By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Last Saturday, the 6U Renton Rangers defeated the 6U Bethel Bison 46-6 in a season-opening game that, despite the scoring differential, was exciting from start to finish.
The Bison, who are new to the Washington Youth Football League (WYFL) this season, took the field for their first official game with Jiovanni Medina, Elliott Barley and Tui Lopa representing the team as captains for the opening coin toss. Bethel started the game on defense, with Medina making an immediate impact by recording a tackle on Renton’s very first play.
However, Renton quickly marched down the field as Derek Lowe Jr. rumbled for a 10-yard gain before Cam’Ron Thomas broke loose for a 50-yard touchdown run to put the Rangers on the scoreboard. Thomas also converted the extra point, giving Renton an early 7-0 lead.
After recovering a Bethel fumble during the Bison’s first possession, Lowe Jr. found paydirt as he scored on a 40-yard touchdown run. Jim Proctor-Mills followed with the extra point as the Rangers extended their lead to 14-0.
Not to be outdone on opening day, Bethel answered with a big play of its own. Jack Mangum broke free for a 37-yard run before finishing the drive with a 16-yard touchdown run. Although the Bison were unable to convert the extra point, they cut the deficit to 14-6.
Renton responded with another explosive run from Thomas, who raced 60 yards for a touchdown, giving the Rangers a 21-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter opened with a defensive battle, as neither team was able to generate much offense during the first several minutes. Bethel continued to battle on the ground, with Mangum and Elliott Barley contributing runs to keep the Bison’s offense moving. Mangum also made an impact on defense, recording a strong tackle on a Renton ball carrier.
Renton eventually found the end zone again, with Thomas breaking loose for a 40-yard touchdown late in the quarter. Bethel responded with runs from Medina, who was leading the Bison at quarterback, and Mangum before halftime.
Bethel carried its effort into the third quarter. Medina picked up 9 yards on a run and later added another 4-yard gain, while Barley contributed a 6-yard run. Barley also provided one of Bethel’s biggest offensive plays of the game with a long run into open space before being tracked down by the Renton defense.
The Bison drive was eventually stopped when Renton recovered a fumble. Renton quickly capitalized, as Thomas broke off runs of 16 and 34 yards before finishing the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Rangers then recovered another Bethel fumble, and Thomas struck again, breaking free for a 60-yard touchdown, his fifth touchdown of the game, to send Renton into the final quarter with a 39-6 lead.
To open the fourth quarter, Thomas added the extra point, making the score 40-6. Bethel continued to battle, with Mangum picking up yards on consecutive runs before the Bison ultimately turned the ball over on downs.
Despite the score, Bethel’s defense continued to show flashes throughout the game. Isair McQuiston, who handled center duties for the Bison, made his presence felt in the trenches by breaking into the Renton backfield for a quarterback sack and later adding another tackle. Kyden Stevens also showed strong pursuit, combining with Medina on a tackle to help provide another defensive stop.
In the final minute, Renton added one more score when Lowe Jr. dashed down the field for a 32-yard touchdown run, sealing the Rangers’ 46-6 victory and their first win of the season.
While Renton controlled the scoreboard with its explosive rushing attack, the game marked an important first step for the new Bethel Bison 6U program as it began its first season in the WYFL.
Player Statistics
Renton Rangers 6U Offense:
• Cam’Ron Thomas – 9 rushes, 261 yards, 6 TDs; 2 extra-point conversions
• Derek Lowe Jr. – 3 rushes, 82 yards, 2 TDs
• Jim Proctor-Mills – 1 rush, 0 yards; 1 extra-point conversion
• Adrean Kirvin – 1 rush, 0 yards; 1 extra-point conversion
Renton Rangers 6U Defense:
• Derek Lowe Jr. – 1 fumble recovery
• Ya’Sier Fernandez – 1 tackle
• Kingston Jones – 1 fumble recovery
Bethel Bisons 6U Offense:
• Jack Mangum – 8 rushes, 61 yards, 1 TD
• Jiovanni Medina – 3 rushes, 17 yards
• Elliott Barley – 2 rushes, 6 yards
