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By Robert Balajadia
The Raiders of the GNYFF had three teams compete in the semifinals Saturday, but the day belonged to the Cinnabon Saints after shutting out the Raiders in both the Metgot and Matua divisions to advance to the finals next Saturday.
The Saints beat the Raiders 19-0 in the Metgot game and 22-0 in the Matua game. Though, the home-team Raiders did dominate the Giants in the Manha division earlier in the day 37-19.
Metgot: Manibusan Powers Saints In Shutout
Saints running back and linebacker Dylan Manibusan had himself a day collecting two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery to lead the Saints in the 19-0 shutout.
A scoreless 1st quarter didn’t shake the Saints as Manibusan took a handoff 30 yards through three defenders to get the games first touchdown.
Manibusan, the holder on the kick attempt after touchdown, had a tough time on the snap which forced him to pick up the ball and run. Manibusan barrelled through two defenders to punch in the PAT to go up 7-0.
Manibusan struck again quickly in the 3rd quarter by running rampant from 30 yards out again to go up 13-0. Manibusan also collected a interception on Raiders quarterback Darren Cruz that set up the Raiders final score in the 4th quarter.
Saints Damien Cruz threw a backwards pass to receiver Raymond Sebastian, who then went untouched up the right side of the Raider defense to complete a 45-yard touchdown. Sebastian gained all the yards after the catch, making the 45-yard play all YAC.
Manibusan again came away with another interception after Raiders tried a running back passf from Kekoa Gamboa.
The Saints win sets up a showdown with the Southern Cowboys who defeated the Packers 27-7 at the Eagels field.
Wendy’s Player of the Game Saints Dylan Manibusan
Matua: Saints Dominate Semifinal Showdown
Saints quarterback Andrew Perez threw two touchdowns and the black and gold defense kept the Raiders out of the end zone to advance to the Matua Division finals.
Perez threw his first touchdown to running back Kamerinn Toves in the first quarter on the Saints opening drive to jump out to a 6-0 lead.
Then, running back Edward Sandlin gained two first downs after two big runs, eventually setting up five-yard score in the 2nd quarter to take a commanding 13-0 into the half.
Perez continued to find the open man in the 3rd period by hitting his tight end Kameo Toves for a 65-yard touchdown to break open the game.
A Saints special teams punt in the 4th quarter landed at the Raiders one-yard line which ended up being a safety, giving the Saints the 22-0 final.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Saints Dylan Manibusan fights through two Raiders defenders on his way to a big gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Raiders running back Samuel Tereas looks for room to run with Saints Dylan Manibusan on the chase. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Saints Dylan Manibusan breaks free with the sideline rising up and cheering on their runner. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Matua Division Saints Ray Kyle Taisague gains good yards on a run downfield. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Saints Edward Sandlin evades the short space tackle, on his way to a big gain on the ground. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Kamerinn Toves runs head first into the end zone through three Raider defenders. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Kamerinn Toves proves tough to stop as the Raider defense tries to hold him back. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
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)
