GNYFF ENDS SEASON ON ACTION SATURDAY

By Mike Nauta Jr.

The 2015 Triple J/Ford GNYFF Youth Football League came to a close Saturday afternoon, but not before a champion was crowned. In the Matua Division, the defending champion Windward Memorial Hal’s Angels battled the Cinnabon Island Saints for all the marbles.

The Saints were looking to deny their opponents any chance of winning their second-straight championship. However, a touchdown late in the game followed by an interception proved to be the difference maker and allowed the Angels to hoist the championship trophy after defeating the Saints 22-17.

“This win is a very special win for our entire team,” said the Angels’ Jared Mayo. “Our team worked hard all season long for the championship. We just had to believe in one another.”

Heading into halftime, the Angels were looking good as they held a 16-3 lead. However, after intermission things got exciting as a rejuvenated Saints squad came storming out. Sticking to a strong running game, the Saints created opportunities for themselves that eventually paid dividends for them. A two yard quarterback keep play by Andrew Perez pulled the Saints within seven.

Later in the fourth, the Saints defense proved their toughness and forced the Angels to turn the ball over. The change of possession eventually led to another Perez touchdown and a converted two-point try to give Cinnabon a (17-16) one point lead.

“I’m not going to lie and say that the Saints didn’t give us a tough challenge,” said Mayo. “They pushed to the limit especially after taking a lead in the fourth quarter.”

With less than two minutes in the game, the Angels went to work by mixing up their offense and executing plays to keep the chains moving into Saints territory. A huge run by Zion Leon Guerrero put the Angels inside the red zone. Two plays later, Justin Camacho pummeled his way through the Saints defense for his second touchdown of the game giving the lead back to the Angels.

“Scoring that late touchdown gave our team a little breathing room, but we knew it was over and we just had to stay calm and focused,” said Camacho.

Congratulations to GSPN Wendy’s PLAYERS OF THE GAME Jaren Mayo (24) and Justin Camacho (2). Camacho scored two touchdowns while helping his team to their second straight title in 2015 GNYFF Football League action in the Matua Division. Meanwhile, Mayo sealed his team’s victory with an interception with 30 seconds left in the game

Working against time on the clock, the Saints wasted no time and began to work the chains. Big runs by Edward Sandlin, Perez, and Kamerin Toves eventually got Cinnabon just outside the 20-yard line.

With less than 30 seconds left in the game, the Saints’ Perez went to the air looking for TD only to be stopped on a Mayo interception. After taking a knee on first down, the Angels began to celebrate their second-straight championship victory.

**49ers cheerleaders crowned 2015 champs

During halftime of the Matua match-up, the results of the Cheerleading competition were announced. In their inaugural season, the PXC Southside 49ers were crowned champs. Clinching second place were the Dr. Shieh Northern Packers. Rounding out the top three were the Cinnabon Island Saints.

COWBOYS EARN METGOT TITLE

2015 Metgot Champions Southern Cowboys.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Saints Ethan Ornelas is taken down behind the line of scrimmage. (photo by Joey Blas)

Cowboys RB breaks a couple of tackle in the backfield for a gain of 1 yd on the run. (photo by Joey Blas)

Saints QB Andrew Perez heads towards the sideline and attempts a pass downfield before being tackled behind the line of scrimmage. (photo by Joey Blas)

Saints Edward Sandlin picks up a couple of yards on the run. (photo by Joey Blas)

Angels Justin Camacho catches a pass and runs it in for the TD. (photo by Joey Blas)

Angels Jaythan Lujan airs out a pass for the TD. (photo by Joey Blas)