New Look, New Irish: A Season to Remember

by Brady Curran, Zion Moimoi, Lamar Darden, Justin Laylo

SEATTLE - Last year, the O’Dea High School football team had a season for the history books. The team’s determination and skill carried them all the way to the state championship, where they faced their longtime rival, the Bellevue Wolverines, the same team that knocked them out a year earlier. A dominant game for the Irish resulted in an undefeated season as they claimed their 5th state title in football. "It was crazy, we worked the whole year for that… it was just amazing," current junior Tevita Nonu said.

The road to the championship was filled with unforgettable moments. In the semifinals against Eastside, the game was tied in the final minute. With time nearing the end, O’Dea executed a last-minute miracle resulting in a game winning catch by Lio Banchero, that secured the victory and sent the team to the state finals. Just one game earlier, the team witnessed an incredible performance from running back Uriah Stringfield, who ran for over 200 yards, showcasing both his talent and the team’s strong offensive line.

Last season highlighted the teamwork, dedication, and grit of O’Dea football. The Irish players and coaches proved that hard work, focus, and a determination not to lose can take you all the way.  From unforgettable plays to the championship victory, this team gave their school a season for the ages.  

Looking Forward To This Season 

Expectaions are high going into this season. Coming off a stellar year and returning many impact players, the Irish are poised to continue their dominance in 3A. But this enthusiasm is tempered as the Irish aren't fully healthy. Star defensive tackle Nonu says, “I am 100 percent excited for the team but I am a little upset that I won't be on the field with my brothers and ball out with them due to my shoulder injury. But I am blessed that it's not a full season injury and blessed to be on the sidelines supporting them.  Football is more than just a game, it’s Brotherhood”. This team-first attitude set the tone for the Irish last season and they hope the Brotherhood can continue.

Same Goal Different Team 

This year the Fighting Irish are seeing some big changes on the offensive and defensive end of the field. The biggest changes come from the defensive end, they added a whole new secondary this season, Losing key players Sage Salopek, Case Barker and Rasaan Thomas. Losing these players really showed in the first game of the season against Graham-Kapowsin where the secondary really struggled do sadly got hurt on the third play of the game having junior Gabe Populus come in for the rest of the game. Also from the same game freshmen quarterback Alias Moimoi and freshmen receiver Saia Malietufa made their high school varsity debuts and played great in the loss against Graham-Kapowsin. Even though the Fighting Irish lost it was only week one and the new additions and changes showed glimpses of being great players for the Fighting Irish this season. 

The Rivalry 

O’Dea’s September schedule has already been a test. The Irish opened with a 40-38 loss to  Graham-Kapowsin, a thriller that showed both their strengths and areas they need to clean up. They’ll now look to bounce back with key league matchups against Rainier Beach on September 11 and Seattle Prep on September 19 before the big showdown with Eastside Catholic the following week. Few rivalries in Washington high school sports bring the same energy as O’Dea vs. Eastside Catholic. Every time these two Catholic schools meet, it’s not just about the score, it’s about tradition, pride, and bragging rights. Last season, O’Dea swept the Crusaders. The Irish dominated the first meeting with a 20-0 shutout, then pulled off a dramatic semifinal win to punch their ticket to the championship. Eastside Catholic came close in that second game, and the memory of that ending has been fueling them ever since. On September 26 at West Seattle Stadium, the rivalry takes center stage again. O’Dea will try to prove it still runs the rivalry, while Eastside Catholic enters ready for revenge. Like always, this one will be about more than just a win.