Yelm’s DeJiacomo, defense propel Tornados to first victory of season

After an 0-2 start to the 2025 football season, Yelm picked up its first victory of the season in dominant fashion, 35-6, over Life Christian Academy on Friday, Sept. 19, behind the strong rushing from a senior running back and a stout defensive performance.

Senior running back and linebacker Sam DeJiacomo had the hot hand in the backfield against the Eagles, as he rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries. Additionally, senior quarterback Owen Sletten finished the non-league matchup with 153 passing yards and a touchdown, and two interceptions in 10 attempts.

Sophomore running back King Pridgen found the endzone early in the first quarter on an 8-yard rushing touchdown to propel the Tornados to a 7-0 lead. After a 10-yard rushing touchdown from LCA, and an unsuccessful PAT try, Yelm led 7-6. The Tornados found the endzone once again in the first quarter when Sletten connected with senior wide receiver Jacob Ford for a 70 yard touchdown.

Yelm led 14-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter, the senior DeJiacomo began to find his groove at running back and punched in a one yard touchdown behind the blocking of senior linemen James Mejia and Aiden Ellwood, and senior fullback Kobe Kidd.
DeJiacomo found the endzone for the second time in the third quarter and showed off his speed on a 56-yard rushing touchdown behind the blocking of senior offensive linemen Jonah Smith and Tyco St. Denis.

Yelm’s final touchdown of the game was a 17-yard scramble by the quarterback, Sletten, who trucked a defender on his way into the endzone. Ultimately, Yelm defeated Life Christian Academy 35-6.