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By Regina Shiroma

With an opening created by Sharks’ offensive line, running back Shawn Dumanal runs the ball in for a touchdown. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Déjà vu may just be the word to describe this season’s playoffs.

The semifinals mimicked last season’s to a tee as once again the fourth placed GW Geckos, against all odds, upset the first placed Guam High Panthers with a late comeback. Once again, battling it out in the second and third placed seeds were the Simon Sanchez Sharks and the Okkodo Bulldogs.

Once again, the Sharks blanked the Bulldogs. And once again, in a rematch of last season’s championship game, the Sharks will aim to protect their title from the Geckos.

Under the lights of the Okkodo field, the Sharks displayed the essence of teamwork in their semifinal matchup against the Bulldogs, shutting out Okkodo 22-0 Saturday night.

The Sharks had an all-around game, as both defense and offense did their job and did their job well. No one player stood out as each player contributed to the win.

“We came out really slow in the first half, but in the second half, the guys made their just adjustments and began making their plays,” said Sharks’ head coach Jimmy Naholowaa.

Fourth down and inches to go, Bulldogs quarterback Leeray Zapatos attempts to run the ball in but is stopped from obtaining the touchdown by the Sharks defensive line. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Up only 6-0 at the half, the defending champs went right to work. The Sharks defense forced the Bulldogs into a punt situation after only three downs. Waiting at the other end of the deep punt was Sharks’ Daniel Cruz who returned it for an extra 15-yards to the 45-yard line.

Cruz gained crucial yards in his rush attempts thanks to the offensive line opening up holes and blockers clearing the way. Then in the fourth quarter, quarterback Shawn Dumanal sped off to the right for a 12 yard-touchdown.

For the two-point conversion, Dumanal, in a last second decision, threw back to Larry Saralu who shook off two tackles and ran into the end zone extending their lead to 14-0.

The Bulldogs had several opportunities for big gains; however, dropped passes, penalties, and a suffocating Sharks defense prevented a comeback.

Another rushing touchdown brought in by Saralu put the Sharks up at 20-0 late in the fourth quarter. Leon caught the two-point conversion deep in the corner from Dumanal for the final score of the game.

Sharks’ quarterback Shawn Dumanal looks up field for an open receiver trying to gain his team a first down. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Despite a slow start, the Sharks defense held their ground at the four-yard line to stop the Bulldog’s from getting on the board first. The Bulldog’s had worked their way down the field with three first down conversions, including in a fourth and one situation.

At the start of the second quarter, the Bulldogs pushed and shoved at the Sharks defense, but they would not budge forcing a turn over on downs.

Here was where the Sharks began their 96-yard trek back to their end zone. Ten-yard runs by Larry Saralu and Wes Shiroma brought the Sharks closer to their destination. A 17-yard reception from quarterback Dumanal to Trey Leon brought the Sharks to the Bulldog 35-yard line. A couple more first down runs allowed Dumanal to sneak in for a one-yard touchdown. With only seconds left, Derrick Evangelista had some hang time as he jumped up to grab an interception to end the half with a bang.

“If GW wins, then congratulations because they beat the number one seed to get there, we always have good games with them as far as sportsmanship.”

“I don’t feel like we deserve it more than they do, if they work harder and they earn it, then we’re going to celebrate with them. If we win it, then that’s great,” laughed Naholowaa.

The Sharks and the Geckos play Saturday night at Okkodo at 7 pm.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sharks’ Derrick Evangelista makes the interception and stops the Bulldogs push for a touchdown with only seconds left in the half. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Though quite often unrecognized the offensive line earned the Players of the Game honors as they opened the holes to for the team’s touchdowns. From left: Derrick Evangelista, Matthew Sojo, Gerald Santos, Jovan Ignacio, Vau Vaiau, and Kamson Chin. Not pictured: Trey Leon and Carlos Cepeda.

Bulldogs’ Rodney Tomagan defends himself against the incoming tackle from Sharks’ Shane Hernandez to get within the red zone of the goal line. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Sharks vs. Bulldogs. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Early in the first quarter, Sharks’ running back Daniel Cruz runs the ball to gain yards for his team. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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