The Metro League continued to showcase its dominance in Washington’s 3A state football playoffs, advancing three teams—O’Dea, Eastside Catholic, and Roosevelt—to the semifinals. With impressive performances in the quarterfinals, the league solidified its reputation as one of the state’s strongest football conferences. The semifinals will feature a highly anticipated all-Metro matchup between O’Dea and Eastside Catholic, while Roosevelt takes on top-seeded Bellevue.
In one of the most electrifying games of the quarterfinals, Roosevelt’s Mar Mar King delivered a spectacular four-touchdown performance to lead the Roughriders to a commanding 49-21 victory over Seattle Prep. King opened the scoring on the game’s first drive and continued to impose his will throughout the night, with a highlight-reel 47-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal the win. Roosevelt’s defense, anchored by standout plays from Deon Vann and Islwy Suapaia, kept Seattle Prep quarterback Beau Oaksmith under constant pressure, forcing sacks and turnovers at critical moments. The Roughriders also capitalized on special teams, with Pana Tuputala recovering an Oaksmith fumble for a 25-yard touchdown. Seattle Prep fought valiantly, with Oaksmith contributing a 59-yard touchdown run and Natnael Menbere returning a fumble for a late score, but Roosevelt’s relentless attack proved too much.
Eastside Catholic earned their spot in the semifinals with a 20-7 victory over Lincoln in a game marked by wet conditions and tough defensive battles. The Crusaders leaned on running back Jeremiah Burroughs, who powered through Lincoln’s defense for two touchdowns, including a decisive 55-yard run in the fourth quarter. Kicker Connor Brandt added two field goals to extend Eastside’s lead. Eastside’s defense, led by Tytan McNeal and Asa Thompson, stifled Lincoln’s offense, limiting their opportunities to capitalize on turnovers and favorable field position. Despite a late touchdown pass by Lincoln’s Sione Kaho, the Crusaders maintained control, with Cade Boehl’s timely interception and consistent defensive stops sealing the win.
O’Dea continued their postseason dominance with a 42-21 victory over Mt. Tahoma. The Fighting Irish set the tone early with a touchdown by Uriah Stringfield and a physical defensive stand that forced the Thunderbirds into multiple three-and-outs. Stringfield led the charge offensively, racking up touchdowns on the ground and setting up scoring opportunities for teammates Giulio Banchero and Peyton Egan. O’Dea’s special teams also shone, with Sage Salopek returning a punt 96 yards for a touchdown that deflated Mt. Tahoma’s comeback hopes. The Thunderbirds made several strong pushes, highlighted by a 60-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Quintanilla Jr. and a late score by Mikkah Cordero, but O’Dea’s relentless defense, led by Rasaan Thomas and Davian Sherlock, closed the door on any momentum.
As the semifinals approach, the Metro League is guaranteed at least one representative in the championship game, with O’Dea and Eastside Catholic set to clash in a rematch of their regular-season meeting. Meanwhile, Roosevelt faces a formidable Bellevue team, looking to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the final. With these three teams carrying the Metro League banner, the road to the 3A state championship is certain to deliver more thrilling football action.