By Mike Nauta Jr.
With his quick movement on the field, Kin John San Nicolas is chosen as GSPN’s pick for Player of the Game. (photo by Daniel Paran)
While most teams opened their season last weekend in the Triple J Guam National Youth Football Federation League, the newest team in the league began their season on Saturday.
The PXC Southside 49ers made their league debut as they took on the Dr. Shieh Guam Packers. In the Metgot Division, both teams went to battle on the gridiron. At the end of the match, it was the Packers who spoiled the Niners season opener after picking up the 32-0 shutout victory.
“It was a really good game that we played today,” said Packers’ Kin John San Nicolas. “The Niners do good for a team that’s new in the league and they gave everything they got today.”
Things got started rather quickly for the Packers as Bradlee Zapatos wasted no time finding the end zone as he returned the opening kickoff 68 yards for what look to be the game’s first touchdown.
However, a penalty negated the score and had the Packers starting from their opponents 38 yard line. On the ensuing play, San Nicolas busted through the entire Niners defense for the touchdown. A converted extra point attempt gave the Packers an early 7-0 lead.
With their opportunity on offense up, the Niners looked to get something going. However, a stifling Packers defense pushed their opponents back from the line of scrimmage.
Facing a third and long, the Niners chose to run the ball but paid the price as a fumble resulted in a turnover deep in their own territory. The costly turnover was converted to a touchdown when Zapatos pounded out 26 yards for the TD.
Running back Zavier Camacho tries his best to slip by Packers defense. (photo by Daniel Paran)
Late in the opening half, the Niners offensive woes continued as they had some difficulty producing positive yardage. Back-to-back turnover on downs resulted with points in favor of the Packers. The first of the two came from San Nicolas who garnered his second TD. Teammate Davey Santos gave their team a 26-0 lead just before the halftime break.
At the start of the second half, Southside came out with a different look as Zavier Camacho rushed for seven yards. On the very next play, Ethaniel Escuadra converted the team’s first down to move the chains. Despite giving up early second half yardage, the Packer defense held on and denied the Niners a chance at posting six points.
The Packers managed to increase their already huge lead to 32-0 after a touchdown by Calvin Aguon Babauta. Time on the clock eventually expired giving the Packers the win. The Niners return to action next week as they take on the Southern Cowboys.
Other Scores
Triple J Youth Football (Saturday)
Mandikiki
Packers 4, 49ers 3
Cowboys 6, Giants 4
Manha
Packers 39, 49ers 19
Giants 28, Cowboys 12
Metgot
Packers 32, 49ers 0
Cowboys 33, Giants 0
Matua
Packers 35, 49ers 7
Cowboys 19, Giants 0
PHOTO GALLERY:
Handshakes are given as the Packers take the win over the 49ers. (photo by Daniel Paran)
Jaren-Ray Leon Guerrero is handed the ball as #3 Darion Herrera rushes to defend him. (photo by Daniel Paran)
49er quarterback Ethanial Escuadra sends a pass off before Packers could get to him. (photo by Daniel Paran)
Ethan Aguon defends his teammate, Kierin Quitugua, from oncoming 49ers. (photo by Daniel Paran)
Packers’ Davey Santos grabs a fumble by the 49ers and turns it over for his team. (photo by Daniel Paran)
DID U KNOW?
Frank ‘The Crank’ Camacho was a competitive youth golfer in Saipan with dreams of making it to the PGA.
QUICK HITS
(AP/Carlos Osorio)
