The Metro League demonstrated its strength in the WIAA 3A State Football Playoffs round of 16, with all four of its representatives—O’Dea, Roosevelt, Eastside Catholic, and Seattle Prep—securing dominant victories to advance to the quarterfinals. The wins not only underscored the league’s depth but also set up an intriguing next round with three of the games being hosted at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium.
The O’Dea Fighting Irish showcased their dominance with a resounding 50-7 victory over the previously undefeated Mercer Island Islanders. In a highly anticipated matchup of 10-0 teams, O’Dea quickly seized control behind a suffocating defense, special teams brilliance, and balanced offensive production. The tone was set early when Tevita Nonu’s third-down sack forced Mercer Island to punt, and Sage Salopek capitalized with a 92-yard punt return touchdown. O’Dea’s defense, led by standout performances from Jeremiah Nonu and Davonn Abaga, consistently stymied Mercer Island, forcing turnovers and delivering punishing sacks. Offensively, Dondre Stringfield led the charge with two touchdowns, while Malik Dawson electrified the crowd with a 60-yard score. By halftime, O’Dea had built an insurmountable 43-0 lead, allowing them to coast to victory and earn a quarterfinal date with Mt. Tahoma.
Roosevelt followed suit with a commanding 40-0 shutout of Federal Way. The Roughriders’ defense was relentless, led by Jubilee Siitia-Tasi Utu-Galeai, who recorded a sack, and Chris Ah-Loe, who made critical tackles throughout the game. On offense, Roosevelt struck first with a 23-yard punt return touchdown by Nolan McWilliams, who later added a second score. Kash Lexing also contributed with a 20-yard touchdown run and a 50-yard interception return for another score. Despite moments of resilience from Federal Way’s defense, Roosevelt’s relentless pressure and opportunistic play on both sides of the ball overwhelmed their opponent. The Roughriders will now face Seattle Prep in an all-Metro League quarterfinal clash.
Eastside Catholic continued the Metro League’s strong showing with a 37-6 victory over the Monroe Bearcats. The Crusaders dominated from start to finish, starting with a field goal by Connor Brandt and building on their lead with a touchdown pass from quarterback Eli Marshall to Asa Thompson. Running back Jeremiah Burroughs led the ground game with two touchdowns, while Nick Jones added two more scores in the second half. The Crusaders’ defense, highlighted by two interceptions from Thompson, kept Monroe off balance all game. Monroe’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter, but it was far too late to challenge Eastside Catholic’s control. With the win, the Crusaders advance to a quarterfinal showdown with Lincoln (Tacoma).
Seattle Prep delivered perhaps the biggest surprise of the round with a decisive 34-14 upset over Lakes. Despite entering the game as underdogs, the Panthers executed a balanced attack led by quarterback Beau Oaksmith, who accounted for four touchdowns—three through the air and one on the ground. Oaksmith connected with Will Kuder for two scores, including a 22-yard strike that extended Prep’s halftime lead to 21-8. Although Lakes attempted a rally behind running back Toetu Moliga, who scored twice, Seattle Prep’s defense held firm, and Oaksmith continued to shine. Late touchdowns to Win Chandler and Ezra Maul sealed the victory and secured Seattle Prep’s place in the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinal matchups promise more exciting action as O’Dea takes on Mt. Tahoma, Eastside Catholic faces Lincoln, and Metro League rivals Roosevelt and Seattle Prep square off. With all games scheduled for Seattle’s Memorial Stadium, fans will have a front-row seat to see if the Metro League’s dominance continues on the road to the state championship.
