Jubilation was evident along the Federal Way Eagles’ sideline after a victory of monumental importance.
The Eagles clinched a share of the SPSL South title with a 49-17 win over the Rogers Rams on Thursday night at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup.
“Coming into the season we wanted to try to take the league championship and get that No. 1 seed in the playoffs,” Federal Way coach John Meagher said. “We’re glad to be able to do that today.”
If the Eagles defeat the winless Spanaway Lake Sentinels on Oct. 22, they will win the SPSL South title outright. Federal Way’s last league title came in 2007 when it played in the SPSL North Division. This is the second year Federal Way has been a member of the SPSL South.
Federal Way gashed Rogers on the ground, compiling 358 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Federal Way junior running back Rod Jones had 16 carries for 114 yards and four touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Jones wore down the Rams with runs between the tackles.
Eagles freshman running back Chico McClatcher tallied 144 yards on 14 carries and scored on a 66-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter.
“The game-plan was to make sure we pounded it out on the ground. We thought we could dominate the line of scrimmage up front and that kind of came out that way,” Meagher said. “The offensive line had a great night.”
Jones was ecstatic his team was able to secure a share of the SPSL South title.
“I’m really happy about it. It is secure. We wanted to make sure we came in and got our win,” Jones said. “Our offensive line did a great job. I’m thankful for them.”
Meagher wanted his team to make a statement.
“It’s big. We came down to the (SPSL) South last year and performed under our expectations. We wanted to prove ourselves in the South Puget Sound League South Division,” Meagher said. “We’ve been able to roll off an undefeated record so far. It feels good.”
ELSEWHERE
Mount Rainier 35, at Spanaway Lake 30: Demetrius Locke rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rams (1-6) over the Sentinels (0-7) in a nonleague matchup.
Amani Brown’s 78-yard fumble return for a touchdown turned the tide after a Mount Rainier sack on Joe Martin jarred the ball loose with 4:56 left.
Marcus Thomas rushed for 200 yards and two touchdowns for the Sentinels.
At Kentlake 10, Auburn 7: Mitchell Hybryle’s 23-yard field goal in the fourth quarter put the Falcons (7-0, SPSL North, 7-0 overall) in front of the Trojans (2-4, 2-5) at French Field. It was the Falcons’ first win against the Trojans since 2004.
Bellarmine Prep 49, at Shelton 0: The Lions stayed undefeated (5-0 Narrows 4A, 7-0 overall) with a league win over the Highclimbers (1-4, 2-5).
News Tribune staff contributed this report.
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