Renton football wins ‘Battle of the Birds’

Rivalry games undoubtedly create the best atmospheres when it comes to football, and Renton and Lindbergh supporters who arrived at Renton Memorial Stadium had hopes that their side would come out on top Sept. 20 in the “Battle of the Birds.”

But it was Renton’s night as they dismantled the Lindbergh Eagles.

From an outsider’s perspective, this was a game that both teams had to have. Renton and Lindbergh entered in pretty similar situations for the week three matchup.

Both teams are in the early stages of first year head coaches in their opening season at the helm, Bryce Jones at Renton and Jacob Allie at Lindbergh. Both teams were 0-2 to start the season and both teams were searching for their identity. One difference is Renton’s domination over the Eagles in recent history. The Redhawks have beaten Lindbergh in six straight matchups dating back to 2014.

In this game on Sept. 20, the Redhawks dominated, as Jones won his first game as a head coach, 49-13.

“It is a great feeling, a feeling that we have been needing as a team. We have gone through a lot. We are battle tested and have gone through some tough games. Finding a way to win is something I can take away from it,” Jones said.

Renton dominated on the ground. The Redhawks have a two-headed rushing attack that combined for five touchdowns. Junior running back Major Bloodsaw and senior Patrick Turner were highlighted heavily in the offensive attack for the Redhawks.

“We wanted to find our identity. We believe we have a couple of good tailbacks and a good offensive line. We leaned on some of those guys to open up the pass … We needed to be able to run the ball in between the tackles,” said Jones.

On the Redhawks’ third play from scrimmage after a three and out stop by its defense, Bloodsaw knifed through the Eagles’ defense from 31 yards yard. Just based off that play, it looked like Renton was going to cruise with how effortless Bloodsaw ran into the end zone.

“I told the boys to play hard and they did. I tried to make big plays and I did,” Bloodsaw said.

Bloodsaw actually left Renton High School this past summer and looked to play football at Cleveland High School. But, Bloodsaw returned to Renton and has been a weapon since.

“He is a major tool of what we want to do offensively. He is very decisive on his cuts, has great vision and hands when he catches the ball in space,” said Jones.

The Eagles’ defense bounced back and forced back-to-back punts from Renton, but couldn’t muster much offense against a difficult Renton defense. The Redhawks went back to the run game and found their groove.

Turner got his first touchdown of the night, dragging two Eagles with him into the endzone from 25 yards out. Turner and Bloodsaw worked really well together and are the key for Renton this season.

“We have been playing together since we were six years old. We have that connection,” Bloodsaw said.

On the following drive, Renton was faced with a fourth and four, and quarterback Jayjay Saechao led the offense down the field. Bloodsaw capped off a solid drive for Renton as they took a commanding 21-0 lead at halftime.

Renton got the ball to start the second half and didn’t throw the ball a single time. Turner got his second touchdown of the night, rumbling his way from three yards out, capping a 65-yard drive.

Midway through the third quarter, the Redhawks kept their foot on the gas and jumped out in front with another touchdown. Bloodsaw just continued to fuel nightmares of the Lindbergh defensive coordinator. He recorded his third touchdown of the night for a 37-0 lead for the Redhawks.

Lindbergh did finally find the endzone in the third quarter. They did so by feeding their number one receiver Tyson Glenn-Thomas. On the Eagle touchdown drive, he recorded a rush attempt and three receptions, including the 17-yard touchdown reception.

On the very next play, the kickoff, Turner ran it all the way back for a score. That was just the night the Redhawks were having and a night the Eagles are going to want to forget.

“He’s dynamic,” Jones said on Turner.

“Having his experience and taking the load off Major, and Major takes the load of of him as well. I think they can be a great one-two punch. It is good to see morale going up in the tailback room,” Jones said.

That wasn’t all the scoring, as Bloodsaw with 2:23 left in the third quarter recorded his fourth touchdown of the night. With Bloodsaw’s touchdown, Renton reached the 40-point lead threshold and the clock started to run for the rest of the game. Bloodsaw, who is number four, had a little inclination that he would have a good game: “I was telling the coaches (pointing at his number) four touchdowns,” Bloodsaw said.

Lindbergh’s Dameon Ellis did find the endzone from two yards out in the closing minutes of the game.

Jones was doused with the water cooler by MyKah Golden and CJ Larry Jr. after the game. Jones didn’t expect his first win to have a trophy or be in a rivalry game.

“I haven’t even thought about holding the trophy. I just wanted to make sure we came out ready to play. Credit to Lindbergh, those guys fought hard. I think coach J is doing a great job over there. I have a lot of respect for him. Seeing him compete and doing what he does will be good for our rivalry for years to come,” Jones said.

Renton football has a tall task in front of them. Being in the second tier of KingCo, the Redhawk schedule will not be easy. Renton heads out to Newport for a battle with the 2-1 Knights.

“We’ve got to get back to our fundamentals. We know we’ve got a very tough league schedule ahead. We have to be able to play together and know that we have some long road games against some tough teams… We’ve got to get back to work and not be complacent and settle,” said Jones.

Lindbergh is still searching for its first win under Head Coach Jacob Allie as they take on Sammamish on the road.