By Mike Nauta Jr.

What started out as a beautiful day for some gridiron action in the Triple J Ford GNYFF Youth Football League ended up being ruined as Mother Nature delivered a heavy downpour over the Tiyan Football Field Sunday afternoon.

About half an hour prior to a highly anticipated match up between the Hal’s Angels and Southern Cowboys Matua Division teams, rain changed the complexion of the game.

With field conditions at its absolute worst, the battle of the undefeated only got more interesting. For four quarters both teams delivered their best and the eventual outcome was decided on one score. When the game came to a conclusion, it was the Angels who escaped with a 6-0 victory and kept their unblemished record intact.

In the opening quarter, it was no surprise that both teams immediately showed their strengths on defense. The Angels were first on the ball and went to work. A feisty Cowboys defense limited their opponents offensive production and eventually forced a punt.

Southern managed to push the ball deep into Angels territory led by big plays from Noah Diaz and quarterback Jared Stanley. However, the Angels rose to the challenge and put a halt to the Cowboys offense by keeping them stuck inside the ten yard line and forced a turnover on downs.

The back-and-forth battle on both sides of the ball continued throughout the remainder of the half. Each team got a few more opportunities but to no avail. The biggest plays of the opening half came from the Angels Zion Leon Guerrero and the Cowboy’s Diaz. Both players combined for 34 yards on the ground.

Late in the game, the gray skies turned to clear and blue. However, the damage on the field had already been done, keeping both teams limited on offensive selections. The entire third quarter went by with the scoreboard still reflecting “goose eggs” (0-0) for both teams.

With fourth quarter action underway, things were shaping up to finish with a tie score. However, with less than three minutes left in the game the Angels had other intentions and delivered a brilliantly designed play that found an open Justin Camacho in the end zone for a 22-yard TD reception. After receiving the snap, quarterback Calvin Aguon found teammate Jaythan Lujan on a lateral who then spotted the open Camacho on a halfback pass.

The Cowboys had time left on the clock but had to work quickly if they were going to get the ball into the end zone. Despite positive yardage from Diaz, Jared Stanley and Gabriel Stanley, the Cowboys just couldn’t bust their way through the tough Angels defense. Time on the clock would expire and at the sound of the final whistle it was the Angels who celebrated victory.

OTHER SCORES

Mandikiki

Packers 4, Eagles 2

Raiders 4, Saints 1

Cowboys 26, Angels 24

Manha

Packers 30, Eagles 13

Raiders 19, Saints 2

Angels 33, Cowboys 14

Metgot

Raiders 7, Saints 6

Packers 25, Eagles 0

Cowboys 34, Angels 0

Matua

Saints 22, Raiders 0

Eagles 13, Packers 6

Angels 6, Cowboys 0

Angels Justin Camacho hauled in the game-winning touchdown, earning the Wendy’s player of the game.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Cowboys Gabriel Stanley takes a handoff for a short gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Cowboy quarterback Jared Stanley throws for a first down. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angels running back Jaythan Lujan escapes a loss in the backfield for a 1st down run. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Cowboy Vance Carlos shrugs off the Angels defender for a short gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Cowboy Noah Diaz looks for room to run, but slips on his bounce to the outside. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angel quarterback Calvin Aguon attempts to scramble as the pocket collapses. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Angel Justin Santos runs over a Cowboys defender on his way to a first down. (photo by Robert Balajadia)