METGOT SAINTS GROUND FALCONS

By Michael J.A. Nauta Jr.

Despite a heavy downpour minutes before game time, both the Pacific Rim Northern Falcons and Cinnabon Island Saints were ready to battle one another in 2014 Triple J Ford Youth Football League Metgot Division action in Tiyan.  With field conditions being wet and soggy, both teams endured the added elements while looking to pick up the victory.  When the game came to a close and the whistle signaling the end of play was blown, it was the Saints who walked away with 26-6 win over their opponents.

First on offense, the Saints wasted no time making a quick statement in their opening drive.  After back-to-back running plays, the Saints set up a first and ten from their own 45-yard line.  On the ensuing snap, a handoff to Kameo Toves from quarterback Damian Cruz proved worthy as Toves cruised into the end zone for a 55-yard touchdown run.  Despite missing the PAT, the Saints built an early 6-0 lead.

Despite a huge disparity in size, the Falcons looked to give their bigger opponents a challenge.  On their first offensive drive, Pacific Rim managed to gain positive yardage.  However, tough defense by the Saints denied the Falcons any chances of advancing the chains.  Pacific Rim eventually was forced to punt.

Daeton Sahagon earns some rushing yards before being taken down at the fifty yard-line. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Starting at their own 40-yard line, the Saints displayed their offensive power through the air as well after a 40-yard pass from Cruz to teammate Ladrigo Ngirchokebai pushed them into Falcon territory.  The Falcons defense found some difficulty keeping their opponents from posting another six points after allowing a three yard TD run.

With minutes left in the opening half, the Falcons hoped to go into the break down two possessions.  However, the Saints had other intentions as Toves plowed his way through the Falcons defense for a 48-yard touchdown run making it an 18-0 game.

At the start of the second half, the Falcons showed some fight immediately as Daeton Sahagon returned the opening kick for 70-yards and a touchdown.  A failed PAT made it an 18-6 game.  The Falcons celebration will be short-lived as the Saints responded with a kickoff return for a touchdown of their own to give them the three possession lead.

For the remainder of the game, the Falcons held ground defensively not allowing the Saints to score.  However, Cinnabon will duplicate the same feat and deny their opponents any entry to the end zone.  As the clock ticked its way to zero and the final whistle was blown, it was the Saints who earned the “W”.

Both the Falcons and Saints return to the gridiron next weekend.  On Saturday, the Saints will take on the Raiders.  Then on Sunday, the Falcons return to action against the Eagles.  Both games will be played in Tiyan.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Tristan Penaflor gets wrapped up early in the play for little yard gain. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Brandon Benavente (7), stops Drake Cruz (54) in his tracks, stopping the Falcons pursuit to a touchdown. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Falcon, Daeton Sahagon, comes out big at the start of the third quarter with a break-away touchdown. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Saint, Kameo Toves, moves Falcons out of his way with a touchdown on his mind. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Drake Cruz of the Falcons gets tackled in the back-field on a short running play early in the first quarter. (Photo by Kyle Twardowski)