Faw’s Fourth-Quarter Heroics Lead Ingraham To 18–17 Comeback Win Over Chief Sealth

In a dramatic Metro League clash Thursday night at Seattle’s Northwest Athletic Complex (NWAC), the Ingraham Rams overcame a 17-point fourth quarter deficit to defeat the Chief Sealth Seahawks, 18–17, in a game marked by physical play, big momentum swings, and costly penalties on both sides.

For the first three quarters, the Seahawks appeared to be in control. They built a 10–0 halftime lead and added another touchdown in the third to push their advantage to 17–0. Running backs Marshawn Tovia-Ford and Jessie Gilmore II each found the end zone, while quarterback MJ Filitaula managed the offense with efficiency, completing six of 12 passes for 100 yards. Chief Sealth used a combination of quick passes and outside runs to move the ball, while their defensive front consistently pressured Ingraham quarterback Mac Faw.

Ingraham’s offense sputtered early, and two first-half interceptions kept them off the scoreboard. Even as the Rams began finding small gains in the run game by Logan Rudell and short completions to Bina Wolde and Zev Lawson, they struggled to sustain drives. Penalties on both teams disrupted their rhythm and field position throughout the first half.

However, everything changed in the fourth quarter. Faw led the Rams on a long, balanced drive that included a 21-yard run by Rudell and a 10-yard gain from Lawson. A short pass to Wolde and a keeper from Faw capped the drive for Ingraham’s first touchdown of the night. The extra point was blocked, but the Rams had life at 17–6.

The Ingraham defense forced a quick punt, giving Faw another chance. After a 35-yard strike to Wolde and a few tough runs by Rudell, Faw plunged in from a yard out to cut the deficit to 17–12. Though the two-point attempt failed, the Rams had definitely seized momentum of the game.

The Rams would continue to ride a wave of momentum as they recovered an onside kick to regain possession of the ball. A 15-yard catch by Will Harris and another deep ball to Wolde put Ingraham into scoring position. Rudell would advance the ball to the 5-yard line with a strong run, and with under a minute left in the game, Faw scrambled in for his third rushing touchdown of the quarter. The two-point attempt came up short, but Ingraham had taken its first lead of the game at 18–17.

Chief Sealth had one final possession, but a holding penalty pushed them out of scoring range, and Ingraham’s defense closed out the game and completed the comeback for the Rams.

After the game, Ingraham head coach Louis Torres praised his team’s effort and resilience.

“They were just determined,” Torres said. “The goal was to play your best half, and I think they did. Special teams and offense delivered. They were down, and it was a tough game—especially considering they beat us last year.”

The game was filled with standout performances on both sides. Faw accounted for all three Rams touchdowns and completed 11 of 13 passes for 162 yards. Wolde finished with five receptions for 80 yards, while Rudell rushed 13 times for 78 yards. On defense, Faw also added three interceptions, and Casey Leahy recorded a sack.

Chief Sealth saw strong efforts from Filitaula and Gilmore II, who finished with 38 yards and a touchdown. Tovia-Ford rushed for 34 yards and added a touchdown of his own. The Seahawks also forced three turnovers and kept Ingraham scoreless for three quarters, but penalties and late defensive lapses proved costly.

With the win, Ingraham improved to 2–1 on the season, while Chief Sealth dropped to 1–2.

Player Stats – Ingraham Rams (Offense):

Mac Faw: 7 carries, 75 yards, 3 TDs; 11/23 passing, 162 yards

Logan Rudell: 13 carries, 78 yards; 1 rec, 8 yards

Bina Wolde: 5 receptions, 80 yards

Player Stats – Ingraham Rams (Defense):

Mac Faw: 3 interceptions

Casey Leahy: 1 sack

Player Stats – Chief Sealth Seahawks (Offense):

MJ Filitaula: 9 carries, 14 yards; 6/12 passing, 100 yards

Jessie Gilmore II: 5 carries, 38 yards, 1 TD

Marshawn Tovia-Ford: 3 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD

Xander Gomez: 1 carry, 12 yards; 2 rec, 22 yards

Marquis Tovia: 1 rec, 39 yards

Eli Policarpio: 1 rec, 33 yards

Seneca Nguyen: 1 rec, 21 yards

Player Stats – Chief Sealth Seahawks (Defense):

Seneca Nguyen: 1 INT

Gee Nichols: 1 INT

Marquis Tovia: 1 INT