By Robert Balajadia
The Island Eagles hosted their first game at their home field Sunday against the Saints as the two teams split their four divisional games. The Eagles won the early games in Mandikiki and Manha, but the Saints were victors in the Metgot and Matua divisions.
Matua – Saints 26, Eagles 7
Running back and defensive end Kamerinn Toves made an immediate impact in the 1st quarter by scoring the Saints first touchdown while forcing an Eagles turnover that allowed the Saints to pile on more points after the Saints nearly shutout the Eagles.
“My team just did what we normally do in practice and we just gave it our all,” said the seven-year GNYFF veteran Toves, who is playing youth football for the last time.
Toves said that he’ll be heading off to join the FD Friars or Sanchez Sharks next year.
Saints linebacker Kamerinn Toves sacks Eagles quarterback Edison Santos Jr. and forces the fumble. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
The Saints forced the Eagles to punt on their next series which opened up the opportunity for Raykyle Taisague to punch in a 4-yard score. The Eagles blocked both PAT’s from the Saints to keep the score 12-0 at halftime.
The Saints scored two more touchdowns on the ground in the 3rd quarter to jump to a 26-0 lead, enforcing the ‘running clock’ mercy rule.
The Eagles put together a great final drive after quarterback Jerrick Mendiola hit two receivers in stride for the score. Mendiola connected on a 30-yard throw to Davin Mojica which set up a 7-yard touchdown strike to Shayden Attao.
“We’re so hungry to win and this year we’re going to take the championship,” ended Toves.
Metgot – Saints 32, Eagles 26
The see-saw game came to an exciting conclusion with the Saints making all the right plays in the final minutes of the game to score the game winning touchdown while holding off the Eagles game-winning drive.
The Saints defense stuffs the Eagles running game for a clutch win. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Earlier Scores:
Mandikiki – Eagles 28, Saints 7
Manha – Eagles 31, Saints 26
Other GNYFF Scores:
Mandikiki – Raiders 35, Angels 7
Manha – Angels 24, Raiders 7
Metgot – Raiders 32, Angels 6
Matua – Angels 26, Raiders 0
PHOTO GALLERY:
Player of the Game: Saints Kamerinn Toves
Saints Kamerinn Toves nearly scores on the touchdown after bouncing to the outside. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Saints Kamerinn Toves breaks a tackle in short space. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Eagles running back Jerrick Mendiola looks for room to run after the handoff. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Eagles quarterback Edison Santos Jr. launches a throw downfield. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Saints quarterback Kameo Toves avoids the sack and gains positive yardage. (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)
