Washington Air Raid wins Pylon Seattle

Pylon hosted a highly-competitive 7-on-7 tournament in Seattle over the weekend, featuring many of the top prospects in the region.   After a one-year hiatus from the Pylon circuit, Washington Air Raid (WAR) returned and registered a 6-0 title run, culminating in a wild 15-14 double overtime championship game win over a very talented Heir Black squad.   During the six-game run, WAR averaged 27.5 points per game and allowed just 9.0 points.   How impressive is that offensive output? WAR scored on every drive until the championship showdown.   That contest, an instant classic, finished 14-14 at the end of regulation. Neither WAR or Heir Black were able to score from the 10-yard line in its two overtime snaps, so the game extended to double OT.   At Pylon, double overtime is determined by one play each from the 40-yard-line - most yards on the play wins.   Heir Black's pass was incomplete, which meant WAR needed just one yard to earn the championship.   But bluechip Graham-Kapowsin quarterback A.J. Tuivaiave found high school teammate [player_tooltip player_id='985348' first='Jayce' last='Halasz'] on a dig route that resulted in the duo's third touchdown of the game - a 40-yard strike to seal the victory.   That undefeated run wouldn't have been possible without contributions from top to bottom.   WAR coach Robert Mason chatted with Prep Redzone after the stellar weekend performance to highlight his athletes.   [player_tooltip player_id='985503' first='Trevon' last='Mayfield'] (Kentwood; 2028): “He was singled-out by Pylon after the first day as a high-level player as a wide receiver and cornerback. He had quite a few pass break-ups and three interceptions on the first day. He made a lot of plays for us, and helped set the tone early."   [player_tooltip player_id='985352' first='Briytan' last='Bailey'] (Puyallup; 2028): “He had a huge year this fall [1,800 yards, 24 touchdowns] and that carried over to this weekend. He's a spitfire. He plays running back and slot for us, as well as nickel. He's the heartbeat of the team, along with our captain, A.J. He's a huge motivator and plays with a lot of passion."   A.J. Tuivaiave (Graham-Kapowsin; 2028): “He's got several offers and I could go on and on about him. He's been a captain of the squad for the past few years. He's lights out. We scored on every drive in the tournament with the exception of the championship game. He didn't throw an interception.”   [player_tooltip player_id='985348' first='Jayce' last='Halasz'] (Graham-Kapowsin; 2028): “He was the overall MVP and had three touchdowns in the championship game. He played (defensive back) as well. He balled out of control and was a creature in the championship game, scoring from 40 yards out on the first day. He had a couple of interceptions as well.”   [player_tooltip player_id='937738' first='Kase' last='Betz'] (Graham-Kapowsin, 2027): “He's a slot receiver and safety. He's super electric — crazy fast kid with good hands. He's a great route runner and is very hard to guard. I don't think anyone got anything over the top on him as a safety. He brings an amazing work ethic to the team.”    Derick Manibusan (Graham-Kapowsin, 2027): “He's very athletic for his size. For 7-on-7, it's tough for linebacker, but his athleticism and ability to run with guys in the slot and be physical, there's not a mismatch at all.He was able to lock down a match-up that a lot of teams try to take advantage of. He's a first-year guy for us and already made a big impact.”   [player_tooltip player_id='1618426' first='Gabe' last='Millard'] (Tumwater, 2028): “He started at safety for us. He's in that Tumwater culture. They don't throw the ball a lot down there. But he's a a silent assassin. He doesn't talk much. When he hits the field he's very hard to throw over. He's a great guy back there.”   [player_tooltip player_id='985508' first='Jasiah' last='White'] (Graham-Kapowsin; 2028): “He's a very rangy guy who flew under the radar this fall. He's got some speed to him and has good hands. Jasiah has really good top-end speed and he really takes the top off the defense.”    [player_tooltip player_id='985509' first='Kane' last='Roy'] (Mt. Tahoma; 2028): “Kane, he's exploded on the scene this year. He's a wide receiver and plays a little nickel for us. He started this past weekend and he's 6-foot with great hands. He's another one that doesn't talk a lot, but his actions and play speaks for itself. Unfortunately, in the final game of Day 1 he collided with an opponent and injured his eye, needed stitches.”    [player_tooltip player_id='1335068' first='Isaiah' last='Mason'] (Spanaway Lake; 2028): "He's a defensive back first and plays corner. When we get into the championship game, he was the less experienced kid on the team, just started as a seventh or eighth grader. He held down some of the top receivers during the tournament and made some big plays in 50-50 situations. He made some big pass break-ups to help us get to the top. He's a rising star on our team. “   Ioelu Feo (Bethel, 2028): “He plays middle linebacker and, man, he's your traditional middle linebacker. You should see him in pads. Out here he's working on his coverage skills and he contributed huge with his athleticism and what he brings to the table. We are super excited about him."   Robbie Tasi (Graham-Kapowsin, 2028): “He's a wide receiver and is easily 6-foot-2, pushing 6-3. He's super rangy and a good route-runner. He poses mismatches for smaller corners. He adds a ton of value because when he comes in there's no drop off.”    Aryon Anderson (Lincoln, 2028): He's our nickel and is super aggressive. He lets you know he's going to be there all day. He's that gnat that just doesn't go away. He's going to piss you off with his persistence, his aggressiveness and his intensity. Our defense feeds off of that.”    A few of WAR's standouts missed the action for various reasons, but are worthy of being highlighted, as they will be names to watch going forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='985505' first='Jaleo' last='Johnson'] (Steilacom, 2028): Accumulated more than 1,000 yards this season. Injured but will be back soon and will have a solid role.   [player_tooltip player_id='985355' first='Amosa' last='Masaniai'] (Emerald Ridge; 2028): Nicknamed "Moose." Already holds an offer from Nevada, and only missed due to an invite-only camp for Adidas. A rising prospect to watch.   [player_tooltip player_id='986705' first='Dreson' last='Jimerson'] (Bellevue, 2028): Runs a 10.8 100 and a 6.9 60 in Spokane. He's lightning fast    [player_tooltip player_id='984860' first='Colton' last='Terry'] (Rocky Mountain, ID; 2028): He was a former Tumwater player and plays for WAR in the offseason. He's extremely rangy. His brother, Austin Terry, is a Boise State tight end.

Pylon hosted a highly-competitive 7-on-7 tournament in Seattle over the weekend, featuring many of the top prospects in the region.