Ben Ala'alatoa

Pierce County Bengals

Noseguard

1988-1997

Dubbed "The Samoan Sack Man" by Bengal teammates including Hall of Famer Stephen Matychowiak, the moniker was well earned and maybe even a slight bit understated based on opponent memories and teammates stories.

One of the quickest big men of the late 1980's and into the 1990's, Ala'alatoa was a disruptor for nearly a decade as the Pierce County Bengals had one of the top defenses in the Northwest Football League at a time when defensive stats were rarely kept.  A multi-sack per game producer, Ben accounted for five sacks on Oct 5, 1991 ranking 2nd on the sacks per game chart at the time.  The former Lincoln High star also accounted for numerous untracked forced fumbles into the double digits while recovering a then-record three in one game on August 30, 1997. 

Blocked PAT's and Field Goal attempts were common place for #44 as many offensive linemen found his combination of speed and power too much to handle one-on-one.  Multiple sources have reported that in one season, Ala'alatoa matched his jersey number in sacks, but as is the case with semi-pro, that stat and record currently cannot be verified.  44 sacks in a season would establish a nearly unbeatable all-time record if documentation can ever be located.

Not one to play for the stats sheet though, Ben loved the game of football and played with a ferocity indicative of the era that made him one of the modern day defensive line dominators for the Bengals.

The Bengals reached the NWFL Championship game in each of his first five season, taking the title in 1992 over the Sno-King Blue Knights and a split for the 1990 title with Oregon.

Verified Honors:

1988 2nd Team All Northwest League - Team Leader Sacks & Fumble Recoveries

1989 1st Team All Northwest League

1991 1st Team All Northwest League

1997 1st Team All Northwest League