By John Wesley Jr.

The 76/Circle K Eagles put up a valiant effort, but they were unable to hand the Micronesia Renewable Energy Hal’s Angels their first loss of the 2015 Budweiser Football League season. MRE Angels quarterback Steve ‘SP’ Phillips engineered a late drive to lead his team to a narrow 6-3 victory yesterday at Mikkel Tan Vy Field in Tiyan.

Both teams had costly turnovers in the first half and were unable to put together any meaningful offense. Angels receiver Tyler Santos almost made it into the end zone after hauling in a Phillips pass, but he fumbled at the 4-yard line to kill the scoring chance.

Angels kicker Chris Santos also had a chance to put the first points of the game on the scoreboard but his field goal attempt was short and wide right. Instead, it was the Eagles who finally got on the board when their kicker, Keith Surber, nailed a 35-yard field goal as time expired in the first half.

Tough defense by both teams continued in the second half and neither offense was able to put up any points in the third quarter. Eagles quarterback Daray ‘Gnarly’ Davis was intercepted by the Angels’ Frank Troy that was brought back 55 yards, nearly resulting in a pick-six. The Angel’s still couldn’t capitalize though and went into the final period trailing.

In the fourth Davis linked up with Kelvy Coney for a 48-yard reception but on the very next play the Eagles fumbled the ball, giving the Angels a chance to get back in the game.

Phillips went to work with time running out. On the Angels’ winning drive ‘SP’ rushed twice for two first downs and connected on 3 of 4 passes, including the go-ahead touchdown to Tyler Santos. Santos’ catch made up for his earlier miscue.

The Angels couldn’t convert on the extra point and avoided another field goal try by Surber before the final whistle ended the action of a very exciting game.

Phillips was named the Wendy’s Player of the Game. He started off 0-4 but finished 8-18 for 89 yards, 1 TD, no interceptions and rushed for 25 yards. The Angels defense came up big as well, led by Rashawn Chandler’s 6 tackles and two sacks.

Saturday Game

In the Saturday game, the two-time defending BFL champion IT&E Silver Raiders cruised to an easy 42-6 victory over the Black Raiders. With the win, the Silver Raiders improve to 3-0.

Wendy’s Player of the Game, Steven Phillips of the MRE Hal’s Angels. (photo by Daniel Paran)

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The MRE Hal’s Angels pose for a group shot after getting the win over the 76/Circle K Eagles. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Jon Mayo outruns a few of the Angels as he makes his way down the side. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Daray Davis hands the ball off to teammate, Matt Toia, for a quick run and gain. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Eagles’ kicker Keith Surber scores a field goal from the 35 yard line in the first half of the game. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Darin Tullis waits to make his move as the Angels prepare to hike the ball. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Brandon Whittaker slips by one of the Eagles for some gain in yards. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Angels’ quarterback Steven Phillips stays composed under the Eagles’ pressure to connect his passes numerous times. (photo by Daniel Paran)