By Robert Balajadia
The two Miller Football League regular season match ups between the IP&E Hal’s Angels and DLX Knights were decided by a single possession in both games which pegged a high intensity semifinals matchup. However, their third meeting was more one-sided with the Angels shutting out the Knights 21-0 to advance to the 2014 title match where they will face the undefeated Pepsi Warriors.
Angels’ quarterback Steve “SP” Phillips tossed all three touchdowns on the night and appeared to be clicking all game long.
When asked what was different in their third meeting Phillips responded with,”We played real basic today and everyone was sound. We executed and did everything we needed to do.”
Angels’ Jarred Meno tries to get through the Knights’ defense after a reception. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
After a scoreless first quarter, Phillips took advantage of Knights defensive a tripping penalty on third down that brought the Angels inside the red zone early in the second quarter. Phillips then attacked the secondary on the following play hitting receiver Jarred Meno for a wide open 19-yard strike.
A successful PAT from kicker David Cruz gave the Angels the 7-0 lead.
The Knights were shifting between quarterbacks Joe Terlaje and Cory Chin in the first half before sticking with Terlaje for the entire second half of the game.
The Angels wasted no time in the third quarter scoring on their opening drive.Running backs Marvin Manibusan and Joaquin Pangelinan aided in keeping the drive going after gaining consecutive first downs.
Phillips then tossed a 23-yard dart to a wide open Justin Currie, who got past the coverage of the entire Knights’ secondary to go up 14-0 after the Cruz PAT. The Knights failed to answer back after drives that ended in a punt and turnover on downs.
The first play of the fourth quarter was a toss from Phillips to Meno who was facing double coverage. Knights’ safety Gavin West was able to get the jump on the ball and had the interception on his fingertips before it slipped out right into the hands of Meno who just trotted into the end zone to go up 21-0 after another successful PAT from Cruz.
Knights’ Adrian Davis gets wrapped up in the backfield by Angels David Cruz. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Knights receiver Joshua Marini had two great catch and runs in the fourth quarter that put DLX in scoring position, but the Angels defense ended both drives in interceptions. Defensive back Justin “The Shocker” Cruz picked off a pass intended for Marini at the goal line and teammate Jonathan Bugarin picked off another pass intended for Marini a drive later.
The Angels now have to face the unbeaten Pepsi Warriors where the Warriors won both regular season match ups. Phillips knows it’s going to be an uphill battle, but neither he or the Angels are backing down.
“We are preparing for a good game. We need to go and leave everything out on the field and just limit our mistakes.”
PHOTO GALLERY:
Knights’ defensive back Adrian Davis tries to make the interception but is just a bit late. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Angels’ Joaquin Pangelinan gets brought down by Knights’ Raul Bryand. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Jarred Meno gets the clear from the referee after completing the touchdown catch. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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