By Mike Nauta Jr.

The Cinnabon Island Saints and Windward Hills Memorial Park Hal’s Angels went head-to-head Sunday afternoon in a highly anticipated Matua Division matchup in the Triple J Ford GNYFF Youth Football League.

Both teams entered the match went an unblemished record and each hoped to keep their record intact.

The two teams didn’t disappoint as they gave everyone in attendance a very good game that was decided with one score. When the final second ticked off the clock, it was the Angels that squeaked by their opponents with an 8-0 victory.

“It was a great game by both of us,” said Angels’ Jaren Mayo. “Both teams played great defense, but it really came down to who wanted it the most. It was only a one touchdown game, but that was the difference.”

It was no surprise that both teams came storming out defensively to set the immediate tone of the game. The Saints had their first opportunity on offense only to be denied any score as the Angel’s defense forced their opponents to a quick three and out.

With the roles reversed, Cinnabon showed their strength on defense and returned the favor by forcing the Angels to a three and out as well.

The opening quarter continued to be a defensive battle as neither would allow their opponents to huge yardage. It wasn’t until the last 30 seconds of the period when the Angels managed to end the scoreless drought.

With the ball on the Saints 42-yard line, the Angels’ Zion Leon Guererro busted through the Saints defense for the touchdown run. On the ensuing play, a converted two-point conversion put the Angels up 8-0.

For most of the second quarter, movement of the ball remained on or around midfield as each both teams trade possessions with no offensive output. As time on the clock continued to burn away in the opening half, Cinnabon looked to put points on the board.

Wendy’s Player of the Game, #24 Jaren Mayo of the Angels. (photo by Daniel Paran)

A connection between Saints starting quarterback Andrew Perez and receiver Kameo Toves moved the chains into Angels territory. Just as the Saints began to get hot, the Angel’s Mayo put a quick halt by picking off Perez on a pass attempt. The halftime break eventually came with the score standing still at 8-0.

Second half action was much like the first with defense still making the big plays and big stops in the game. The Angels started the half with a fresh set of downs but to no avail as the Saints defense gave up three yards in the series while forcing their opponents to punt. Four snaps later, the Saints were stopped by the Angels defense who refused to let their opponents gain any yards.

With less than two minutes left in the game, the Saints had one last shot at putting points on the board. However, pass after pass the Saints’ Perez had some difficulty finding an open receiver.

The last pass attempt was denied and the game sealer came at the hands of eventual player of the game Mayo who intercepted the ball for the second time in the game. When the final whistle was blown, it was the Angels who preserved their eight-point lead for the win.

Other Scores

Mandikiki
Saints 4, Angels 3

Manha
Angels 34, Saints 13

Metgot
Saints 28, Angels 0

Saturday Scores

Mandikiki
Packers 6, Cowboys 6
Raiders 30, Giants 18

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Juan Sarmiento receives the punt return and tries to navigate his way through the field. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Running back, Zion Leon Guerrero, breaks through Saints defense and scores the only touchdown of the game. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Quarterback Calvin Aguon signals teammate, Justin Camacho, to switch positions before hutting the ball. (photo by Daniel Paran)

The Saints’ quarterback, Andrew Perez, runs with the ball after faking a pass. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Kameo Toves of the Saints tries his best to shake off one of the Angels. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Saints running back, Edward Sandlin, looks out for oncoming Angel defenders. (photo by Daniel Paran)