By Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
This week’s Seattle Medium youth football game of the week featured a heavyweight battle of unbeaten teams in Northwest Premier Junior Football League’s 10U division between HEIR 10U and the Benson Bruins.
HEIR 10U Head Coach Corry Sanders expressed confidence in his team’s preparation ahead of the big game.
“We’re feeling great as a staff, this is what we do, we prepare our kids every day, not only during the season but during the offseason so I’m feeling good going into this game,” said Sanders. “We let the athletes do the talking and let the athletes do their job. This game is going to come down to coaching and I think our team is going to do great.”
Benson Bruins 10U Head Coach Gabe Taito kept his focus on the fundamentals but offered a simple strategy for the game.
“We’re here to play football,” said Taito. “Whoever makes the least mistakes will win this game.”
The Benson Bruins got started on offense with a heavy run game led by Peyton Taito as he gained 7 yards on his first carry. Taito would continue to run the ball hard for another 4 yards to keep the chains moving for his team. However, Benson would eventually turn the ball over on downs after they would come up short on 4th down giving HEIR their first offensive opportunity
Benson’s defense would show out early with Zion “Chunky Taamu getting a tackle for loss on an HEIR player, followed by Keith Ryan Cruz nearly intercepting a pass by HEIR quarterback Maddux Sua, as the defense force HEIR to punt.
The Benson run game stood out as Taito and King Pelenato ran between the tackles to get crucial yards as they wore down the HEIR defense. HEIR was forced to punt on 4th down, and Benson’s powerful run game—featuring Taito and King Pelenato—began to tire out the HEIR defense. But HEIR responded, stopping the Bruins on 4th down when they tackled Pelenato short of the line to gain. On HEIR’s next possession, Sua connected with wide receiver Tayshawn Stephens for a 9-yard gain as the first quarter ended with the score tied at 0-0.
The second quarter opened with HEIR facing tight defensive coverage from the Bruins, leading to a few incomplete passes. On a 4th down punt attempt by HEIR, Benson’s special teams unit came through, forcing a significant loss of yardage and giving the Bruins excellent field position at HEIR’s 11-yard line. Peyton Taito would capitalize on the mishap with an 11-yard touchdown run, putting the Bruins up 6-0 after a missed extra point.
Both teams continued to make big plays on offense throughout the second quarter. Benson’s quarterback, Savion Brown, threw a 40-yard pass to wide receiver Reggie Brown, immediately putting them in the red zone. HEIR’s defense responded with a key tackle for loss by Shaquille Hewitt Jr. and Reno Verde, which ultimately led to a turnover on downs. The defensive battle continued for the rest of the quarter, and the Bruins held onto their 6-0 lead going into halftime.
The third quarter was a wake-up call for HEIR, who understood the urgency of being scoreless. Sua connected with Zahkye Sumlin for a 5-yard gain, followed by a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyree Bellinger to tie the game at 6-6 after a failed two-point conversion.
However, Benson would respond quickly. Reggie Brown picked up 13 yards on the first play of the ensuing drive, followed by a 9-yard gain. Despite some adversity—a penalty for unnecessary roughness and a high snap—Benson regrouped, and Savion Brown connected with Jermain “JR” Falefia on an 18-yard touchdown pass, putting the Bruins back in the lead 12-6. Momentum stayed with the Bruins as Miles Dequier intercepted a pass on HEIR’s next possession. Zion Taamu then broke loose for a 26-yard run, but HEIR’s defense stood firm, forcing a turnover on downs as the third quarter ended with the Bruins still ahead 12-6.
The fourth quarter saw Benson trying to maintain control of the game. Their defense continued to stifle HEIR’s passing attack, with players swatting away several passes. After forcing a turnover on downs, the Bruins focused on running down the clock. Savion Brown and Zion Taamu combined for a 7-yard gain, setting up 3rd and short. However, HEIR’s defense came up with a huge stop on 4th down, giving their offense one last chance to tie the game.
Despite the opportunity, Benson’s defense held strong. Jacob Tupou made a key tackle for loss, and Taamu delivered a crucial sack on HEIR quarterback Maddux Sua, forcing a 3rd and 21. A shoestring tackle by the Bruins on an HEIR wide receiver sealed the game, as Benson forced a turnover on downs and ran out the clock to secure a hard-fought 12-6 victory.
Despite the win, Bruins Head Coach Gabe Taito knew his team has some things to improve upon in the coming weeks.
“Lots of mistakes, and things we couldn’t capitalize on…. It’s best that we fix that,” said Taito.
