The HEIR 14U team emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle for the Northwest Premier Junior Football League 14U championship, defeating Parkland 34-22. This intense game was a display of skill and resilience on both sides, with big plays, tough defenses, and powerful offensive drives that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. HEIR’s victory was driven by standout performances in the passing game, crucial defensive stands, and key turnovers that allowed them to outlast a Parkland squad that mounted several late comeback attempts.
HEIR set the pace early, taking possession at their 35-yard line. Quarterback Cordae Norling led the charge with a series of completions to Keh’ano Corpuz, who proved nearly unstoppable in the first half. Corpuz made an early 12-yard catch to get HEIR moving, then a few plays later, Norling found Corpuz again on a 20-yard strike, setting up first and goal at the 4-yard line. Norling capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Corpuz, and Brody Robertson drilled the PAT to give HEIR an early 8-0 lead.
Parkland responded immediately. Despite an initial penalty pushing them back to their 15, quarterback Jadis Lefono broke free on a dazzling 90-yard run, leaving HEIR defenders in his wake to even the score at 8-8 after Robbie Dean’s PAT with just over three minutes left in the first quarter. Lefono’s rushing set the tone for a strong offensive showing from Parkland, who would lean on his dual-threat ability throughout the game.
HEIR took possession at their 46-yard line and continued to exploit Corpuz’s speed and route-running. Norling connected with him again for a 24-yard gain, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty set HEIR back. Still, Norling kept his focus, finding Justin Suega for an 11-yard gain, and Corpuz again for a 13-yard completion to move the chains. However, Parkland’s defense tightened up, and Nekenieh Wallace intercepted Norling, stopping HEIR’s momentum and giving Parkland a chance to capitalize as the first quarter ended.
Parkland began the second quarter with strong field position at their 33-yard line, but HEIR’s defense responded with intensity. Miguel Martinez made a big hit to set back Parkland’s drive, and Damariae Barrington grabbed an interception at the 40, handing the ball right back to HEIR. Norling quickly went to work, completing a 12-yard pass to Corpuz before drawing a roughing-the-passer penalty that moved HEIR deep into Parkland territory. After a short series of Barrington runs, Norling connected with Andrew Peapea for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Robertson’s PAT put HEIR up 16-8.
HEIR opted for a surprise onside kick, which they recovered, and continued their offensive momentum with Barrington’s 13-yard run. But Parkland’s defense came up with another interception, although a penalty nullified the return and set Parkland back. After a brief drive, Parkland was forced to punt, and HEIR’s defense remained relentless, with Marquis Tovia and Martinez making crucial stops to keep Parkland from gaining any ground.
In a series of turnovers, Parkland recovered a HEIR fumble after a deep pass play, but moments later, Corpuz intercepted Lefono and returned it 53 yards to the Parkland 10-yard line. Just as it looked like HEIR would score again, Parkland managed to recover a fumble on the goal line, keeping the score within reach. Parkland’s offense, however, was met with fierce pressure, and a sack by Martinez pinned them back, forcing a safety. This extended HEIR’s lead to 18-8 with just seconds remaining in the half.
On the ensuing kickoff, Corpuz made a spectacular 70-yard return for a touchdown, and Robertson’s PAT extended the HEIR lead to 26-8 as the first half ended.
Parkland started the third quarter determined to close the gap. Maifea led the charge with powerful runs, and Wallace added a 13-yard gain to set up Parkland at the HEIR 6-yard line. However, HEIR’s defense rose to the occasion, forcing a fumble at the 1-yard line that was scooped up by Suega, who raced 99 yards for a defensive touchdown. Robertson’s PAT was good, and HEIR’s lead ballooned to 34-8 with just over four minutes left in the third quarter.
Still undeterred, Parkland launched a strong counterattack late in the third quarter. Lefono orchestrated a series of runs, including a 31-yard touchdown sprint by Demetrois Gordon, which cut HEIR’s lead to 34-14 after the missed PAT as the quarter came to a close.
In the final quarter, Parkland’s defense came alive. They forced an early fumble, which Wallace recovered, giving their offense another shot. Lefono capitalized, throwing a 53-yard pass to Sosaia Sekona, who fumbled into the end zone but was recovered by Trent Davis, cutting HEIR’s lead to 34-22 after Dean’s successful PAT. With eight minutes still remaining, Parkland looked poised for a potential comeback.
HEIR’s offense attempted to chew up the clock with Barrington and Suega running the ball effectively. Parkland’s defense held firm, with Tavia and Martinez making big stops, including a crucial sack on Lefono that set Parkland back 14 yards. With time winding down, Parkland faced a fourth down and couldn’t convert as Martinez wrapped up Lefono for another loss, all but sealing HEIR’s championship victory.
HEIR finished the game with balanced offensive production, as Norling threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to Corpuz, who totaled 135 receiving yards. Barrington added 70 yards on the ground, while Martinez, Suega, and Tovia led HEIR’s defense, each tallying multiple tackles and critical stops. For Parkland, Lefono led with a game-high 157 rushing yards, including his electrifying 90-yard run, while Gordon added 70 rushing yards and a touchdown.
KEY Player Stats
HEIR:
• Cordae Norling: 210 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns
• Keh’ano Corpuz: 135 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns; 70-yard kickoff return touchdown
• Damariae Barrington: 70 rushing yards, 14-yard defensive score
• Miguel Martinez: Multiple tackles, including game-sealing sack
• Justin Suega: 99-yard fumble recovery touchdown, several defensive tackles
• Brody Robertson: 4 PATs
Parkland
• Jadis Lefono: 157 rushing yards, 1 touchdown; 53-yard pass completion
• Demetrois Gordon: 70 rushing yards, 1 touchdown
• Sosaia Sekona: 53 receiving yards
• Nekenieh Wallace: 2 interceptions
