[sixcol_five_last]
By Colin Leon Guerrero

Daniel Cruz of the Sanchez Sharks slips past an Okkodo Bulldog defender and scores a touchdown. (photo by Asha Robles)
The reigning IFL champion Simon Sanchez Sharks officially began their season Friday night as they took out Okkodo Bulldogs 24-12 at the Okkodo Field. After missing the first week of games due to lack of players, it took the Sharks a while to get into the game.
“It was rough, we started out pretty slow,” said Sanchez running back Daniel Cruz who scored two of Sanchez’s touchdowns. “We haven’t practiced with a lot of us within the last couple of days too,” added Cruz shedding some light on the slow start.
Okkodo, coming off a tough opening loss against JFK, were very spirited at the beginning of the game and it showed with the way they played. Ten minutes into the first half quarterback Leeroy Zapatos threw a deep ball to receiver Angel DeLeon Guerrrero within the Sharks five-yard line. Two plays later Zapatos would take it in himself on a QB sneak putting the Bulldogs on the board first. The PAT was good making the score 7-0.
Sanchez’s offense was ready though as Dondre Barnes weaved through a number of defenders on a 1st down run that brought the Sharks in Bulldog territory. After a turning the ball over to the Bulldogs, Matthew Sojo intercepted a pass from Zapatos and returned it for a touchdown. After the failed two-point conversion the score remained 7-6 in the first quarter.
“The boys got their stuff together, everybody did their part and it all worked out,” said Cruz as the Sharks defense stepped up and contained the Bulldogs for the remainder of the game. By halftime the ball game was tied 12-12.
In the second half the Sharks defense once again made things hard for Okkodo’s offense to gain some momentum. Which only helped the Shark’s offense, as Cruz was able to punch in a touchdown midway through the third quarter putting the Sharks up 18-12.
“Every team is out to beat us this year, but we’re going to give them a battle,” said Cruz who understands the pressure that comes with being the defending champions. With the win Sanchez improves their record 1-1, as Okkodo falls to 0-2 with the loss.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
[fbshare url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/football/sharks-shake-off-early-rust/” type=”button”] [fblike url=”http://www.gspnlive.com/football/sharks-shake-off-early-rust/” style=”standard” showfaces=”false” width=”450″ verb=”like” font=”arial”]
[/sixcol_five_last]


GPS Sports Calendar
July 2025
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for June
1st
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
2nd
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
3rd
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
4th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
5th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
6th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
7th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
8th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
9th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
2025 PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Events for July
10th
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Events for July
11th
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
Events for July
12th
Events for July
13th
Events for July
14th
Events for July
15th
Events for July
16th
Events for July
17th
Events for July
18th
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
Events for July
19th
Events for July
20th
Events for July
21st
Events for July
22nd
Events for July
23rd
Events for July
24th
Events for July
25th
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 1
- 2
Events for July
26th
Events for July
27th
Events for July
28th
Events for July
29th
Events for July
30th

Pacific Mini Games
WATER SPORTS KICKS THINGS OFF IN DAY 1

Jiu-Jitsu
CRUZ BROS. CRUISE THROUGH STATESIDE COMP

Basketball
RECAP OF FD ALUMNI BASKETBALL WEEKEND

Basketball
GUAM BASKETBALL CREATES HALL OF FAME

Pacific Mini Games
16 READY TO MEDAL IN TRACK & FIELD

Basketball
FD ALUMNI HOOPS OPENS WITH A BANG

Pacific Mini Games
BEACH PLAYERS EXCITED FOR PALAU’S SANDS
COMING SOON …
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament June 27-July 18
Pacific Mini Games June 29-July 9
QUICK HITS