WARRIORS WIN RIVALRY AGAINST ANGELS

By Robert Balajadia

The Pepsi Warriors defeated the IP&E Angels in the battle of the unbeaten Miller League Football teams Sunday evening 32-15 at the Hal Shiroma Football Field after dominating majority of the second half.

Warriors quarterback, and 2013 MVP, Danny Manibusan tossed two scores to receiver Alejo Lujan and ran for a touchdown to a pace the Warrior offense while running back Hosea Ware and Keanu Lujan added a touchdown on the ground.

The Warriors’ offense were down starters from last year and was one of the question marks heading into the 2014 season. After three games of scoring more than three touchdowns each, the Warriors have proven to be the top offense in the league.

“We’ve got a good rotation on our offensive line and they are the ones who work. They create big holes for our running backs and give me time in the pocket. This whole season has been built off them,” said Manibusan.

The Angels were on the comeback trail in the fourth quarter down big 32-7 after Manibusan ran in from the one yard line, set up by a 19-yard pass to Jacob Torres. The defensive momentum also picked up for the Warriors after “The Chairman of the Board” Ryan Rios laid a big hit on Angels running back Joaquin Pangelinan.

Angels’ quarterback Steve “SP” Phillips tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to trim the lead 32-15 after a successful 2-point conversion by Pangelinan. The Angels recovered an onside kick with less than three minutes left, but Warriors’ defensive back Casey Cruz picked off Phillips to officially end the game.

Pepsi struck first blood getting a 57-yard touchdown pass from Manibusan to Lujan on the Warriors second play from scrimmage going up 6-0 after a failed PAT.

The Angels took the lead at the start of the second quarter after a 31-yard pass from Phillips to Jarred Meno, going up 7-6 after a successful PAT.

The Warriors then took back the lead after Manibusan connected with Lujan on a 26-yard score right before the half.

Angels running back Mitchell Manibusan nearly breaks, but is brought down by Warriors’ Justin Andre. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The Warrior defense shut down the Angel offense in the 3rd quarter picking off Phillips twice. JoJohn Quinata picked off Phillips midway through the quarter and linebacker Justin Andre tipped a pass to teammate Stephen “Juice” Santos almost returned the pick for a 50-yard score.

Keanu Lujan capped off the defensive effort with a touchdown early in the 4th quarter to go up 26-7. Manibusan put the game out of reach with his late score on the ground.

A rivalry has brewed between the two teams over the years, but Manibusan assures that the rivalry stays on the field.

“This is just Guam football. We’re going to give the fans 100% football. When off the field, we’ll party and barbecue with these guys, but when we step on the field you’re going to get the best of both worlds. They may call it rivalry, but that’s just Guam football.”

The Warriors will challenge the Cars Plus Rams next weekend as the teams get ready for the season’s second half.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Warriors defensive end Alejo Lujan brings down Angels quarterback Steve Phillips. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors receiver Alejo Lujan breaks free for a 57-yard score on the second play of the game. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angels running back Joaquin Pangelinan bounces to the outside. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors quarterback Danny Manibusan reads the field. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angels receiver Vince Espinal tried to haul in an overthrown pass. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors back Keanu Lujan gets stopped after a short gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angels’ receiver Jarred Meno celebrates after scoring the teams firs touchdown. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angels’ running back Joaquin Pangelinan tries to break through the Warriors defense. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors quarterback Danny Manibusan evades a sack. (photo by Robert Balajadia)