ISLANDERS WIN SEASON OPENER

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By Robert Balajadia

Okkodo Bulldogs’ Calvin Muna goes head to head with JFK Islanders’ defender trying to avoid the incoming tackle. (photo by Jesse Castro)

A rainy Friday made it a messy night for football, but the rain did not dampen the Islander spirit as JFK pulled out an impressive 14-6 opening night win over the Okkodo Bulldogs at the Islander field in Tamuning.

Islanders all-purpose offense player Jarred Hernden scored both touchdowns for his squad while also making a key reception late in the fourth quarter to seal the game.

Hernden caught the seasons first touchdown off a 25-yard bomb from quarterback Quintin Iriarte in the second quarter. Hernden then punched in the 2-point conversion to extend the lead to 8-0. The play was set up by receiver Alan Pinkine, who made the teams first catch from 15 yards out.

The rain limited the Islanders in the first quarter in the passing game but Hernden and the boys got back on track in the second. “We just stayed focus and remembered what we did in practice and it was just hard work and determination,” stated Hernden.

The Islanders came out of halftime just as strong with a 65-yard kickoff return by Pinkine which was followed by Hernden’s second touchdown from 15 yards again to push the lead to 14-0.

Okkodo responded in the third quarter with the running game that ate up enough clock to advance them to the fourth quarter, where Calvin Muna scored the teams first touchdown off a short pass from quarterback Joseph De Leon Guerrero.

JFK Islanders’ quarterback Quintin Iriarte hands the ball off to running back Jarred Hernden. (photo by Jesse Castro)

JFK went on the offensive and tried to keep the ball away from Okkodo until a botched hand off led to a fumble recover by Bulldogs’ Jacob Sanchez.

Okkodo was then facing a fourth down situation when De Leon Guerrero hit Muna in the chest for the possible conversion, but Muna dropped the pass which gave the Islanders the chance to seal the game.

Hernden then converted on a long third down that brought the Islanders within the red zone where De Leon Geurrero kneeled out the clock to secure the win. The Islanders are off to a good start by winning their first game of the season after winning just one game all of last season.

“I can’t really say what’s going to happen but we’re just going to take advantage of what we got right now and continue what we’re doing.”

The first football game of the opening weekend will be the only game played as Sanchez and Southern have both forfeited their games while FD has an opening weekend bye.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Okkodo Bulldogs’ Calvin Muna deflected the tackle by the incoming JFK Islander defender. (photo by Jesse Castro)

JFK islanders’ quarterback Quintin Iriarte setting up in the pocket ready to throw. (photo by Jesse Castro)

JFK Islanders’ Jarred Hernden completes the conversion by running to the right side. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Okkodo Bulldogs’ De Leon Guerrero ready to throw the ball to his receiver. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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