GNYFF: SAINTS DOWN EAGLES

By Robert Balajadia

The GNYFF/Triple J Ford Youth Football League kick off weekend ended Sunday with the final four teams getting their games on with the Saints and Cowboys dominating the day with big wins in each division.

Matua Saints Blank Eagles

Big plays and speed played out to be the winning formula for the Saints as they shutout the Eagles 36-0.

The Eagles defense couldn’t have asked for a better start to the game by forcing the Saints to fumble on their opening drive setting them up in great field position. The Saints forced defense responded getting a turnover of their own which led to one of their biggest plays of the game.

Saints quarterback Bernard Mendiola threw a pass to receiver Joey Simmy in the flats as Simmy ran the ball up the right sideline for 70 yards for the games first score.

Saints Edward Jude Sandlin makes a one-handed interception and returns it for short yardage. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The two combined for another big play as Mendiola took a QB keeper over 40 yards into the red zone which set up a 20-yard scamper from Simmy to go up 12-0 in the second quarter.

The Saints went for two straight onside kick recoveries and managed to get them both resulting in eventual scores. Curtis Affleje then punched in the third score still in the second quarter from 20 yards out after hauling in Mendiola’s pass as the Saints appeared to be running away with the game.

Mendiola and Simmy connected again to go up 26-0 before the half while adding 10 more points in the second half.

Metgot Saints Run Amuck

It didn’t appear much was going to slow down the Metgot Saints as the boys in silver and black defeated the Eagles 25-0 tacking on points every quarter.

The Saints running game was strong against the Eagles during their Metgot showdown. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Division Standings

Angels – Mandikiki 1-0, Manha 1-0, Metgot 1-0, Matua 1-0

Raiders – Mandikiki 1-0, Manha 1-0, Metgot 1-0, Matua 1-0

Saints – Mandikiki 1-0, Manha 1-0, Metgot 1-0, Matua 1-0

Cowboys – Mandikiki 1-0, Manha 1-0, Metgot 1-0, Matua 1-0

Eagles – Mandikiki 0-1, Manha 0-1, Metgot 0-1, Matua 0-1

Giants – Mandikiki 0-1, Manha 0-1, Metgot 0-1, Matua 0-1

Jets – Mandikiki 0-1, Manha 0-1, Metgot 0-1, Matua 0-1

Falcons – Mandikiki 0-1, Manha 0-1, Metgot 0-1, Matua 0-1