By Jesse Pinkston Santos
The GW Geckos proved once again that they are a force to be reckoned with. In their first game of the season, they fought a hard battle against the scrappy Southern Dolphins. Despite the score going back and forth, overall, it was the Geckos coming out on top 14-12 Friday night at the GW Field.
Penalties plagued both teams throughout the game, but most especially in the first few minutes of the game. Initially, it seemed as though there were more penalties than plays but finally, Southern quarterback Dominick Flores handed the ball to Devin Duenas right up the middle. Duenas juked right, sprinting down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown to put Southern on the board first.
As they tried to make it 7-0, the point after was blocked, having Dolphins settle for a 6-0 lead. As the first quarter was winding down, GW tried to punch the ball in the endzone but Southern’s tenacious defense stopped them within the 10-yard line with a sack by Flores, resulting in a turnover on downs.
Southern Dolphins Devin Duenas runs down the sideline for a 40-yard touchdown run to put the Dolphins up 6-0. (Photo by Joey Blas)
After a nice 35-yard return by Ronnie Blas, GW saw themselves within scoring range. Another attempt at a touchdown, 4th and goal on their 7-yard line, quarterback Brendan Santos threw an incomplete pass to receiver Isaiah Tydingco resulting in another turnover on downs. The Geckos were able to get on the board shortly after a quick four up, four down from the Dolphins. Santos completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tevin Santos in between two defenders.
Santos commented on his touchdown, “I want to give props to our defense for holding it down. We had a couple of series but couldn’t march it in, so I told myself and our offense that we got t punch it in because our defense is working really hard. So we got it all together and marched it down the field and we got the six.” The Geckos took the lead, 7-6, after a successful point after kick.
The third quarter was quiet on both sides, but GW came out strong in the fourth. Santos found Brandon San Agustin, completing a 10-yard pass and San Agustin tacked on another 10 yards. A hand-off to San Agustin for 26 yards brought the Geckos to the 28-yard line. On 4th and 6 on the 26, Santos completed a pass to Tydingco but they came up short once more and Dolphins took over on downs.
Southern was unable to get their pass game going while the Geckos kept pushing them back, nearly getting a safety, but the Dolphins eventually punted away and Miguel Cabrera returned that punt straight to the endzone.
GW’s Adrian Cruz runs the ball towards the midfield for a 20 yard punt return. (Photo by Joey Blas)
Cabrera spoke about his touchdown, “I just wanted to get the ball and gain as much yards as I can. It’s all about the team. It felt pretty good, it was my first touchdown ever.” With a good point after by Tevin Santos it boosted the Geckos lead 14-6.
On the ensuing kickoff, the Geckos kicked off right to Duenas. Once he caught the ball, Duenas took off and never looked back. He returned the kick for an 85-yard touchdown. Having a chance to tie the game, the Dolphins were not able to score on the two-point conversion, thanks to the Geckos strong defense. After each team fumbling, time expired and the Geckos secured their win.
The Dolphins Duenas talks about his two scores for his team, “My stiff-arm gave me that separation away from the middle linebacker and how I was taught football, you always have to have that third speed, and I kicked in that third speed, ended up beating the linebacker.”
On his second score, “I just looked straight up the middle and took off. I don’t second-guess myself so whatever move I’m going to make, I’m going to make it right there. I’m not going to stop and think, I’m going to do it.”
Despite the Dolphins dropping to 0-2 on the season, they aren’t discouraged. Duenas said, “We just need to keep playing football. Our team is still growing, still adapting, still trying to figure out what we gotta do to get that W and we’re doing good.” They take on Okkodo at home next week.
Geckos quarterback Brendan Santos humbly commented on how he feels they played their first game of the season, “We’re looking good I think, but we always need to improve.” The Geckos are 1-0 and have a bye next week. Their week one game against Okkodo is still not decided as on whether it will be made up or when.
Other Action
PHOTO GALLERY:
Southern Dolphins quarterback Dominick Flores avoids being tackled in the back field. (Photo by Joey Blas)
GW Geckos QB Brendan Santos avoids being sacked and runs out of the pocket and towards the sideline for 8 yard run. (Photo by Joey Blas)
GW’s Isiah Tydingco avoids a couple of tackles and was able to get 15 more yards on the play. Photo by Joey Blas)
GW’s Mason Pangelinan was able to stop Dolphins running Back from getting the first down conversion. (Photo by Joey Blas)
GW Geckos Jacob Bamba was able to get the punt off to avoid the punt being blocked in the backfield. (Photo by Joey Blas)
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