
By Robert Balajadia
The young Tiyan Titans got their second dose of high school football Saturday night, served up by the speedy offense and hard hitting defense of the FD Friars at the JFK field. It quickly became a one-sided contest after the 1st quarter with FD hitting the half-century mark while blanking the Titans in the process 50-0.
Friar sophomore running back De’Aundre Cruz had a rough season opener fumbling the ball twice in a win over the JFK Islanders last weekend, but Saturday was a different story. It took Cruz just one handoff, the first play for the game, to break loose for a 54-yard score, weaving his way through the Titans defense.
“After a game I do bad I get myself down, and I really wanted to come out this week and show what I can do,” admitted Cruz. “Last week affected me a lot and I came out tonight and played my hardest.”
The Friars second score came courtesy of running back Christian Toves after forcing the Titans to punt their first offensive series.
After another Tiyan punt, Cruz’ second running attempt was a flaring 12-yard run, followed by his third carry which turned into a 28-yard touchdown run to go up 21-0.
Friars safety Bryton Cepeda then picked off Titans quarterback Kobe Quiambao on the next trip to set up a 24-yard touchdown score for Jake Benito to take a whopping 28-0 lead in the 1st quarter.
Friars tight end Cole Merfalen is one of the teams main targets in the passing game, but he’s also an important cog in the run game with his power blocking. The Friars scored five rushing touchdowns from four different ball carriers amassing 307 total yards on the ground.
“Our strength is our running game, we are a running team. At the end of the day, they aren’t the only ones who have the glory, we all do,” said Merfalen.
Handling Issues
The Friars put up 50 points but committed seven fumbles in the game after committing five in the opener against JFK, which gives FD a combined total of double-digit fumbles after two weeks of play.
“Our coach always tells us to not to let our mistakes ruin our game and always come back stronger. We’re going to be going through a lot of our mistakes during practice this week,” said Merfalen on the turnover issues.
The ‘Maroon Wall’ of the FD defense were dominant once again keeping the Titans under 75 yards of net offense. FD forced Tiyan into four fumbles and one interception while also collecting two safeties from linebacker Joaquin Mesa. Mesa also led the team with seven tackles along with one fumble recovery.
For the Titans, 2015 is their first taste of high school football. It’s a familiar feeling to Cruz who made the transition from youth to high school football just last year.
“They’re an alright team for having just played together for the first time. They will get better by just being on the field this season and they will get better year after year,” said Cruz.
The Friars will host the Guam High Panthers next weekend with both teams holding a (2-0) record. The Titans (0-2) will try and get their first win next Saturday against the Okkodo Bulldogs (0-2), who have still yet to take the field this season.
Other Scores
GW 12, Southern 0
PHOTO GALLERY:

The Friars raise their helmets in triumph as they take the win over the Titans in dominating fashion. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Quarterback Kobe Quimbao fakes a pass and runs the ball himself to gain some ground for the Titans. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Titans’ Anton Mesa almost makes it past the Friars’ defense for a few yards. (photo by Daniel Paran)


Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Makayla Atoigue
ND Royals Rugby Player Makayla Atoigue lays down her Foody’s Fun Facts and shares her dream vacation spot
GPS Sports Calendar
June 2022
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for May
31st
Events for June
2nd
Events for June
4th
35th Most Beautiful Run 5-Miler
Youth Football League
Events for June
5th
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
5th
Events for June
9th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
10th
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022
GLORIFIED SPARRING 9
Events for June
11th
FUNCTIONAL FITNESS LEAGUE: Round 1
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
FIBA MICRONESIAN CUP 2022 FINALS
Events for June
12th
APL RACE FIESTA
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
GSPN HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR GAME
Events for June
14th
Events for June
17th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
18th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
Events for June
19th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
Youth Football League
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
20th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
21st
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
23rd
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
24th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
25th
PACIFIC MINI GAMES
GUAM NINJA COMPETITION
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
26th
YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
27th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
28th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE
Events for June
30th
FD Alumni Basketball Tournament
GUAM MAJOR LEAGUE

Running/Track
IIJIMA-MARTIN FIGHTS FOR TRIFECTA

Baseball
CNMI WINS ANOTHER BASEBALL CLASSIC

Baseball
CNMI WINS ANOTHER BASEBALL CLASSIC

Baseball
BASEBALL: GUAM TAKES DOWN PALAU

Triathlon
IIJIMA-MARTIN POSTS FIRST GOLD FOR GUAM!
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Makayla Atoigue
ND Royals Rugby Player Makayla Atoigue lays down her Foody’s Fun Facts and shares her dream vacation spot
Foody’s Fun Facts
Foody’s Fun Facts with Makayla Atoigue
ND Royals Rugby Player Makayla Atoigue lays down her Foody’s Fun Facts and shares her dream vacation spot
COMING SOON …
- Asia Pacific Little League
- GML Playoffs