By Mike Nauta Jr.
In Friday night’s scheduled match in the 2014 Miller Football League, the IP&E Angels were looking to do what no other team has been able to do all season long, beat the defending champion Pepsi Warriors. The Warriors came to the gridiron at the Hal Shiroma Field in Dededo looking to finish off their regular season with an unblemished record, while their opponents looked to avenge an earlier loss in the season. When all was said and done, the scoreboard reflected a 42-0 score in favor of the defending champs.
Pepsi’s Sandy Fejeran goes up and tips a pass intended for Angels Jarred Meno.(photo by Joey Blas)
With the victory, Pepsi caps off their regular season with a 6-0 record while their opponents drop to 4-2. Heading into the playoffs, the Warriors will hold the top-seed and the Angels sit at number two.
First quarter action gave everyone in attendance a feeling that both teams were going to dish out a great game. With each team having at least two offensive series, it was anyone’s guess who would post the game’s first points. The Warriors started things off with Hosea Ware returning the opening kickoff for 35-yards followed by a 12-yard rush. However, a Pepsi fumbled gave the Angels their first try on offense.
Much like their opponents, IP&E busted out with two strong runs by Mike “Mass Transit” Pangelinan that eventually led to a first down. However, that was about the only offense produced at that point as Pepsi forced the Angels to punt. The seesaw battle continued and the quarter came to a close with the score revealing nothing but “goose eggs”.
The fire was just beginning to ignite for the defending champions in the second quarter as the ground game allowed for positive yardage. An eventual 19-yard run by Keanu Lujan set up a first and goal for Pepsi at the one-yard line. On the ensuing play, Lujan finished off what he started cruising into the end zone for a one-yard TD run and a 6-0 lead.
While keeping the Angels offense in check, the Warriors continued to work the ball offensively. With less than three minutes left in the opening half, Pepsi starting quarterback Danny Manibusan put on a display of aerial attacks that included a 37-yard touchdown pass to Rashaun Blas. A successful two-point attempt following the TD gave the Warriors a 14-0 lead that carried into the halftime break.
Angels Ryan Bigler intercepts a pass and takes a knee in the end zone to take over on their own 20 yard line.(photo by Joey Blas)
After denying the Warriors another chance at scoring at the start of the second half, IP&E went to work in hopes of ending the dry spell. However, strong defensive play by Pepsi forced their opponents to punt for the fourth time in the game. It wasn’t too long after when Ware pounded out 20-yards for a touchdown. Teammate Chris Santos split the uprights for the PAT giving Pepsi a commanding 21-0 lead.
For the remainder of the game, things worsened for the Angels, as they weren’t able to find any answers on both sides of the ball. The Warriors would eventually double-up their points and take a 42-0 lead right around the four-minute warning. When the fourth and final quarter finally came to a close, it was Pepsi who celebrated a huge victory and now prepare to enter the playoffs.
Miller Football League action resumes on Sunday with the DLX Knights taking on the Cars Plus Rams in the final regular season game for both teams. The outcome of the match will determine the final seeding for the playoffs. A win by the Knights will secure the third-seed and a match with the Angels to start the playoffs.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Pepsi’s Ham Haro runs through some defenders and takes it in for the TD. (photo by Joey Blas)
Pepsi Rashaun Blas makes a nice reception down the sideline for the TD. (photo by Joey Blas)
Pepsi Giants vs Hals Angels. (photo by Joey Blas)
Angels David Cruz receives the kickoff and runs it to the midfield. (photo by Joey Blas)
Pepsi Keono Lujan takes the handoff and runs it in for the 2 point conversion. (photo by Joey Blas)
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