It has been a rough go of things through the first six weeks of the season for the Federal Way High School football team. But it seems to be going in the right direction after a convincing 49-27 point win over Mount Rainier on Oct. 12.
“We’ve got some young guys that had to step in and try and make things happen as best they can… We’ve got to make sure that we try and execute,” said Head Coach Marcus Yzaguirre.
The game was put away by the end of the third quarter with Federal Way out in front by 28 points — but full credit to Mount Rainier as they put up 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.
Coach Yzaguirre has immense respect for Mount Rainier head coach and former NFL Pro-Bowler Tremain Mack.
“They’ve got one of the smartest coaches I know. He played in the NFL, punt returner and kick returner at (University of) Miami. He’s gonna have his kids coached up,” Yzaguirre said.
The Eagles had their second-best offensive day of the season, points wise, with 49. They avoided a three-game losing streak for the second time this season with the win over Mount Rainier.
Andy Toomer (Jr.) goes full extension for an interception. Ben Ray / The Mirror
“It feels great finally seeing our hard work paying off. (We’re) being more dedicated to the game and more focused and overall, just having more fun in the games,” said Deon Vann.
With the win, Federal Way has guaranteed a spot in Week 10 as they can finish no lower than fifth in the NPSL.
“It seemed like we were just tired of losing to teams we shouldn’t have. We just came out ready to go and fired up,” said Vann.
Federal Way scored on their opening drive of the game after stopping the Rams on downs. The first drive was indicative of the entirety of the game for the Eagles: Hand the ball off to Sione Kongaika and Deon Vann. The two combined for eight rushing attempts and Kongaika was the first scorer in the game with a six-yard rush for Federal Way.
“They cheer for each other. We’ve got one that pounds and one that likes to finesse. They understand the rotations so it’s fun to watch them play together,” said Coach Yzaguirre.
Deon Vann (6) and Toomer (11) celebrate a late touchdown in win over Rams. Ben Ray / The Mirror
The defense came through again for the Eagles in the first quarter. After a botched hand-off, senior Sam Wah picked up the loose ball and 70 yards later, the Eagles were up 14-0.
In the second quarter the Eagles got two more score. One of two passing touchdowns of the game found Miles Fuavai from 14 yards out and the other was Deon Vann scampering into the endzone at the end of a 25-yard rush.
“I feel like the biggest part of winning is having fun and trying to be in that brotherhood,” Vann said.
Nice pirouette by Miles Fuavai at the end of a 14 yard TD pass for the Eahles.
27-0 all Federal Way in this one. 1:31 left in the half. pic.twitter.com/LFUuafXof0
— Ben Ray (@bigplaybenray) October 13, 2023
Outside of the 51-0 win over Kentridge, the Eagles have only scored over 25 points once this year. In just one half against Mount Rainier, Federal Way totaled more than those five losses with 27 points.
Standout sophomore Zamaire Tellez found ways to make an impact on both sides of the ball. But his most influential play was an 11-yard catch and run for a touchdown to extend the Eagle lead to 35-7 at the end of the third quarter.
Tellez also was able to find some space down the right sideline, and junior quarterback Andy Cortez found him for a huge 50 yard gain. It was the largest play for the Eagles on offense up until the fourth quarter. Kongaika finished off the drive for his second touchdown of the game.
The final score was another run, this time by Vann. On the third play of the Eagles’ penultimate drive, he found his way down the left sideline for a 56-yard touchdown.
Remaining on the schedule are Kentwood and Decatur for the Eagles.
Zamaire Tellez (left), Jayden Sinclair (middle) and Deon Vann (right) dance after a touchdown. Ben Ray / The Mirror
“We have to stay focused, stay tuned in and don’t let this win get too far ahead of us. (We have to) make sure we’re ready for the next games,” said Vann.
Coming down to it, the Eagles’ head coach is more than excited to see his team perform.
“We’re going to go back to the drawing board and hopefully use this momentum a little bit and go attack two good teams. They’re both coached very well, and we’ll see what happens. I’m excited,” said Coach Yzaguirre.
