The Renton Rangers claimed the Northwest Premier Junior Football League 6U Championship title with a hard-fought 20-8 victory over HEIR. The top-seeded Rangers remained undefeated this season, showcasing a balanced attack led by offensive standout Dondre Dowlen and defensive powerhouse Malaki Finau. Both teams battled with tenacity, but Renton’s explosive running game and timely defensive stops sealed their championship win.
The game opened with Renton taking possession at their own 40-yard line. Dowlen set the tone early, surging ahead with a 17-yard run before adding another five yards. Just as Renton appeared poised to break through, HEIR’s defense made an immediate impact. Izehay Faagai recovered a fumble, giving HEIR an opportunity on their own 38-yard line.
HEIR looked to capitalize on the turnover, but penalties began to derail their drive. Offsides and false start penalties moved HEIR up and down the field, eventually bringing them to Renton’s 39-yard line. Kyreese Brown broke free for a 9-yard gain, but Renton’s Finau came up with a key quarterback sack, halting HEIR’s momentum. HEIR pressed forward but was forced to punt after another strong tackle by Renton’s Otulau Kamoto.
Renton regained possession, but they too were hindered by penalties. A false start set them back, but Devaughn Burrell-Lofton powered through with a 17-yard run, moving Renton down to their own 20-yard line as time wound down in the first quarter. Then, as the quarter came to an end, Dowlen broke free, sprinting 80 yards for a touchdown that electrified the crowd. Kamoto powered in the two-point conversion, putting Renton on the board with an 8-0 lead as the first quarter ended.
HEIR began the second quarter with possession at their own 40-yard line. Early penalties continued to plague HEIR, and Renton’s defense took advantage. Finau forced a fumble that HEIR managed to recover, but tackles for losses by Kamoto and Finau pushed them back further. Unable to move forward, HEIR punted, and Renton took over at their own 40 with 6:18 left in the first half.
Although penalties continued to slow Renton down, Dowlen’s ability to break through proved unstoppable. From the 30-yard line, Dowlen found open space and bolted downfield for a 70-yard touchdown, his second of the day. While the PAT attempt was no good, Renton extended their lead to 14-0 with just over five minutes left in the half.
On HEIR’s next possession, Finau and Kamoto continued their relentless pursuit, tackling HEIR’s quarterback for multiple losses. Brown did manage to grind out a 10-yard run, pushing through a crowd of Renton defenders, but HEIR ultimately turned the ball over on downs, giving Renton possession with two minutes remaining. A series of false start penalties hampered Renton’s next drive, but they were content to run out the clock, entering halftime with a 14-0 lead.
The second half saw a renewed HEIR offense, as Brown’s determined running gained nine yards on the first play from scrimmage. However, a series of tough tackles by Renton’s Lonzell King and Kamoto forced HEIR back. Brown managed to break through again with a critical 27-yard run, setting up HEIR at Renton’s 30-yard line. The drive was further aided by a couple of penalties against Renton, moving HEIR to the 19.
Despite HEIR’s efforts, Renton’s defense remained unyielding. Kamoto and Finau delivered hard stops at the line, eventually forcing HEIR to face a fourth-and-6. Brown fought his way toward the first down but was stopped just short by Renton’s Aubre Jones, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Renton took over at their 32-yard line and encountered their own series of challenges with penalties and backfield losses. After a short gain by Burrell-Lofton, Renton’s offense was halted by a big tackle from HEIR’s Jakari Foster, causing a fumble that HEIR recovered on the Renton 29-yard line.
With an opportunity to narrow the score, HEIR drove deeper into Renton territory. A few short runs by Brown and penalties against Renton brought HEIR close to the red zone. From the 11-yard line, Jaylen Mitchell bulldozed his way through Renton defenders for a touchdown, getting HEIR on the scoreboard with 1:42 left in the third quarter. Mitchell followed up with a two-point conversion, bringing HEIR within six points at 14-8.
Renton responded immediately with another electrifying play from Dowlen. On the very next snap after HEIR’s kickoff, Dowlen broke loose, streaking down the field for a 60-yard touchdown. Though the PAT attempt was unsuccessful, Renton extended their lead to 20-8 with just over a minute left in the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter began, HEIR fought back with determination. Brown broke free for a 14-yard gain, followed by another solid run of 16 yards, moving HEIR into Renton’s territory. HEIR continued to press forward, with Mitchell finding small openings through the defense. A 16-yard run by Mitchell put HEIR at the 15-yard line, where Brown drove another six yards to bring HEIR within striking distance.
Renton’s defense dug in deep. Kamoto and Jones combined on a tackle to push HEIR back to third-and-11. Then, in a dramatic stop, Finau and Burrell-Lofton halted Mitchell’s progress, resulting in a turnover on downs with just over five minutes left in the game.
Renton took possession at their 9-yard line and played conservatively, looking to run out the clock. A series of false starts set them back, but the Rangers managed to advance the ball gradually while HEIR used up their remaining timeouts. Dowlen ran for a few more yards to keep the clock moving, and Renton eventually punted, giving HEIR the ball with under four minutes remaining.
HEIR’s final drive began at the Renton 34, but Renton’s defense proved impenetrable. Kamoto and Finau tackled Brown for losses, pushing HEIR back, and Kamoto capped off Renton’s defensive stand with a hard stop on fourth down, turning the ball back over to Renton with just over a minute left in the game. Renton’s fans erupted in cheers as their team entered victory formation, securing the 20-8 win and the championship title.
Key Performances
Renton Offense:
• Dondre Dowlen: Dominated the game with 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including two runs of 70 and 60 yards that brought the crowd to its feet.
• Otulau Kamoto: Scored a two-point conversion and contributed key blocking throughout the game.
HEIR Offense:
• Jaylen Mitchell: Scored HEIR’s only touchdown on an 11-yard run and added a successful two-point conversion. Finished with 68 rushing yards.
• Kyreese Brown: Ground out tough yards, totaling 54 yards on the day, including runs of 9, 14, and 27 yards that kept HEIR in contention.
Renton Defense:
• Malaki Finau: Made multiple tackles for losses, stopping HEIR’s progress with timely backfield tackles.
• Otulau Kamoto: Excelled on both sides, with tackles for losses and a critical stop on HEIR’s final drive.
• Aubre Jones: Key stops on third and fourth downs, helping Renton secure their lead in the second half.
Renton finished their perfect season with a championship trophy in hand, while HEIR left it all on the field, challenging the Rangers until the final whistle.
