Freshmen
SeaTac Sharks vs Benson Bruins
An award ceremony kicked off the contest to honor the regular season champions and number one seeded SeaTac Sharks, as a crisp Sunday morning welcomed one of America’s favorite pastimes, little league football. Its playoffs and the atmosphere was as thick as the fog that blanketed the field. The Benson Bruins regular season play earned them the right to be here to challenge the SeaTac Sharks for supremacy atop the NWP freshmen division. The number one seeded SeaTac Sharks and the four seed Benson Bruins.
But don’t tell the Bruins their seed, to start the contest the Bruins Liufau Loumoli scurried up the middle of the field for a 55 yard gain as Deondriel Paine capped the drive off with a touchdown, letting the number one seed know that that was regular season, and the playoffs is a whole new ball game.
Benson’s defense was not to be denied this opportunity and made its statement in the first half with a devastating sack which forced their starting quarterback Anthony Solorio-Laronel to the sideline (but only for the moment). The defense was stout in the first quarter consistently making tackles behind the line of scrimmage, they stayed in the backfield, pitched tents and lit fires, and they seem to be there all quarter long. With about five minutes left in the first quarter, SeaTac’s leader Solorio-Loronel returns to the game giving the Sharks some momentum going into the second quarter with a strong run game.
Loumoli though continue his dominance on the ground scoring again from ten yards out. Benson’s special teams struggled with point after attempts due to penalties. As the Bruins commanded a 12 -0 lead throughout the first half.
SeaTac’s defense showed why its team is the number one seed by remaining disciplined giving the Bruins a couple of 3 and outs and fumble recovery. Immanuel Naitoko enters the second quarter with a monster tackle for loss of 6 yards as well as rushed for several yards to help the offense. Offensively in the second the Sharks came alive with contributions by Mohkan Brar who had a bruising 15 yard run punishing tacklers, Malakai Leuelu, Jeremiah Petty all attributed to the running game.
The third quarter was the same. SeaTac had the momentum J’Shaun Wilson threw a strike for a 60 yard touchdown to Jaylinn Haywood to start the third quarter.
Lack of concentration hampered the Bruins for a while as penalties (3 for 30 yards) piled up. Naitoko showed off the Sharks running game with a 25 yard scamper and a consequential facemask put the Sharks in scoring position. But the Bruins denied them that opportunity.
The fourth quarter is what wins games as the Bruins tested the pride of the Sharks. The Sharks were struggling to get into the end zone. The Bruins running game began to click again as Loumoli was gaining yards at will, each attempt had touchdown potential, but the Sharks defense possessed pride as well making a valiant effort. But with four minutes and twenty-nine seconds left in the game Loumoli went right up the middle and scored putting the Sharks out of contention for the title 19-7 and the game out of reach.
5-Star vs Rainier Ravens
The start of the little league playoffs got off to an amazing start this past weekend with a matchup featuring the 5-Star White and the Rainier Ravens. Jumping out to an early first quarter league, the 5-Star squad showed their offensive versatility at the skill positions with QB Hubert Isip, Jr. and the dynamic RB Lebron Adams, looking like they would go into the locker room up by 6. The five star peewees scored with 12 seconds remaining by RB Andrew Sauue making the score 13-0.
At the second half, both teams played tough. Especially on defense, the Five Star team created turnovers and forced the Ravens into numerous penalties. Although the Ravens were down by 13, they were never out of it despite both teams failure to move the ball due to turnovers, six to be exact, and made the game very competitive at the 6:39 mark in the fourth quarter. The Ravens eventually broke the game wide open with a key block from the right side of the offensive line to spring Jeriah Winston, who took it to the house with a 68 yard run to get the Ravens back in the game. That run seemed to have woke up the young peewees when the Five Star team receive the ball again with less than 5min left. RB Adams went for a big gain of 54 yards down the sideline to put them in great field position on the 8 yard line. He drove to finish off the Ravens but another turnover stalled their drive.
With the score 20-7, Winston took it on a 3rd and 4 for an 80 yard run that demoralized the Five Star defense. Now coming back strong with the score 20-13, Five Star came back on offense as they were in a 4th and 5 on their own 45 yard line; they could not convert and that gave the Ravens one more chance to tie the game. With a big play on defense, Adams ripped the ball away from a Five Star runner and returned at 85 yards to Pay Dirt, getting the Ravens within 1 point. However, the Ravens were denied the extra point as Isip jr. and Javeon Jackson made a gain winning defensive stop, preserving the victory 20-19 and a big playoff win and a spot in next week’s championship game.
Sophomore
Benson Bruins vs Foss Falcons
Celebrations continued as the Benson Bruins were honored as the Sophomore Regular Season Champions and number one seed as they had to deal with a strong Foss Falcons team in the fight for a position in the championship game.
On Foss’s first possession appeared promising as they marched down field converting on first downs, but the Bruins defense stepped up and penalties killed that promise and that drive ended up scoreless for the Falcons.
Devon Forehand and Chanz Davidson of the Benson Bruins took control and began forcing their will in the running and passing game, but the Falcons defense held tight to give the number 1 seed a scoreless opening drive as well. The Falcon’s defense managed an interception and found themselves in the Bruins backfield often.
The second quarter was a different story. Chanz Davidson showed why he is one of the best running threats in the sophomore division by starting the 2nd quarter with a 13 yard score. The Falcons worked hard to show they deserved to be there, but with a 5 yard pass Davidson converts it to a 35 yard gain putting the Bruins in scoring position as Jeremiah Borroughs pounds in a touchdown from 5 yards out. Extra attempt is good with pass from Devon Forehand to Cameron Hiatt.
The Falcons down 13 –0 sustained a competitive running game Jerome Jucas, Jabez Boyd contributed to the cause. The second half Benson came with bad intentions; a 40 yard kickoff return put the Bruins in scoring position again at the 13 yard line. A reverse placed Cameron Hiatt in the end zone. ` Foss’s heavy lifter Jerome Lucas put in a 35 yarder giving the Falcon’s run game a lift.
TJ Sialega and Jahaori defense stepped up as well. Marciano Samano ended the Bruins drive with a sack and a fumble. In Foss’s pursuing drive Devon Forehand returned the favor with an interception sealing the win for the Champion Benson Bruins 25-0.
White Center vs SeaTac Sharks
Two teams that pride themselves on offense battle it out with great running and passes. Early in the first half, Seatac QB Jorge Martinez Lopez got his team rolling with his ability to run under pressure; White Center also showed why they deserved to be in the elite category on both sides of the ball. White Center’s Necka Kapesi and Jullian Harris Samson did damage, mixing up the run and misdirection plays. Keeping the Shark defense off balance enabled White Center to move methodically down field. With 9:20 in the second quarter, deep in Shark territory, the Seahawks were unable to convert as they turned the ball over on downs.
At this point both teams have pushed each other around, being very physical on defense. The coaching staff for the Seahawks felt it was time to open the playbook and spread the Sharks out, creating running lanes for a punishing offense led by Michael Suitonu, a.k.a. Papa. He barreled over Shark defenders for big yardage. In a spread offense, De’nali (DaeDae) Faletogo got a hand off and then reversed back across the field for a long 46-yard rumble, carrying Shark defenders on his back. With 3:03 until the half, the score was 0-0. Harris Sampson then threw a beautiful strike to Sirnaomas Failautusi for the first touchdown of the day. Score was 7-0 at by the break.
During the 3rd quarter, Seatac came out with confidence. Only down by 7, Teu Kontaika busted up the middle and herded a White Center LB into the end zone for 68 yeards, ending on a touchdown. This ignited the Shark bench and the Seatac fans. With the White Center squad up by a point late in the 3rd quarter, both defenses playing well held each other to minimal yardage. Driving late in the third, Lopez hooks up with one of his favorite play makers, Tyrone Jones who ran for big yardage on the drive but unable to turn them into points. With the score 7-6, going into the fourth quarter, the powerful Seahawks offenseive line started taking its toll on the Sharks.
As White Center scored on a long pass play down the sideline, Lopez to Dominic Taapeto bumped the score to 13 to 6. Unfortunately, the Sharks did not go away, but still was determined to get back in the game. Lopez was willing his team downfield with help from Ramon, Johns, Jr., who was very efficient and made smart plays and had a key block to spring his twin brother, Tyron, loose. He received substantial gains on the drive but to no availability. The White Center defense was just too strong with Katesi and Michael “Big “Papa” Suitonu, who was a beast on defense, shut down the Shark offense, suffocating their running game.
The Sharks were still resilient. They were not going down without a fight. Jones took matters into his own hands as he tried to keep the season alive with two first downs.The next play was on end around by number Devin Kam Inonge, because he sprang 38 yards to the house to make 13-12.. The White Center defense was all over. It was led by Junior Nicko Semo and Sir Naomas Failautusi who shut the door on the Sharks. When they were close, games and a big playoff victory on the road towards championship.
Junior
Team Blackout vs Lakewood Lumberjacks
Defense was the tone for Team Blackout. Gabarri Johnson Team Blackout’s standout quarterback and defensive linebacker set the tone with a vicious tackle behind the line of scrimmage, making sure the Lumberjacks knew what loss meant. The Lumberjacks drive was not without its own drama. Desante Tateishi accepted an over the shoulder, tear drop pass keeping Lakewood’s drive alive, but then reality set in and Team Blackout’s defensive with another sack put a halt to that notion.
On Team Blackout’s ensuing drive Johnson tossed a dime to Javais Pegues for 20 yards and a touchdown. At this time, the Lumberjacks were riddled with penalties making it difficult to get past their 20 yard line. With 2:12 left in the first quarter, Team Blackout’s D’Marcus Alexander is in at quarterback, and orchestrates a drive including a 12 yard first down gainer and a 20 yard sprint by Johnson scoring, making it 12-0 after first quarter.
To start the second discipline was lacking on the side of Team Blackout. As sharp as they were in the first, an alter ego showed up in the second. Penalties, get your free penalties! Penalties were abundant for Team Blackout. Two touchdowns called back, for every step forward, two steps back. The Lumberjacks’ Tapaloa Tusi put in work as both a lineman and running back. And with his size at just over 300lbs, he made Blackout’s defense work hard.
Lakewood’s defense woke up in the second as Tyshawn Clay deflected a possible touchdown on a red zone stance, a sweet defensive play. But reality sets in again and the Blackout’s Gabarri Johnson exerted that dominance and scored a touchdown.
Tapaloa Tusi began to exert his own as he made his presence known on defense with a “behind the scrimmage” tackle for a loss. Team Blackout recovers and marches down the field ending the first half with a 15 yard pass from Johnson to Rosborough for a touchdown with a little more than a minute left on the clock.
The second half was no different. Team Blackout’s defense had bad intentions as they swarmed every running attempt by the Lumberjacks. Though plagued with penalties Team Blackout’s offense remained steadfast. The running set up a Johnson and Pegues 5 yard touchdown pass when all was said and done.
To end the game Lakewood’s defense put in a valiant effort, but Team Blackout’s offense was on point as Cinque Maxell ran the score up with a 32 yard touchdown run.
The Lakewood Lumberjacks came to life with a 35 yard pass to Salamo Filimana from Laikiaza Afata, another 15 yard pass to Joel Smith and the Lumberjacks were in scoring position. That’s when the big man and co-captain Tapaloa Tusi made sure this was not going to be a shutout and rumbled in short gain for a touchdown with a 1:45 seconds left in the game. Team Blackout moves on with 38-6 victory.
Rainier Ravens 14, SeaTac Sharks 7
Senior
Rainier Ravens vs White Center Seahawks
The number one seeded Ravens coming fresh off representing the Pacific Northwest by crushing Snoop Dogg’s All Star team, didn’t look worse for wear. But strange things began to happen, onside kicks to start the game, middle of the game and ending the game with onside kicks. It’s as if the Ravens gambled for field possession choosing to play half court or field. The Seahawks secured the first giving them great field position to start the game at their own 46 yard line.
But Style Tu’u made his presence known from the start on defense causing a fumble on the Seahawks first drive. A 40 yard pass ensued but was called back to penalty, but consecutive passes of 27 and 15 respectively marched the Ravens down the field for a score with a pass from Ravens quarterback Paolo Banchero to Silk Harris.
Julien Smith contributed meaningfully to the run game for the Ravens with 20, 25 and 24 yarders and a score only to the score rescinded due to penalties which hampered the Ravens throughout the game. Another penalty killed a Banchero score, but with 3:34 left in the game Banchero found Xavier Bowen in the end zone for a score and a strike to Shane Nowell for another touchdown.
White Center’s Stephon Faletogo showed how special he is by breathing air into their running scampering 12, 15 and 16 yards to end the quarter. Rainier leading 21-0.
Second quarter Styles Tu’u continued stifling the Seahawks offense as Tyler Ma’laona exhibited his running prowess. Jamire Jackson scored on a 42 yard touchdown pass.
Penalties again were the Raven’s Achilles heal as the defense allowed the ball moving for White Center. A 25 yard romp by Kaimani Faimalo got the Seahawks into scoring position, 57 seconds till half and the Raven’s defense prevailed keeping the Hawks scoreless.
In the second half, the regular season champions wanted to put this away. Silk Harris kickoff return for 40 yards, a pass completion to Jaylen Johnson for 20 and a pass to Xavier Bowen secure another touchdown for the Ravens in the first 5 minutes.
The Ravens gambled with another onside and loss, the Seahawks found themselves in excellent field position at their 42. K’Son Mika ran well keeping the drive hopeful. With a pitch from Mika, Faletogo ran for a gain and just as White Center had the momentum, Rainier’s defense reminded them why they deserve to be there and White Center fumbled with 20 seconds left in the third.
As diligently as the White Center Seahawks worked to prove they belonged atop of the Senior Division and deservedly so, that word “reality” in the name of the Rainier Ravens reared its head in this contest. “Getting them ready, that’s what I’m doing,” stated Sam Adams head coach of the Ravens.
To begin the fourth quarter Styles Tu’u, went right up the middle for an 80 yard touchdown! 39 – 0. White Center’s special teams rose to the occasion denying the extra point attempt, valiantly.
On White Center’s next possession Kaimani Faimalo continued to work on the ground game adding a 15 yarder to get the Seahawks into scoring position. White Center took control of the drive, as the Seahawks front line dominated this attempt and enjoyed the fruits of that labor by Faimalo scoring from 10 yards out. No Shutout, not today.
But as sports is about drama, this contest could not disappoint. With less than a minute Raven’s Shane Nowell returns the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown as the fans erupt, only to have it negated due to an illegal block penalty!
As so goes the knowledge that is learning to overcome, never giving up, pursue your dreams, accomplish your dreams, if you fail, learn from it and become better and winning is not all of it, the effort that you put into your dream measures your success and this is what football instills in youth and by the effort both teams, all the teams in these here playoffs, these young men, all are winners and possess the potential for greatness. Congratulations to all the Playoff teams.
Lakewood Lumberjacks 14, SeaTac Sharks 8
Championship Game Schedule
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Renton Stadium
Freshmen – 9:00 a.m.
Benson Bruins vs 5- Star
Sophomores – 11:00 a.m.
Benson Bruins vs White Center Seahawks
Juniors – 1:00 p.m.
Team Blackout vs Rainier Ravens
Seniors – 3:00 p.m.
Rainier Ravens vs Lakewood Lumberjacks
