By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
After losing 20-17 on a game-winning field goal last week, the Chief Sealth Seahawks, who started the season 3-0, were looking to bounce back and avoid losing back-to-back games. Standing in their way were the 3-1 Ingraham Rams, who entered the contest on a three-game win streak. The Rams’ lone loss of the season came during week one when they lost to the Ballard Beavers, 43-41.
So far this season, the Rams have been dominant, especially defensively. During their current win streak, Ingraham has allowed a combined total of 20 points between their three opponents. A key factor in their success has been winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, not allowing big plays downfield, and pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, on offense, Ingraham has found major success as they averaged 32 points per game during their win streak.
Throughout the season thus far, Chief Sealth’s offense has been impressive, thriving with their trick plays and ability to turn broken plays into points, resulting in the Seahawks scoring at a consistent rate to produce three early season wins.
On pace to surpass the four games that they won a year ago, the Seahawks had a chance to get their fourth win against Ingraham, who beat them 47-16 last year. However, they would have to do it without the services of quarterback Isaac Martinez. In his stead, sophomore Mason Filitaula was tasked with leading the Chief Sealth offense.
On their opening possession, Filitaula did not disappoint. In the first 47 seconds of action, Filitaula threw a screen pass that resulted in an 84-yard reception, giving the Seahawks a first and goal on the one-yard line. Filitaula would finish the drive with a quarterback sneak to give the Seahawks an early 7-0 lead.
With the offense having success on their first drive, Chief Sealth’s defense would prevent Ingraham from establishing a rhythm, deflecting passes, pressuring the quarterback, and recording tackles for losses.
On third down, a bad snap from Ingraham’s center went flying over the quarterback’s head for 20-plus yards. The Chief Sealth defenders out-ran Rams offensive players and were able to recover the ball deep in Ingraham territory.
In scoring position for the second time during the first quarter, it would only take Chief Sealth’s offense one play to score another touchdown. Running a trick-play, Filitaula handed the ball off to Jaylen Pham-Alejaga as he ran towards the sidelines before throwing a 20-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jamal Guy, Jr., giving Chief Sealth a 14-0 lead.
Facing a 14-point deficit early in the game, Ingraham needed to put points on the board quickly. The Rams would establish their rushing attack behind the hard running of Ethan Rudell. Rudell’s ability to run past defenders, bounce off tackles, and move the chains was the boost that the Rams needed.
Getting in the red zone, Rudell scored on a five-yard touchdown run to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 14-7 heading into the second quarter. The next 12 minutes of the game were a defensive battle filled with punts, no rhythm offensively, incomplete passes, deflections, and stops at the line of scrimmage as neither team scored a touchdown during the second quarter.
Holding a 14-7 lead coming out of the halftime break, Chief Sealth looked to hold onto their lead, and although their offense couldn’t regain the momentum they had in the first quarter, their defense continued to lead the way. For roughly 10 minutes, they kept Ingraham out of the endzone.
With two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Ingraham’s offense rallied behind Rudell like they did in the first. In the red zone for the second time, Rudell received the handoff, ran past a few Chief Sealth defenders, and broke a tackle as he scored his second touchdown of the afternoon.
With the game tied at 14 heading into the fourth quarter, execution was the apparent theme for both teams. Whichever team minimized their mistakes, such as penalties, missed tackles, blocks, or catches, would likely take their team to victory.
Ingraham’s offense found continued success with their run game and controlled the time of possession. Mixing it up with different running backs, quarterback Harold Hayes handed off to Jorge Avila and Jack Pearson, both of whom kept the chains moving.
What looked to be a scoring drive for the Rams turned into a turnover on downs thanks to Chief Sealth’s secondary coming up with a huge hit to force an incomplete pass. Getting the ball back with under six minutes remaining, the Seahawks’ offense just couldn’t find any momentum like they had in their first two possessions, as the offense sputtered and gave the ball back to Ingraham at the three-minute mark.
Looking to put together a game-winning drive, Hayes did just that for the Rams. Hayes threw a 20-yard pass to Pearson before a three-yard run by Avila would set up a misdirection play. Hayes, faking the handoff to Avila, rolled out to his right and found Pearson with open field and blockers in front of him.
As Pearson came towards the sideline, he broke three Seahawk tackles on his way into the endzone for a touchdown, giving Ingraham their first lead of the game at 21-14 with 1:04 remaining.
With under a minute left, Ingraham’s defense kept Chief Sealth’s offense from making it past the 50-yard line and ended their potential game-tying drive with a sack.
Outscoring the Seahawks by 14 points in the second half, Ingraham completed their comeback, winning 21-14 to hand Chief Sealth their second consecutive loss. Now 4-1 with a three-game win streak, the Rams will face Roosevelt next week.
Dropping to 3-2, Chief Sealth is on the road next week against non-conference opponent Brewster High School.
Pictorial Highlights of Ingraham vs Chief Sealth
