By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

Heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Guam Windward Memorial Hal’s Angels, the Southern Cowboys looked to keep their unbeaten streak alive in the 2014 Triple J Ford Youth Football League. Meanwhile, the Angels looked to bounce back from a loss dealt to them a week ago. With muddy field conditions, it was anyone’s guess as to how things would turn out.

Led by Gabriel Stanley’s three touchdowns, the Cowboys cruised to an easy 26-0 victory over their opponents. With the victory, Southern improved their record to 6-0, while the Angels drop to 4-2.

“Today was a total team effort in our win,” said Stanley. “I may have scored three touchdowns, but a lot of credit goes out to my teammates as well. Without their help on the field things wouldn’t have turned out the way it did.”

The Cowboys elected to defer at the start of the game giving the Angels their first shot on offense. Sticking to the running game early on, the Angels were able to advance the chains. However, the Cowboys defense led by Jeremiah Nauta and Jesse Babauta managed to stop their opponents and forced them to punt.

With their first series on offense, the Cowboys hope to post points early in the game. Despite some good yardage by Stanley, the Cowboys were only able to convert two first downs. The Angels defense held ground and forced their opponents to punt. The opening quarter eventually came to a close with the scoreboard reflecting “goose eggs”.

“The Angels came out playing tough and we knew that they will do that,” said Stanley. “In the first quarter we felt that they weren’t going to let down.”

Cody Quiambao, Angels QB, finds an opening in the Cowboys D-line to score the first touchdown of the game in the second-half. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Heading into the second quarter, it was anyone’s guess as to who will score first. Deep into Cowboys territory, the Angels faced a fourth and short. In what looked to be a completed pass, eventually turned into an interception as a bobbled ball ended up in the hands of Stanley. Stanley turned on the engines and returned the ball for a 76-yard touchdown making it a 6-0 game.

With a little less then four minutes in the half, the Angels tried to create some offense as quarterback Trystan Guerrero led the charge. However, just when things seemed to be working in their favor, the clock wasn’t. The half came to a close with the boys from down south clinging to a six-point lead.

Second half action proved to be all Cowboys as the Angels found some difficulty on the offensive side of the ball. Not satisfied with their lead and hungry for more, Southern built a 12-0 lead after Nico Velez scored from 15 yards out. Later in the third period, the Angels found themselves punting for the third time in the game giving Southern the ball in good field position.

After taking over, it only took one snap of the ball as Stanley pounded out 21 yards for his second touchdown of the game giving his team a 19-0 lead. Despite trailing huge, the Angels continued to play with heart. However, Southern refuse to let their opponents through the door. Late in the game, Stanley pushed his rushing yards total over 150 after an 81-yard TD run put the icing on the cake. When the game came to a close, it was the Cowboys who earned the shutout victory.

“Our game plan is to always come in and play tough, play hard, and never give up,” said Stanley. “We still have another game so it’s back to work and get ready.”

Stanley led the Cowboys scoring three touchdowns, while picking up a total of 167 yards rushing. Teammate Velez added 26 rushing yards with one touchdown.
Other Games

Mandikiki Division – Hyan Mesa scores twice to lead Cowboys to victory and handing the previously unbeaten Angel their first loss.

Manha Division – Angels shutout Cowboys 13-0 for the win.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Lawrence Castro gets taken down hard by some Cowboys after a short gain up the middle. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Tyler Pangelinan of the Angels leaps for a long pass to put the Angels in good scoring position in the second-half. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Cowboys RB, Bob Manglona, breaks to the side to find an opening and some more yardage. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Lawrence Castro of the Angels gets swarmed by Cowboys on a run play up the middle. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)