Win comes at heavy cost

When a team gets a win to secure a playoff berth, it’s usually cause for celebration.

But following the 30-6 drubbing of the Renton Ravens on Saturday, the West Sound Saints football squad was left without one of the Northwest Football League’s elite performers, former league MVP and reigning 2004 Offensive MVP Malachai DeWalt.

DeWalt was forced to leave the game in the third quarter and may be lost for the season. DeWalt was leading the Saints in rushing at the time and scored a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Ravens (4-5).

Now the Saints (8-1) will likely rely more on Malachai’s brother, Malcolm DeWalt, as well as reserves Byron Moseley, Jonnel Hodge and Carl Horn.

In the contest, the Saints opened the game up early, taking a 14-6 lead into the half behind a 1-yard score from Malcolm and Malachai DeWalt’s score.

Saints quarterback Marvin Bronson continued his string of big performances by completing 10 of his 15 passes for 270 yards and a score, a 54-yard bomb to receiver Tony Lewis that finished the Ravens off in the fourth quarter.

Bronson again showed his agility as well, rushing for a 2-yard score in the third quarter.

With the victory, the Saints, who remain a game behind the King County Jaguars in the NWFL standings, clinched a playoff berth and can secure home field for the first round with a win over the Willamette Valley Raiders. The Raiders (6-2) are also vying for that role and will host Saturday’s game against the Saints.

NWFL Standings

As of August 15

League Overall

W L W L PF PA

King Co. 8 0 8 0 335 37

West Sound 7 1 8 1 266 88

Will. Valley 6 2 10 2 432 112

Oregon 5 3 5 3 115 112

Renton 4 5 7 5 197 193

Snoh. Co. 4 4 4 4 180 171

Washington 3 5 3 6 113 243

Mult. Co. 1 7 3 7 122 197

Pierce Co. 1 7 1 7 66 213

Northwest 1 7 1 9 45 264

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