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ISLANDERS FINISH STRONG
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By Robert Balajadia
Islanders’ Chris Camacho intercepts a pass intended for Steelers’ Josh Blaz. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
A battle between winless teams in the Budweiser Football League often makes for good football but the Islanders dominated the second half scoring 20 unanswered points against the Steelers at Eagles Field in Mangialo, running away to a 34-13 victory to improve to 1-3 while the Steelers continue to struggle at 0-3.
The Islanders went into halftime with a 14-13 lead until early in the third quarter when running back Jerrick Abisia gashed the Steeler defense for two 20-yard runs. Abisia capped off the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to put the Islanders up 22-13 after a successful two-point conversion.
Converting on fourth down was difficult for the Steeler offense going 0-3 in the fourth quarter. Islanders quarterback Paul Unger, on the other hand, rarely faced a fourth down situation in the second half completing majority of his first and second attempts while escaping the pressure put on by the Steeler defensive front. Unger hit tight end Bula Ruiz for a red zone touchdown early in the fourth to put the Islanders up 28-13.
Steelers QB Andrew Apatang hands off the ball to teammate Genaro Galimba. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Unger shook off a bad first quarter where he gave an early Christmas present to the Steeler defensive back Jon Rapolla, who picked off Unger and brought it back for an 80-yard touchdown going untouched into the end zone. The Steelers went up 13-6 after Rapolla’s pick-six.
Islanders all-purpose man Alejo Lujan scored the teams first two touchdowns, one right up the gut of the Steeler defense and the other right before the half by taking a quick pass from Unger 20 yards for a lead changing touchdown.
Steelers quarterback Andrew Apatang got off to a hot start hitting receiver Thomas Medler for a 50-yard touchdown on their first offensive play but struggled since throwing two costly interceptions. Islanders defensive backs Chris Camacho and Andy Fernandez were the recipients of Apatang’s errant throws, killing any momentum the Steeler offense began to generate.
With 12 seconds left in the game, the Steelers tried to make something happen out of their end zone but a botched snap resulted in more points for the Islanders who recovered the loose ball in the end zone for their final touchdown.
The Islanders manage to pick up one win before the midseason mark while the Steelers are reeling, still the leagues only winless team.
RAIDERS 40, EAGLES 12
Will Williams and the Raiders (4-0) remain undefeated by more than tripling the score against the Eagles(2-1) in the Saturday evening game. A showdown between the top two teams was not as close as Eagles fans might have hoped while Raider fans have enjoyed many big wins this BFL season reaching the midway point without a loss. The Raiders will look to continue their dominance when BFL action continues during the first weekend of 2013.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Steelers’ Joey Taijeron looks to react to the oncoming defense of Islanders’ Jerome Cruz. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Islanders QB Paul Unger scans the field for an open receiver. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Islanders’ Jerrick Abisia gets wrapped up by a Steelers defender. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Islanders’ Alejo Lujan get wrapped up and fumbles the ball after the reception. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
Steelers Mario Blaz takes down Islanders receiver Steven Flores. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)
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