In one of the most intense games of the Northwest Premier Junior Football League’s 8U playoff series, HEIR pulled off a dramatic 13-6 double-overtime victory over the Benson Bruins, securing their place in the league championship game. Both teams showcased hard-hitting defenses and resilient offensive drives in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The game started with HEIR moving the ball steadily. Alijah Nelson opened with an 8-yard run, and quarterback Apollo Neloms connected with Ace Jenkins for a pass to the Benson 16-yard line. But the Bruins’ defense held strong, with Misiuepa Muaau and JB Failautusi forcing losses on multiple plays. After pushing HEIR back to a 4th-and-19, Benson’s Bless Austin-Curry and Liam Brown combined on a tackle that stopped HEIR short, giving the Bruins possession at their own 25-yard line.
Benson’s offense quickly showed promise, with Austin-Curry powering through for gains of 12 and 9 yards. However, a few penalties and HEIR’s swarming defense stymied their progress, and the Bruins eventually turned the ball over on downs. HEIR took control, with Nelson leading a drive that saw several short runs and a key 12-yard gain, but they too were forced to turn it over after Benson defenders Muaau and Failautusi made critical stops.
As the half wound down, Benson mounted another drive with Austin-Curry gaining 11 yards and adding penalty yardage that moved them to their own 36-yard line. Failautusi chipped in with tough runs, but HEIR’s defense held, and the game remained scoreless at halftime.
HEIR opened the second half with momentum, but penalties repeatedly pushed them back, including one that turned a promising drive into a 2nd-and-28 situation. The Bruins took advantage of HEIR’s setbacks, with tackles from Austin-Curry and Failautusi halting HEIR’s advance and forcing another turnover on downs. Nelson found a spark later in the third quarter, connecting with Jenkins on a 17-yard pass for a first down. However, Benson’s Muaau and Failautusi delivered key tackles, ending the drive and sending the game into a scoreless fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter was marked by a series of short gains and defensive stands from both teams. Failautusi showcased his strength with several rushes, bringing the Bruins deep into HEIR territory behind strong blocking from Muaau. But as Benson faced a 4th-and-6 at the HEIR 31, a false start penalty and a failed fourth-down attempt gave HEIR one last chance to score. With under three minutes left, HEIR advanced with a strong 11-yard run by Nelson, but Benson’s defense delivered three consecutive tackles for losses to force the game into overtime.
Overtime
In the first overtime period, Benson had the first chance to break the stalemate. Austin-Curry and Failautusi each ran for short gains, setting up a 3rd-and-goal from the 3-yard line. A penalty on HEIR moved Benson to the 3-yard line, and on 4th-and-goal, Failautusi powered his way into the end zone, shedding defenders to give Benson a 6-0 lead. However, HEIR’s defense stopped the point-after attempt, keeping the margin at six points.
HEIR took over for their overtime possession, with Nelson immediately running for 8 yards. On the next play, Marvin “MJ” Marshall, Jr. punched in a 2-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 6-6. Benson’s defense then stepped up, denying Nelson’s attempt on the extra point and sending the game into double overtime.
Double Overtime
In the second overtime, HEIR had possession first. Nelson gained 1 yard on the opening play, but was met with fierce resistance from Benson’s defensive line. Failautusi and Muaau delivered key tackles, including a stop on 3rd down that left HEIR facing 4th-and-goal from the 4-yard line. With everything on the line, Nelson found a seam and darted into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown. He then converted the point-after attempt, giving HEIR a 13-6 lead and putting the pressure on Benson.
Benson responded with determination, with Failautusi pounding ahead for two consecutive 2-yard gains to reach the 1-yard line. However, a pair of false starts pushed the Bruins back to the 11-yard line. Failautusi managed a short gain on the next play, but a critical facemask penalty against HEIR moved Benson back to the 4-yard line, keeping their hopes alive. Failautusi attempted to power his way through once more, but HEIR’s defensive line held firm, stopping him short of the end zone and clinching the victory in an unforgettable finish.
With the win, HEIR advances to the Northwest Premier Junior Football League 8U Championship Game, where they will face the Tac City Bolts next Sunday.
Key Player Performances
HEIR:
• Alijah Nelson: Led the HEIR offense with over 60 rushing yards, including the game-tying and go-ahead touchdowns.
• Marvin “MJ” Marshall, Jr.: Scored the game-tying touchdown in overtime.
• Apollo Neloms: Passed for 34 yards, connecting on key plays to Jenkins and Marshall.
Benson Bruins:
• Bless Austin-Curry: Rushed for over 50 yards on the day, showcasing powerful runs that set up scoring chances for the Bruins.
• JB Failautusi: Contributed over 40 rushing yards, including Benson’s only touchdown, while also making several key tackles.
• Misiuepa Muaau: Anchored Benson’s defense with multiple tackles for loss, including a critical stop that forced double overtime.
Final Score: HEIR 13, Benson 6 (2 OT)
