Federal Way Eagles score 56-0 to honor fallen lineman

Federal Way high school football players wore custom back plates and towels reading Long Live DeeJay as they defeated Sunnyside 56-0 on Friday. The final score matched the number worn by junior lineman DeeJay Tuiasosopo, who was killed in a car accident on Oct. 23. The game marked the Eagles' first contest since Tuiasosopo's death, serving as a state-wide tribute to the player.

Tuiasosopo was standing on a sidewalk waiting to cross the road following a win over White River when a vehicle struck him. An alleged drunk driver had collided with an oncoming car, which then hit Tuiasosopo. His teammates and coaches described the week following the accident as the hardest for the program, with many communities across the state holding moments of silence and displaying helmet stickers in his memory.

Junior Jaylon Pitre and senior Chester Malele-Tala spoke about their friendship with Tuiasosopo, noting they had known him since middle school. Malele-Tala said the first practice without Tuiasosopo felt strange because the lineman was usually on the sideline making jokes. He described Tuiasosopo as the only person who would smile all day, bringing positive energy to those around him. Pitre recalled going out for food after practice and spending time in the locker room with their teammate.

Federal Way head coach Marcus Yzaguirre said he has lost four players during his coaching career. He noted that each loss becomes harder with time, describing the pain of knowing a son went to school and did not come home. Yzaguirre called Tuiasosopo a beacon of light who always smiled. He stated that the team had to stick together during the difficult week, a bond that brought the squad closer.

The following Monday, players gathered in the Federal Way high school library for the day. Yzaguirre said the coaches cooked breakfast for the group, who then completed homework, grieved, and played games. The team was quiet for the first hour and a half, with many players crying before they began leaning on one another for support.

Sunnyside delayed its senior night out of respect for the Eagles. Interim head coach Anthony Smith and the Sunnyside Pep Club presented spirit packages with motivational quotes to each Federal Way player. Sunnyside also gave Yzaguirre a signed ball before the game. Yzaguirre praised the host team for being welcoming and honorable. Foster High School, where Tuiasosopo attended before transferring, also held a memorial ceremony before its Friday night game.

The Eagles traveled three hours southeast to Sunnyside High School, located about 30 minutes east of Yakima, for the final regular season game. While the on-field performance was secondary to the memorial aspect, the players focused on scoring 56 points. Pitre said the team felt good about accomplishing that goal for their brother. Federal Way will host West Seattle on Nov. 6.