In 2021, former Puyallup Nation Kings
player Tutu Tamaalevea and
Washington Wolfpack owner and coach announced the formation of
the Washington Warriors playing in the Gridiron Development League
for 2022. Former Tacoma Cobras
and Seattle Stallions coach Dave
McEachern became head coach of the Warriors.
The Warriors began the 2022 season with what looked like the best
all-star roster put together since the
South Sound Nighthawks. Former GNFA
Players of the Year in QB Adam Kruse, WR Dashun Salgado Jr,
QB/WR Harry Peoples and DE Vikah Lefau to go with other all-league
level performers over the years.
However, the opener fell flat with the Rebels
taking five interceptions and a 32-18 victory. The Warriors
would win eight consecutive games utilizing Kruse and Peoples at QB
until the Northwest's all-time record
holding QB Russell Schneider took the reigns on July 23 after
leading the Portland Raiders to a 10-0
Pacific Northwest League championship in Oregon. The stage was
set for the Division title game with the Rebels and after being tied
at halftime, West Sound jumped to a 27-20 lead. With 10:10
remaining in the 3rd quarter, Schneider was hit late causing the
Warriors sideline to erupt. Players and coaches streamed onto
the field and game officials called the game over at that point.
A previous game with the Sabers had
been halted by game officials in the second half, however this one
was costly. As the Rebels had the lead, the GDFL advanced West
Sound to the next round to face Inglewood while the Warriors season
was over with bookend losses to the Rebels.
Family matters convened to cause the Tamaalevea clan to withdraw the
Warriors from competition in 2023, many players scattered to the
Knights, Rebels, and
Royals.
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