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By Regina Shiroma

Giants’ Juan King spins away from some would-be tackles to score the first touchdown of the game off this 24-yard run. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Hensel Phelps Giants have retained their number one spot in the Matua division of the GNYFF youth football league with a 7-0 record. The Giants slipped by the stubborn sixth place Cinnabon Island Saints 16-6 Sunday afternoon at Eagle field in the last game before playoffs.

These all-around teams clashed offensively and defensively as each team worked the other just as hard. Juan King was a big contribution to the Giants win bringing in two interceptions and a touchdown.

“It makes me feel more confident and it’s kind of a relief because we worked hard this week to finish this season 7-0. We worked hard this whole season and we earned it,” said King.

Saints’ Trey Leon gets swarmed by Giants defenders Christopher Cawilli, Napu Topasna, and Damon Hocog. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

All the touchdowns were scored in the third quarter. Five minutes and 42 seconds in, King ran in for the first score of the game. After being handed the ball by brother and quarterback Jujuan King at the 24-yard line, Juan King broke a tackle, spun to the left, and made his way into the end zone. Napu Topasna sent the PAT through the uprights, putting the Giants up 8-0.

A few minutes later, Saints’ Devin Leon connected with Trey Leon for a 13-yard reception touchdown. Giants’ Damon Hocog blocked the PAT leaving the score at 8-6 in favor of the Giants.

In the ensuing kick-off, the Giants’ Joseph Sanchez answered back with a crowd-pleasing 70-yard touchdown. The return saw Sanchez charging up the field with an army of blockers protecting him the whole way. Topasna came through once again with the two-point conversion, the ball sailing just inches above the crossbar.

Giants’ Juan King makes the diving, over-the-shoulder interception late in the fourth quarter on a pass intended for Saints receiver Tylor Uson. (photo by Regina Shiroma)

For a few minutes in the third quarter, the Saints refused to play, walking off the field after Giants’ Holden Salas was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, the second unsportsmanlike conduct called against the Giants. After the coaches and a GNYFF commissioner had a talk in the middle of the field, they settled their concerns and continued to play. The Giants accumulated a total of 80 yards due to penalties.

“A lot of troublemakers, but there are a lot of good guys on our team too. This whole week we’ll just stay humble and try to finish the season with a championship.”

Devin Leon completed 9 out of 23 attempts passing for 87 yards. However, the Giants’ overwhelming defense gave Leon five interceptions as well. Saints’ receiver, Trey Leon, went 52 yards on five receptions

The Giants Joseph Sanchez ran 21 yards on five carries. On the defensive end, Marcus Manglona tallied two sacks while teammate David Cruz had one.

In other divisions: 

Mandikiki  Giants def. Saints 35-7
Manha Saints def. Giants 33-6
Metgot Saints def. Giants 14-0

In other games:

Mandikiki Raiders vs. Jets 49-14
Manha Raiders def. Jets 31-0
Metgot Raiders def. Jets 29-0
Matua Raiders def. Jets 30-0

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