By Karrington Kincaid, The Seattle Medium
The electric energy of the week four matchup between the Garfield Bulldogs and the Rainier Beach Vikings was like no other. The “Hood Classic,” as it is commonly referred to in Seattle, had everyone feeling the excitement, with pregame music and vibes adding to the anticipation leading up to kickoff.
Garfield Bulldogs Head Football Coach Curtis Wells, Jr. was optimistic about his team’s chances of winning this Metro League rivalry matchup.
“I feel pretty good. The coaches coached them up really well; we had a good week of practice, so I’m feeling pretty confident,” said Wells. “Now it’s these guys’ time to perform.”
Rainier Beach Vikings head coach Corey Sampson knows what this game means to the community, and he had nothing but faith in his team, confident they’d get the job done.
“It’s week four, it’s rivalry week, so there are high expectations from both teams,” said Sampson. “We’re going to play hard, play physical, and get the W out of the way.”
The opening play of the 1st quarter started with a handoff to running back Dreson Watkins-Jimerson for a gain of 4 yards. Quarterback Antoine Williams Jr. then found wide receiver Jonathan Bernez for a gain of 5 yards, bringing up a 3rd and short. Rainier Beach’s defense collectively stuffed Watkins-Jimerson from running up the middle, forcing a punt from the Bulldogs.
The Vikings started their drive with a 25-yard run by running back Vae Lindsay, bringing them to midfield. Garfield’s Kevin Guidry stripped the ball from Lindsay on a handoff, which was later recovered by Rainier Beach’s quarterback Marcus Harrington, Jr. for a 7-yard loss. On 3rd and 13, Harrington threw an interception to Pita Moimoi III, giving Garfield the ball back.
The Bulldogs continued their ground attack with a run by Watkins-Jimerson for an 8-yard gain, putting them at midfield. Williams Jr. missed a couple of throws to his wideouts due to the pressure from the Vikings’ defense, which forced another punt by the Bulldogs.
Garfield’s defense made some noise as linebacker Gabe Burns and free safety Jayden Roberts caused disruption in the backfield, taking down Rainier Beach’s Akeem Murph Jr. Garfield’s defensive aggression led to an interception by Jah’lil James, who returned it 39 yards for a touchdown. After a bad snap, holder Corde Frazier scrambled into the end zone from 3 yards out, making the score 8-0, Bulldogs.
Following the touchdown, Garfield’s defense continued to play aggressively, with Kevin Guidry laying a massive hit on Akeem Murph Jr., causing a 4-yard loss. Murph gained those yards back, fighting for a hard-earned 9 yards, making it 3rd and 5. Harrington Jr. connected with wide receiver Khiel Jackson for a 13-yard gain, moving the chains for the Vikings’ offense.
The momentum continued as Murph picked up 11 more yards on a handoff. Wide receiver Khi Fields hauled in a deep pass from Harrington Jr., setting Rainier Beach up at Garfield’s 21-yard line. After an encroachment penalty by Garfield, Ze Watkins picked up 4 yards on a run to the Bulldogs’ 12-yard line as the first quarter came to a close with the Bulldogs leading 8-0.
The 2nd quarter started with Murph carrying the ball from the 12-yard line to the 2-yard line. He finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run. The Vikings tied the game 8-8 after a successful fake field goal attempt, with Harrington connecting with receiver Daniel Haynes.
Rainier Beach kept the pressure on, as defensive end Ja’Cory Brown shot into the backfield, causing havoc for the Bulldogs’ offense. Defensive end William Ahomana got in on the action, sacking Williams, forcing another Bulldogs punt.
Garfield’s defense responded to Rainier Beach’s aggression with some of their own, as Gabe Burns and defensive lineman Sy Wang-Bratton tackled Murph Jr. for a 4-yard loss. On 3rd and 10, Garfield’s Bryan Hurd sacked Harrington, forcing the Vikings to punt.
Rainier Beach’s defense continued their relentless pressure, with defensive lineman DJ Shaw sacking Williams, forcing a 3rd and 16. On the next play, Garfield’s quarterback was swarmed by Vikings defenders Daniel Haynes, Marques Ili-Meneese, William Ahomana, and Isaia Fatuesi as he scrambled for yards, forcing another punt by the Bulldogs.
The ensuing offensive drive by the Vikings was short-lived as Harrington was intercepted by Garfield’s Pita Moimoi III. The Vikings’ defense later forced a three-and-out, as their pressure made it difficult for Garfield’s plays to develop.
Rainier Beach’s Khi Fields disrupted the Bulldogs’ offense once again, registering a sack on Williams and multiple tackles for losses, leading to a punt from Garfield’s end zone. A bad exchange to the punter led to a fumble, recovered by Garfield in the end zone for a safety, giving the Vikings a 10-8 lead.
On the first play after the safety, Murph scored on a 52-yard touchdown run for the Vikings, making the game 16-8 after a missed point attempt.
The Bulldogs’ struggles continued as Williams was intercepted by the Vikings’ Ze Watkins, who returned it 31 yards for a touchdown, making the game 24-8 after Zae Traxler converted the 2-point attempt as the first half ended.
To start the third quarter, the Bulldogs’ defense, led by Pita Moimoi III, came out aggressive. Moimoi recorded a big tackle for a loss of 2 yards, and defensive back Zae Traxler intercepted a pass, giving the ball back to Garfield. However, the Vikings’ defense remained aggressive, with William Ahomana sacking Williams and forcing a three-and-out.
After a stalled offensive possession by the Vikings, Rainier Beach’s defense came up big as Vae Lindsay scored on a 41-yard fumble return for a touchdown, making the game 31-8 after the extra point.
With the momentum in their favor, the Vikings’ defense was relentless. Murph recorded another tackle for loss, and Ahomana recovered a fumble, giving Rainier Beach possession again. The Vikings took advantage as Watkins scored on a 19-yard run, extending the lead to 38-8.
The Bulldogs’ offense continued to struggle against the Vikings’ defense, facing a 4th and 30, leading to another punt. A few plays later, Rainier Beach’s backup quarterback Micah Ili-Meneese connected with his brother Marques Ili-Meneese on a touchdown pass, making the game 44-8 after a missed extra point.
The Vikings rounded out the scoring with another connection from Ili-Meneese to Khi Fields for a 7-yard touchdown, bringing the final score to 50-8.
After the game, Rainier Beach Head Coach Corey Sampson said he was happy with the win but acknowledged his team still has areas to improve.
“Overall, we need to clean up some things and get better,” said Sampson. “[We had] lots of penalties, lots of unsportsmanlike stuff that we need to clean up. Offensively, there are things we need to work on, but we’ll get better next week. I’m satisfied with the win.”
The Rainier Beach Vikings will take on Seattle Prep on Friday, October 4th, at 5:00 PM at Memorial Stadium. The Garfield Bulldogs will also play at home against the Roosevelt Rough Riders on Friday, October 4th, at 7:45 PM at Memorial Stadium.
Pictorial Highlights of Garfield vs Rainier Beach
Photos/Chris Bennett