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By Regina Shiroma

Sharks Dondre Barnes slices through the defense of Bulldogs’ Kyle Leon Guerrero to score the first touchdown of the game. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Simon Sanchez Sharks are on their way to the championship after taking a dominating 20-0 win over the visiting Okkodo Bulldogs in their semifinal match up Saturday evening at the Okkodo Field.

The Sharks took the win in a team effort with three different players scoring their touchdowns.

“I can attribute it to these outstanding players, really good kids with a lot of skills. They came in, they learned their skills, they learned their plays, they did all their adjustments. That’s what we attribute it to, the players,” said Sharks long-time head coach Jimmy Naholowaa.

Sharks running back Oliver Oyardo moved the ball down the field with key runs to gain multiple first downs in the fourth quarter. With just minutes left in the game, Oyardo turned in the final touchdown, recording a seven-yard run into the end zone.

Bulldogs Leeray Zapatos follows his lead blocker, Angel Deleon Guerrero, to gain extra yards on the run. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Bulldogs came close to putting points on the board in the third quarter, standing at the six-yard line. However, the relentless, stubborn Sanchez defense forced the turnover on downs.

Midway through the second quarter the Sharks Shawn Dumanal, while on the run, connected with Mark Evangelista for a 15-yard touchdown in the far right corner of the end zone. The reception and Dondre Barnes’ run for the conversion put the Sharks up 14-0 at half time.

The Bulldogs saw some light on the second quarter when Earl Bascon intercepted a would-be touchdown for the Sharks. But to their dismay the Sharks Matthew Sojo stripped the ball in their next offensive drive, giving his Sharks possession again.

Sharks Mark Evangelista catches a pass wide open in the endzone for the second touchdown of the game. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Sharks Johnny Aguon

Thanks to a 50-yard kick off return by Johnny Aguon, the Sharks were in good positioning to score at the start of the game. Barnes worked his way down the field and ended up with a five-yard touchdown in their first offensive possession.

Aguon made huge plays throughout the game to substantially help the offensive positioning. He also had an impressive 60-yard punt return touchdown in the first quarter but it was waived off by a penalty.

Though it’s only Aguon’s first year in football, he is playing a crucial part on the Sanchez team.

“Johhny brings a lot to the game. He’s really intense. He plays like a bigger back, doesn’t play like a small back. Same thing with Oliver, crucial first downs, one after the other. And with Dondre, they just did an outstanding job,” said Naholowaa of his thoughts on the performance from his running backs. “A lot goes to Larry [Saralu] because Larry’s first block is what sets the plays off. All our backs, they all contributed. If they didn’t block, they were running. They stepped up and did a really good job.”

Sharks’ Oliver Oyardo breaks through the tackle of Bulldogs’ Leeray Zapatos to score the last touchdown of the game off a short run. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

The Sharks last captured the championship game in SY 2008-2009 after defeating the FD Friars. In the hopes of ending their season with a victory, the Sharks will have to face the GW Geckos who beat the Guam High Panthers 21-20.

“Feels good that we’ve taken a step up from all the years,” said coach Naholowaa. “We’re not going to make the mistakes that we made that cost us the game [during the regular season].”

“It’s my first year, but we’re going to the ship. It feels so good,” stated Aguon.
 

Bulldogs’ Calvin Muna breaks away from the low tackle from Sharks’ Wes Shiroma. (photo by Regina Shiroma)

Sharks’ Dondre Barnes tries to break from the tackle of Bulldogs’ Kyle Cruz. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Bulldogs’ Calvin Muna makes the interception inside the end zone on a conversion play in the first quarter. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Sharks CB Wes Shiroma was quick to react to disrupt the pass intended for Bulldogs’ Brian Antonio inside the endzone. (photo by Regina Shiroma)

Bulldogs’ Calvin Muna gets the ball knocked out his hands from an onslaught of Sharks defenders. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

Sharks’ Johnny Aguon stiff-arms his way through the tackle of Bulldogs’ Gurren Reyes. (photo by Errol Alegre, Jr.)

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