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Monday, February 17, 2025

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O’Dea Blanks Peninsula, 28-0

By Macerio Clark
The Seattle Medium

On a cool Friday night under the lights, the Fighting Irish of O’Dea would come to life. In a pivotal top 10 matchup, the defending 3A state champions took on the upset minded Peninsula Seahawks in the season opener for both teams. 

The Fighting Irish showed no signs of championship hangover as they would only need 9 plays to find the end zone, as running back Cameron Daniels capped off O’Dea’s opening drive with a 9-yard touchdown run. It was the first of two rushing touchdowns in the quarter for the Irish. Daniels, who rushed for 36 yards in the first quarter on 4 carries would not be alone, as quarterback Emonte Scott completed a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Cooper Mathers that would set up the Irish with 1st and goal at the Seahawks’ 3-yard line. On the next play, Scott took a high snap and barreled his way into the end zone as O’Dea took a commanding 14-0 lead. 

The Irish continued to dominate the Seahawks defense in the second quarter as running back Noah Miles ran up the middle for a 33-yard gain to set up 1st & 10 in Seahawk territory. Scott then connected with wide receiver Davyn Patu for a 20-yard touchdown pass to increase the Irish lead 21-0. 

As the first half came to a close, the Irish had racked 166 yards rushing. The game plan for the Irish was simple, run the ball down the defense’s throat.

 “Pound, pound, pound, don’t worry about what happen, worry about the next play,” said O’Dea senior running back Tamaaulelei Ma’alona to his teammates during the game. 

When it appeared that things couldn’t get any better for O’Dea it did, as the tenacious and physical play of their defensive front set the tone for the second half by not giving up any yards in the third quarter. Forcing the Seahawks to consecutive three and outs, the Irish offense would take the field late in the third quarter looking to extend their lead.

On their next possession, Irish quarterback Jack Anderson rushed for a 3-yard touchdown capping off a 14 play, 73-yard drive to extend the Irish lead 28-0.  

The Irish running game was stellar as usual, and head coach Monte Kohler was quick to give credit to his offensive line. 

“It starts with our big kids, our offensive line,” said Kohler after the game. “Obviously, we’re deep in the backfield but it’s more of the kids [up front], they set the tone.” 

O’Dea finished the game with 294 rushing yards while holding the Seahawks to 90 totals yards for the game. Scott led the way for the Irish, completing 4 of 6 passes for 69 yards and touchdown. 

The Fighting Irish will take on the Bethel Braves at home on Friday, September 7 at 7:45pm. 

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