By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
The first five weeks of the football season in the Metro League have been nothing short of thrilling, with star-studded players leading their teams to victory. From game-winning field goals, shutout victories, perfect overall records, and ongoing winning streaks, to teams vying for the number one spot in their division, the stage is set for an exciting final stretch. With just three regular-season games remaining, the race to make the playoffs and beyond promises more excitement.
O’Dea Dominates Early
O’Dea, coming off a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Eastside Catholic during last season’s 3A State Semifinal game, has surged ahead this year. The Fighting Irish haven’t lost a game since November 26 of last year, boasting a perfect 5-0 record this season. Despite opponents knowing that O’Dea’s offense relies heavily on running the football, they have failed to stop them, with the Fighting Irish averaging an impressive 42 points per game.
Leading the charge offensively is Jason Brown Jr., who had a standout performance against Seattle Prep, single-handedly outscoring them with four touchdowns and racking up 360 yards. Brown was instrumental in avenging last year’s loss to the Crusaders by running for 185 yards and two touchdowns.
O’Dea’s defense has also been formidable, achieving shutouts in two games. This includes a stellar secondary led by four-star safety Kylan McDonald and a dominant defensive line that has made life difficult for offensive linemen, quarterbacks, and running backs. The team’s discipline has limited opponents to just 13 points per game.
Eastside Catholic’s Quest for Redemption
Eastside Catholic, aiming to return to the championship conversation after a heartbreaking loss in last year’s state championship, had a rocky start this season with a rare 20-0 loss to Orange Lutheran High School from California. However, they quickly rebounded in Metro League play, embarking on a three-game winning streak where they averaged an impressive 47 points per game and kept their opponents scoreless.
Their only loss this season came at the hands of O’Dea, which dropped them from the top spot to third in the Metro League standings. As one of the state’s top teams, their performance in the remaining games will be closely watched.
Garfield Bulldogs Surge into Second Place
The Garfield Bulldogs, led by California commits EJ Caminong and Rahshawn Clark, along with emerging sophomore Reylen Witherspoon, have secured the second spot in the Metro League, right behind O’Dea. Although they started the season with a 48-21 loss to Lake Stevens, the Bulldogs have found their stride with a four-game winning streak.
Garfield’s defense has been impressive, allowing just 16 points per game during this winning streak, which has greatly benefited their offense by providing quick turnovers. Caminong has connected with Clark for four of his six touchdowns this season, while Witherspoon leads the team in rushing yards with 427 and has scored six touchdowns. As they continue to solidify their identity and standing in the division, the Bulldogs face another challenge on the road against Eastside Catholic this week.
Metro League’s Sound Division
In the Metro League’s sound division, Ingraham and Roosevelt are tied at the top of the standings with identical records of 4-0 in league play and 4-1 overall. Both teams are making significant strides this season. Ingraham was involved in a thrilling 43-41 shootout against Ballard, showcasing their potent offense that averages nearly 32 points per game. Since their season-opening loss, their defense has allowed just 34 points over four games.
Roosevelt, on the other hand, has been incredibly efficient on offense, scoring no less than 47 points during their four-game winning streak. Their highest-scoring game this season was a 70-point effort against West Seattle. Defensively, they’ve allowed an average of just 10 points per game. The upcoming matchup between Ingraham and Roosevelt will determine which team remains undefeated in the division.
Playoff Race Heats Up for Third Spot
The battle for the third spot in the standings is between West Seattle and Chief Sealth. West Seattle, led by quarterback Bo Gionet, holds a 3-1 overall record and a 2-1 league play record after a loss to Roosevelt. They will face Lakeside, Ingraham, and Nathan Hale in their final three games, hoping to secure a playoff spot.
Chief Sealth, on the other hand, faces a critical must-win situation for playoff contention with a 3-2 record. Their remaining opponents include Brewster, Nathan Hale, and Roosevelt, all of which must result in wins for a chance at the playoffs.
With just three weeks left in the regular season, Metro League teams are eager to finish strong, secure potential first-round byes, and maintain their momentum into the postseason. The league is filled with incredible talent at every position, promising an exciting finish as fans eagerly anticipate the crowning of the 3A WIAA State Champions.
