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By Regina Shiroma

Raiders’ Brandon Salumbides clearly gets the safety after sacking Cowboys QB Javen Aflague inside the goal line, but the ball was questionably downed at the 1-yard line. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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The GTA Teleguam Raiders defeated the Tan Holdings Southern Cowboys 6-0 Sunday afternoon to advance to the Metgot division championships.

A mere one touchdown was the difference between the two teams as both fought wholeheartedly throughout.

However, only one team could advance, and when the opportunity presented itself, the Raiders executed for the score.

Raiders quarterback Dylan Parke connected with Xavier “The X-man” Naputi for a 13-yard reception touchdown in the second quarter. With Jesse Manglona III behind the line of scrimmage, Parke received the hand off to fake the run which left a sprinting Naputi open for a reception with defenders rushing at Parke. Parke threw far right into the sure hands of Naputi who made the over-the shoulder, wide open catch and ran his way into the end zone.

AK/Scion Player of the Game – Dylan Parke: 3/7 on 113 passing yards, 1 TD. 12 rushing yards on 3 attempts. 4 total first downs.

“I faked the run, and then threw it to the receiver,” explained Parke of his touchdown play.

Parke totaled 113 yards on just three passing attempts.

“Today was a very, very tough battle. The Cowboys came out really hard and really strong. It was a battle all four quarters,” said Raiders’ head coach Ray Macias. “We were lucky to come up with a touchdown to secure the game.”

A battle it was indeed — and right from the get-go. The Cowboys’ Travis Concepcion opened up their offensive drive with a 40-yard run to put them at the Raiders’ 29-yard line. The Cowboys would get another first down, but they were unable to move the chains and turned the ball over on fourth and goal.

“Defense came out big,” said Macias. “My hats off two both teams, but a great stop on the defensive side.”

The Raider defense was clicking all game long, tallying two would-be safeties, had the ref not called it back.

Cowboys’ Javen Aflague looks to get past Raiders’ Fred Lumogda. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

To prepare for the championship game Parke had just two words, “Work hard.”

The Raiders are now set to face the Saints in the championship game next Sunday.

“These guys gotta come out, and gotta work hard, extra hard. It’s the championship game. It’s the playoffs; we came into a very tough game, way tougher than the regular season. So I know that the next team we’re going to play is going to come out just as hard,” stated Macias.

In other semi-final matches:

UOG field
Manha Angels def. Raiders 20-6
Metgot Saints def. Angels 19-13
Matua Angels def. Falcons 20-0

Eagle Field
Manha Saints def. Giants 33-6
Matua Giants def. Saints 12-6

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Raiders’ Gabriel Aguon was able to get in front of Cowboys receiver Travis Concepcion to nearly intercept the pass in the fourth quarter. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cowboys QB Javen Aflague was unable to escape the sack from Raiders’ Javon Garrido and Coby Gogue inside their end zone but surprisingly, a safety was not called on the play. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cowboys’ Jerome Urdaneta almost intercepts a pass intended for Raiders receiver Gabriel Aguon. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Raiders QB Dylan Parke tries to get the short first down through the stiff defense of the Cowboys. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cowboys’ Travis Concepcion almost intercepts an overthrown pass intended for Raiders receiver Xavier Naputi. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Cowboys’ Javen Aflague tries to break free from the rushing defense of Raiders’ Brandon Salumbides. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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