yard and a penalty against HEIR, Valentine attempted to move the ball downfield. But HEIR’s defense delivered another big play as Joseph Kennerly IV intercepted Valentine’s pass, returning possession to HEIR.
With the clock winding down, Kvamme connected with Kennerly for a 22-yard touchdown pass. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but HEIR had scored twice in the closing moments of the quarter to take a 12-0 lead into halftime.
HEIR carried that momentum into the second half, receiving the opening kickoff and immediately going back to work.
Kennerly started the possession with a 3-yard run before a holding penalty pushed the offense backward. That setback didn’t slow down Price, who broke through Benson’s defense for a 31-yard run. Kennerly followed with a 7-yard carry, setting up a third-and-short situation.
Clyde Chisolm Jr. finished the drive with a 7-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt was unsuccessful, but HEIR had stretched its lead to 18-0 with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter.
Benson needed to respond, but HEIR’s defense continued making it difficult for the Bruins. Talakai managed an 8-yard run, and a penalty against HEIR improved Benson’s field position, but the Bruins couldn’t capitalize.
HEIR’s defense recorded another sack, forcing Benson into a fourth-and-long situation. Talakai was stopped for no gain, and Benson turned the ball over on downs.
HEIR took over, but the Bruins’ defense slowed the offense. A penalty and three consecutive incomplete passes left HEIR facing fourth-and-25. Kvamme connected with Price for nine yards, but it wasn’t enough to move the chains.
Benson regained possession, but another fumble threatened to derail the drive. The Bruins recovered their own fumble and maintained possession as the third quarter ended with HEIR leading 18-0.
The fourth quarter began with Benson still looking for its first points. Valentine picked up three yards on the ground before throwing consecutive incomplete passes. Facing fourth-and-10, the Bruins were unable to convert, giving HEIR possession.
HEIR looked to add to its lead, and Price delivered another big play with a 13-yard run. Kennerly followed with a 17-yard carry, bringing HEIR inside the 10-yard line.
Kennerly added another yard before Kvamme threw an incomplete pass and then rushed for five yards, setting up fourth-and-two at the 2-yard line. However, Benson’s defense came up with an important goal-line stand, forcing an incomplete pass and preventing HEIR from adding to its lead.
Benson took over deep in its own territory. After an incomplete pass from Valentine, Talakai broke loose for a 7-yard gain, and Valentine added a 16-yard run to move the Bruins forward.
Valentine then connected with Nettles for a 24-yard completion, moving the ball near midfield. But just as Benson appeared to be building momentum, HEIR’s defense delivered another critical play.
Valentine attempted another pass, but Price came away with the interception, ending the Bruins’ drive and giving possession back to HEIR.
With the clock winding down, Kvamme completed an 8-yard pass to a receiver wearing No. 46. HEIR maintained possession as the game ended, securing an 18-0 victory and a playoff shutout.
Price finished with 74 rushing yards on five carries, while Kvamme had 63 passing yards and two touchdown passes. Kennerly contributed 25 rushing yards, a 22-yard touchdown reception and an interception. Noel added a touchdown reception and a sack, while Chisolm scored on a 7-yard run.
For Benson, Talakai led the rushing attack with 38 yards on eight carries, while Nettles recorded two receptions for 36 yards. Despite being held scoreless, the Bruins produced several defensive stops, including an interception by Turner-Sims and a fourth-quarter goal-line stand.
After the game, HEIR 12U head coach Raf Berry said he was extremely proud of his young men and the way they competed.
“They came out focused, disciplined, and ready to play physical football. What impressed me most was their energy, execution, and willingness to play for one another. We challenged them to trust their preparation, know their jobs, and give maximum effort, and they responded,” said Berry. “This win was bigger than the scoreboard. It was a reflection of their hard work, growth, and commitment to each other. We still have work to do, but I love the direction we’re heading.”
Game Statistics
HEIR
Passing: Grayson Kvamme, 6 completions, 63 yards, 2 TDs.
Rushing: Jaylen Price II, 5 carries, 74 yards; Joseph Kennerly IV, 4 carries, 25 yards; Clyde Chisolm Jr., 1 carry, 7 yards, 1 TD; Grayson Kvamme, 1 carry, 5 yards; Charlie Butela, 1 carry, 3 yards.
Receiving: Joseph Kennerly IV, 1 reception, 22 yards, 1 TD; Latrell Noel, 1 reception, 14 yards, 1 TD; Jaylen Price II, 1 reception, 9 yards; Caleb Magdsick, 1 reception, 8 yards; No. 46, 1 reception, 8 yards; Charlie Butela, 1 reception, 2 yards.
Defense: Latrell Noel, 1 sack; Ezekiel Jennings, 1 fumble recovery; Joseph Kennerly IV, 1 interception; Jaylen Price II, 1 interception; unidentified player, 1 sack.
Benson Bruins 11U
Passing: David Valentine, 2 completions, 36 yards.
Rushing: Fakaosi Jr Talakai, 8 carries, 38 yards; David Valentine, 2 carries, 19 yards; Messiah Nettles, 1 carry, 1 yard.
Receiving: Messiah Nettles, 2 receptions, 36 yards.
Defense: King Zirek Turner-Sims, 1 interception; Nehemiah Howard, 1 interception
