The “Hood Classic” is one of those Seattle high school football traditions. And 2024 did not disappoint. Rainier Beach dominated its 42-14 win over Garfield. The annual rivalry game celebrates the competition that runs deep in two of Seattle’s storied high schools every time they take the field on a Friday afternoon in the fall. This evening was no different; Rainier Beach dominated from the bell, refusing to let up in a 42-14 romp over Garfield.
It was evident that Rainier Beach had come to play after the opening kickoff, as it went on to show what might. Their offence, led by star quarterback Jalen Moore, would fire all cylinders in this contest. Moore threw three touchdowns and one on the ground as he showed off his dynamic dual-threat ability that’s attracting attention from scouts at colleges around the country. Marcus Johnson’s penetration at wide receiver was unstoppable, with two touchdowns, including one eye-popping 50-yard bomb that kept the Rainier Beach crowd in a dervish.
Not much behind the defence, the Vikings also slogged through Garfield’s typically explosive offense. The Vikings’ front line did a constant job of rushing Garfield quarterback, turning the ball over on multiple occasions throughout the game. Among Rainier Beach’s best defensive players was senior linebacker Malik Harris, who recorded two sacks and a pick in the second quarter that pinned Garfield inside Rainier Beach territory to an insurmountable advantage.
Garfield couldn’t get any flow in this game. They had moments of brilliance flashes, such as Tyrell Anderson running back with a 60-yard TD scamper, but overall couldn’t keep up with a Rainier Beach attack that seemed to present the threat of a deep pass almost every snap of the way. A stifling Rainier Beach defence used aggressive game plans to keep Garfield’s offence almost stagnant for most of the night, and an inept effort on third downs left the Bulldogs far in arrears most of the game.
It’s sweet enough for the Rainier Beach team, who have taken four of the last five ‘Hood Classics’. They’ve sealed their status as the established power here in this long-standing rivalry. Coach Andre Jones praised his team’s performance in the game, saying, “We knew coming in that this was more than just a game—it is pride, a legacy, and it is about all of us as a community. The boys left everything on that field today, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Again, the “Hood Classic was much more than a football game; it’s a celebration of community, culture, and rich athletic history between these two schools. With the victory over Redmond, Rainier Beach adds to its legacy, sending a message to the rest of the league: they’re a team in 2024 to be reckoned with.
