Eagles Score 56: Federal Way Football Plays Final Regular Season Game Honoring Fallen Lineman
The team won 56-0 at Sunnyside, matching the jersey number of DeeJay Tuiasosopo, who died in a car accident one week after his last game.
By Amelia Gupta ·
Federal Way football players took the field at Sunnyside High School on October 30 to play their final regular season game, one week after losing junior lineman DeeJay Tuiasosopo. The Eagles defeated the Sunnyside Falcons 56-0, a score that matched the number Tuiasosopo wore on his jersey.
The victory capped a grueling week for the team. Tuiasosopo died on October 30 after a vehicle struck him while he was waiting to cross a sidewalk. The accident occurred the day after Federal Way defeated White River. An alleged drunk driver collided with an oncoming car, which then hit Tuiasosopo.
Head coach Marcus Yzaguirre described the period following the loss as one of the hardest for the program. He noted that he has coached four players who have passed away, a process that becomes increasingly difficult with time. Yzaguirre emphasized that the player was someone else's son who went to school and did not return home.
Teammates spoke to the Mirror about the personal impact of the loss. Senior Chester Malele-Tala, who had known Tuiasosopo since middle school, said the first practice without him felt strange. He remembered Tuiasosopo as the only person who would smile all day, bringing positive energy to the sideline and field.
Junior Jaylon Pitre, another close friend, recalled after practice meals and locker room conversations. Pitre stated that Tuiasosopo was his guy and that the two shared many memories. He noted that the people who spent time with Tuiasosopo daily understood his value to the squad.
The team gathered in the Federal Way high school library the Monday after Tuiasosopo's death. Coaches provided breakfast, and the players spent the day studying, grieving, and playing games. Yzaguirre observed that the group was quiet for the first hour and a half, with many players crying before they began to lean on one another for support.
Sunnyside hosted the Eagles out of respect for the loss, delaying their own senior night ceremony. Interim head coach Anthony Smith's team presented Yzaguirre with a signed football before kickoff. Sunnyside's Pep Club created spirit packages containing motivational quotes for each Federal Way player.
Both teams wore helmet stickers honoring Tuiasosopo. Federal Way players also used custom back plates and towels with the inscription Long Live DeeJay. Yzaguirre praised Sunnyside for being welcoming and honorable throughout the visit.
The game took place three hours southeast of Federal Way, near Yakima. Multiple schools across the state held moments of silence to remember Tuiasosopo. Foster High School, where Tuiasosopo attended before transferring to Federal Way, held a memorial ceremony before its game on Friday.
Pitre said the team aimed to accomplish their goal for their brother. The final score served as a tribute to Tuiasosopo. Federal Way will host West Seattle on November 6.
