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By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.
It’s been a long time since gridiron action under the lights has taken place in the Miller Football League. Last night marked the season-opener for 2014 as both the IP&E Angels and DLX Knights came ready to battle one another. Together with their fans, players and coaches from both teams returned to an old stomping ground as the game was played under the lights at the Hal Shiroma Football Field in Dededo.
Despite the on and off rain showers, it was business as usual and both teams gave everyone in attendance a great first game of the year. When all was said and done, it was the Angels who spoiled the season debut of the Knights after picking-up the 10-6 victory.
While both sides may have shown a bit of rust on the offensive side of things early in the game, it was the defenses that put on an early showing. IP&E was first on offense and were looking to post the season’s first points. However, the newly formed Knights teamed had no problems on defense as they allowed two yards in three snaps before forcing their opponents to punt.
Getting their first crack on offense, DLX’s Adrian Davis quickly picked-up positive yardage on back-to-back runs. Threatening to push the chains into Angel’s territory, the Knights took a chance on fourth and short only this time, the Angels returned the favor defensively and forced a turnover on downs. The pace for the remainder of the first quarter stayed the same, as each team was able to run two more series to no avail.
At the start of the second quarter, the Knights wasted no time and gain a fresh set of downs after a huge 11-yard run by Simon Alejandro. On the ensuing play, a well-executed screen pass by DLX placed a player in the end zone in what looked to be the game’s first score. However, a holding penalty negated the score and called back the play. The Knights seemed a bit disturbed by the call and lost focus for a short time that caused a fumble turning the ball back to the Angels.
Things may not have been going in favor offensively for the Knights, but the newest team in the league was able to hold ground against the usually high offensive-powered Angels forcing them to punt a few more times before halftime. Going into the break neither team was able to produce keeping the scoreboard reflecting “goose eggs.”
It wasn’t until late in the third quarter when the scoreless drought came to an end. After several missed attempts, Angels starting quarterback Steven “S.P.” Phillips finally zeroed in on an open Storm Rosario for a completion that turned into a 54-yard touchdown reception. A successful PAT by David Cruz increased the IP&E lead to 7-0.
The score by the Angels seemed to have awakened the entire squad and kept momentum going in their favor on both sides of the ball heading into the fourth and final period.
An interception by Alvin Merfalen gave IP&E another offensive series to work with. Not settling for the one possession lead, the Angels capitalized on the turnover as Cruz split the uprights from 26-yards out upping his team’s lead to 10-0.
With less than two minutes left in the game, the Knights refused to “give up” and continued to battle. Eventually marching into Angel’s territory, the Knights set-up camp on the three-yard line. Two downs later, Jeromie Bell pounded past the Angels defense for a three-yard touchdown run making it a 10-6 game.
Things got a bit interesting on the kick-off as DLX successfully executed an onside-kick. However, despite being able to run a few more plays, time became their enemy and the signal to end the game was blown giving the Angels their first win of the season.
Miller Football League action resumes Sunday with a rematch of last year’s championship game. The Cars Plus Rams will be taking on the defending-champion Pepsi Warriors. Kickoff is schedule for 5pm at the Hal Shiroma Football Field.


GPS Sports Calendar
March 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
28th
Events for March
2nd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
Events for March
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
ISA GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
4th
35th RAINBOWS FOR ALL CHILDREN 3.5 MILER
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE FINALS
Events for March
5th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 3
Events for March
5th
Events for March
6th
Events for March
7th
Events for March
9th
Events for March
11th
GSPN PRESEASON BOYS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT DAY 1
Bank of Guam Block Party 5K
Events for March
12th
Events for March
13th
Events for March
14th
Events for March
15th
Events for March
17th
World Athletics Indoor Championships
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
18th
PAY-LESS KICK THE FAT 5K/10K
World Athletics Indoor Championships
Events for March
19th
Events for March
21st
Events for March
25th
MARIANAS OPEN PRO JAPAN TOURNAMENT
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
26th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 4
Events for March
28th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
30th
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
IIAAG GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Events for March
31st
IIAAG BOYS VOLLEYBALL
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

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MMA/Boxing
BENAVENTE BRINGS RARE SKILL TO FIGHT GAME

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Volleyball
EAGLES HOLD OFF WARRIORS IN 5 SETS

Volleyball
TIYAN DROPS SET FOR FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS
COMING SOON …
- 4th Quarter Sports
QUICK HITS
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