Football
GRIDIRON BOYS DOING WELL STATESIDE
Some of Guam’s best high school football players are fairing well stateside. As we enter semifinals weekend on Guam, we catch up with some of Guam’s boys on the gridiron in ‘Merica.
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By Michael Cruz
Most Chamorro high school football players are playing in the IIAAG and continue the tradition of competitive football in Guam’s fifth decade. This fall, there are Chamorros that are playing stateside and helping their respective programs run toward the state playoffs.
Hawaii
Quintin Iriarte is leading Hawaii’s Radford team to an undefeated season so far. (Quintin’s Instagram)
#13-Quintin Iriarte-Radford High School-Sr.(QB): Iriarte just finished the regular season and the Rams are 9-0. Q has thrown for 860 yards, 14 TDs, and 10 INTs in 8 games. He also has 27 carries for 203 yards. The Rams are ranked #2 in Division 2 for the State of Hawaii and have a solid chance of winning their first state title since 1982 (Coach Ken Niumatalolo was QB on that team). Quintin started two years at JFK, winning one playoff game. He got his start in football playing with the GYNFF Raiders. He is on the watchlist for the HFC Bowl and Polynesian Bowl. Q stand 6’1″ and weighs 185 lbs. D3 schools North Park and Pacific University.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5113852/highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tow9zylWzSg
http://khon2.com/2015/10/08/on-campus-radford-quarterback-left-guam-to-pursue-his-dream/
Dedrick Barcinas
Micah Taijeron
#52 Dedrick Barcinas- (LB) and #64 Mycah Taijeron- (DL) -Mililani High School: Both players are juniors and contributing role players for the #3 D1 Trojans who are also the defending state champions. Both are 5’11 and weigh about the same at 185. The Trojans are 7-1.
http://scoringlive.com/football/schools.php?team=MIL
California
#67-Albert Guzman-Jr. (C) Long Beach Poly High: Guzman is the starting center for the Jackrabbits. Poly is well known for its famous alumni from Snoop Dogg, Warren G, Cameron Diaz and Desean Jackson. Their current head coach is former nfl player Antonio Pierce. Albert is 5’10 and weighs 220 lbs. The Jackrabbits only loss was in a televised game versus national powerhouse Bishop Gorman. The team is even being featured by USA Football on youtube for season documentary.
http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4491736/albert-guzman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBvZdnHWZnc
Ricky Villagomez #21
#21-Ricky Villagomez-Sr. (CB) El Camino: Villagomez is a starting cornerback and receiver for the Wildcats in Oceanside, CA. He is a four-year player (two-years varsity) and is one of the team’s captains. He holds the fastest 40-yard dash (4.58) in the 2015 San Diego Under Armour Combine. Several colleges are following him for possible football scholarships. Ricky was raised in the mainland. His father Joseph J. Villagomez and his grandmother is Florencia S. Villagomez from Sinajana.
#10-Jared Tajalle-ATH-Sr.-Allen High School: Tajalle is making his senior year count. At 5’5, he has been used at slot receiver, running back, defensive back, quarterback, and punt returner. The Eagles are on 50 game winning streak and our seeking their 4th straight Texas 6A Title. He has 17 carries for 109 yards, 8 catches for 82 yards, and 1 TD reception.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=futLv7BFZQE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OAOaPwvxeg
Georgia
Nikko Cruz
#32-Nikko Cruz-(RB) Soph-Lee County High School: Cruz has received playing time as a sophomore at running back. His dad is Daniel Cruz who founded the first pop warner league in Lee County a few years back. Lee County is 6-1 and just lost to Colquitt County who are nationally ranked and the defending state champions.