The Brief

• Federal Way junior linebacker DeeJay Tuiasosopo, 16, died after a drunk driver struck a vehicle on Oct. 23, police say.
• Sunnyside and Federal Way will play their game as scheduled Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.
• Sunnyside postponed its senior night to the final game of the season, and Federal Way will wear Tuiasosopo's number on helmets.

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — Sunnyside High School's football team will honor a Federal Way player who died after a drunk driver crashed into a vehicle. The two teams will play their scheduled game Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., and both programs will pay tribute to Deejay Tuiasosopo, a 16-year-old junior linebacker.

Police say Tuiasosopo was standing on a sidewalk after Federal Way's one-point victory in a game against White River on Friday, Oct. 23. Tuiasosopo was walking to a friend's house after the game. Police say a drunk driver struck another vehicle, and the crash killed Tuiasosopo.

Federal Way's next game was scheduled against Sunnyside. The team decided to play as scheduled and honor their teammate.

Dave Martinez, Sunnyside's athletic director, said the decision carries more weight than the game itself. "It's more than a game, right? It's about our football brothers. The team, they're hurting, so we're going to play the game, but also recognize that they are in a difficult situation. They've lost a teammate, friend and player."

The game was originally scheduled as Sunnyside's senior night. Out of respect for Federal Way, Sunnyside will move its senior night to the final game of the season. Sunnyside's week 10 opponent Pasco agreed to help Sunnyside still give its seniors a chance to be recognized.

"It just didn't feel right to be celebrating something on a night where your opponent is going to be mourning," Martinez said. 

Sunnyside's homecoming theme this year was "More than a game." A message that truly resonates with both teams for this game. School leadership clubs from Sunnyside are preparing goodie bags and a signed football to present to the Federal Way team before the game.

"It's a chance for our players and our staff and our community to reach out and show another community that, yes, there's a competitiveness about the game, but this is bigger than that," Martinez said. 

To honor Tuiasosopo, Sunnyside players will display his jersey number 56 on the back of their helmets. A moment of silence will precede the game.