In a dramatic finish to the annual Battle of the Birds rivalry, the Renton Redhawks held off a late surge by the Lindbergh Eagles to win 21‑15 on Oct. 2. With just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Lindbergh trailed by six points and needed a touchdown to take the lead. Quarterback Dameon Ellis drove the ball to the nine‑yard line, but a trio of Redhawks—Wisdom Bryon, Toa Lavatai and Damian Trujillo—stopped him at the goal line as time expired.
Key Defensive Play Seals the Game
Ellis’ final attempt was halted just short of the pylon, and officials ruled the ball down with roughly ten seconds remaining. After a lengthy spot, the clock read zero and the game ended without an untimed down. The Redhawks celebrated while Lindbergh players expressed frustration at the abrupt conclusion.
Coach Gill Praises Team Resilience
Head coach Deandre Gill highlighted the team’s “bend‑but‑not‑break” mentality, noting that the Redhawks played without middle linebacker Sam Jefferson, who was sidelined for the game. “We stuck together on that last drive,” Gill said. “We showed we can be a physical football team with anybody.”
Offensive Highlights for Renton
Junior quarterback Gabriel Rodriguez directed a balanced attack, connecting early with Oseai Mitchell on two third‑down conversions before Toa Lavatai scored the game’s opening touchdown. Rodriguez later found Wisdom Bryon for a 37‑yard score and threw a second touchdown pass to Preston Walls, extending the lead to 21‑8.
Rodriguez’s confidence grew throughout the night. “Gabe grew up tonight,” Gill observed. “He made great decisions and led the team well.” Rodriguez added, “We have chemistry, it’s getting better every game.”
Lindbergh’s Late Surge Falls Short
The Eagles answered early, with Patrick Smith III breaking through for a touchdown with 28.5 seconds left in the first half. They later narrowed the gap when Dom Kelly lofted a pass to Ellis for a 38‑yard touchdown, bringing the score to 21‑15.
However, the final drive ended in disappointment. With no timeouts left, Ellis attempted to outrun the defense but was tackled by the three Redhawk defenders, and the ball was ruled down before a fumble could be called.
Post‑Game Reactions
Rodriguez praised his teammates’ effort, saying, “We just have to keep believing in each other and give each other 100% effort in practice.” Both squads exchanged words after the game, but no punches were thrown, and officials separated the players.
Looking ahead, Renton will host Evergreen on Oct. 9, while Lindbergh travels to face the Foster Bulldogs.
Looking Forward
Coach Gill called the win a “huge step in the right direction,” noting that the team’s recent tough schedule has prepared them for the upcoming in‑season battles.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
