By Jay Leon Guerrero
The dynasty continues.
The Father Duenas Friars won their eighth championship in a row after defeating the Guam High Panthers 43-0 Saturday night at the GW Field. FD went to work early and never looked back to win their 72nd game in a row under head coach Bruce Meno to win the ISA Football League championship.
Vance Meno, a senior, was instrumental in the first half on both sides of the field. Meno recovered two fumbles on defense and rushed for two touchdowns on offense. Meno also caught a 40-yard pass from quarterback Alex Sojo to set up another touchdown before halftime as the Friars led 36-0.
Following his dad (FD head coach Bruce Meno) to games as a youngster, Vance witnessed FD championships and patiently waited his turn. “I grew up watching this, and I always wanted to continue this tradition,” said Meno. “It feels good to continue the run”.
Sojo, also a senior, orchestrated the offense to get the Friars going early. The league’s Offensive MVP made a 30-yard field goal, rushed for a touchdown, and threw another touchdown to Trey Blas in the first half.
“This game was a mental challenge for us. Our coaches drilled us in practice that this is our last game to help us prepare,” said Sojo.
Vance Meno anchored the Friar defense all season, a defense that has not given up any points in two years under defensive coordinator Keone Badua. “We got here with hard work and dedication, this was a team win,” said Vance Meno.
The Panthers struggled in the first half and did not find any rhythm to get going. It was not until the second half that a big play happened after Panther quarterback Donte Parker found Cameron Brantley for a 60-yard bomb to enter Friar territory. That was the lone offensive highlight for Guam High.
The Friars held their ground to prevent Guam High from scoring. Plays from FD’s Tristan Burgos and Isaiha Arriola pushed the Panthers backward, and FD took over on downs. Arriola finished the game with five tackles and a sack.
“Coming from an offensive perspective, iron sharpens iron. Our defense really put in the work throughout the season, and that helped us improve as an offense,” said Sojo.
The second half featured FD freshman running back Javin Meno doing work on the ground as the Friars coasted to the victory. Javin Meno rushed for a game-high 101 yards and had two touchdowns.
For Guam High, Justin Brantley had a game high 7.5 tackles. His brother, Cameron, had 70 reception yards. Ysidro Flores forced a fumble on the opening drive, which was recovered by Zarius Ward.
FD’s Jaron Meno contributed 57 total yards on offense. Zach Muna had 40 total yards.
With just 15 seniors, the Friars will potentially have 60 returnees next season.
“The future is bright for FD. My personal advice to the team next year is to not be complacent, work hard, and always come to practice.”
– FD outgoing senior QB Alex Sojo
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