Renton Rangers Cap Perfect Season with 27-0 Shutout Win

Summary:

The Renton Rangers Peewees won the North Sound Junior Football League's Peewee division championship game with a 27-0 victory over the Lake Stevens Vikings, completing an undefeated season. The Rangers dominated the game with their relentless defense, explosive offense, and poise in critical moments. They controlled the tempo and field position, and their ground game churned out big gains while their defense shut down the Vikings' attempts to gain traction.

In an impressive performance, the Renton Rangers Peewees capped off an undefeated season with a 27 to 0 victory over the Lake Stevens Vikings in the North Sound Junior Football League’s Peewee division championship game on Saturday at Monroe High School.

From the opening snap, Renton asserted control, showcasing the same formula that carried them through a perfect season: relentless defense, explosive offense, and poise in critical moments. Lake Stevens, coming in determined and physical, never backed down, but Renton’s execution on both sides of the ball proved too much to overcome.

Renton set the tone early, as Malakai Armstead knifed through the line to tackle Camden Arnold for a six-yard loss on the Vikings’ first play. On third down of that series, Arnold fumbled the ball, and Donnell Johnson recovered, setting up the Rangers with excellent field position at the Lake Stevens 34-yard line.

It didn’t take long for Renton to turn the turnover into points. On just the second play of the drive, Dondre Dowlen took a handoff and broke free up the middle for a 34-yard touchdown. He followed that with a one-yard run for the extra point, giving Renton a 7 to 0 lead less than five minutes into the game.

Lake Stevens, looking to regroup and tried to respond, but their next possession again ended in disaster. A second fumble by Arnold, again recovered by Johnson, halted their drive and gave Renton another chance in plus territory. Though the Rangers came up empty on that drive, the pattern was clear. Renton controlled the tempo and field position.

The second quarter saw Lake Stevens’ defense adjust and push back. Luke Carey helped lead several key stops, including holding Lonzell King to a short gain. Renton continued to move the ball with strong runs, and King ripped off a 39-yard carry to flip the field. However, as the Rangers threatened to score again, Dowlen fumbled inside the red zone and Jayceon Willis recovered for the Vikings.

Lake Stevens looked to capitalize but could not escape Renton’s defensive pressure. On one possession, Jayceon Willis was hit for losses on two straight plays, first by Ameti Kamoto and then by Armstead. The Vikings were forced into long yardage and could not convert. By halftime, Renton held a 7 to 0 lead but dominated time of possession, field position, and momentum.

Coming out of the break, the Rangers wasted no time building on their advantage. The first drive of the third quarter featured a mix of plays that kept Lake Stevens off balance. Armstead started things with a nine-yard burst, and Dowlen followed with runs of 11 and 26 yards. Dowlen finished the drive with an eight-yard scoring run, his second touchdown of the game. Armstead added the one-point conversion to extend the lead to 14 to 0.

The Vikings continued to fight but could not hold on to the ball. On their next possession, they fumbled again and Renton’s Gianni Pascua-Richards recovered near midfield. Just two plays later, King cut through the middle and outran defenders for a 53-yard touchdown that sent the Rangers’ sideline into celebration. Nasir Rogers ran in the conversion to make it 21 to 0.

With a three-score cushion, Renton’s defense tightened even more. Lake Stevens managed just a few short runs but could never string together a drive. On one series deep in Viking territory, Armstead delivered three consecutive tackles, including a stop for no gain and another for a loss. His energy seemed to fuel the entire unit, which was flying to the ball and swarming any attempt at a big play.

The final quarter served as a victory lap for Renton. Following another Lake Stevens fumble, this one recovered by Otulau Kamoto, the Rangers moved the ball efficiently once more. Keneti Finau rumbled ahead for 13 yards, then added another carry that brought the ball inside the five. Two plays later, Messiah Reynolds took a handoff, bounced to the outside, and scored from seven yards out to push the score to 27 to 0.

From that point on, the Rangers controlled the clock and protected their lead. The defense closed the door, never allowing the Vikings to cross midfield. For the game, Lake Stevens finished with negative 26 rushing yards on 16 carries. Renton forced four fumbles and recovered three. Their defense was aggressive and disciplined, while the offense capitalized on nearly every opportunity.

The Rangers’ performance was a statement in all phases of the game. Their ground game churned out big gains, and the defense completely shut down the Vikings’ attempts to gain traction. Lake Stevens, for all their effort, never found enough room to breathe. They showed determination on defense, with players like Willis, Carey, and Malietoa Tevaga making tough tackles throughout the afternoon.

With the win, Renton completed a perfect season the only way they knew how — by dominating the line of scrimmage, protecting the football, and delivering explosive plays when it mattered most.

Player Stats

Renton Rangers – Offense

• Dondre Dowlen – 13 carries, 130 yards, 2 touchdowns; 1 of 2 passing, 15 yards

• Lonzell King – 8 carries, 114 yards, 1 touchdown

• Devaughn Burrell-Lofton Jr – 3 carries, 23 yards

• Keneti Finau – 2 carries, 14 yards

• Malakai Armstead – 3 carries, 11 yards; 1 extra point

• Messiah Reynolds – 1 carry, 7 yards, 1 touchdown

• Nasir Rogers – 1 reception, 15 yards

Renton Rangers – Defense

• Malakai Armstead – 8 tackles, 1 fumble recovery

• Donnell Johnson – 2 fumble recoveries