MFL: WARRIORS BLOW PAST RAMS

By Robert Balajadia

The undefeated Pepsi Warriors added another win to the 2015 season (3-0) after taking complete control in a 35-0 win over the Cars Plus Rams (0-3) during the MFL Saturday showcase. The Warriors have gone through every team in the MFL this season and are aiming to capture a third-straight MFL title.

The Rams forced four turnovers through the course of the game, including two interceptions from defensive back Jeremy Manglona, but weren’t able to translate the turnovers into points as the Warriors defense gave little room to operate.

Pepsi got off to a slower than usual start with their 1st quarter opening drive ending in a turnover as the Rams defense managed to strip the ball out of Warriors running back Hosea Ware’s hands near midfield.

The Rams offense couldn’t get going, punting on downs to allow the Warriors to gain footing.

Warriors Dave “Doube-D” Delgado powers his way into the end zone for the games first score. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors quarterback Danny Manibusan tossed a swing pass to reciver Jacob Torres, who appeared to be stopped after a 5-yard catch, but Torres refused to go down and sprinted his way down the right side of the field for a 72-yard gain, only to be stopped by Rams’ Manglona.

Pepsi let the ground game do work to gain the rest of the yards with Dave “Double-D” Delgado punching in a three-yard score to go up 7-0 after a successful PAT.

The Rams offense continued to struggle in the 1st resulting in another punt and the Warriors ground attack ran the game into the 2nd quarter. Pepsi then got a big lift from Ware after he broke free up the left sideline for a 27-yard gain, stepping out at the 3-yard-line to prevent the score. Ware eventually punched it in after two more carries to go up 14-0.

After another punt, Warriors’ Manibusan threw a dart up the middle from the 30-yard line, but was picked off by Rams’ Manglona in the end zone to prevent the score to get a 14-0 halftime lead.

Rams quarterback Leeray Zapatos launches a deep throw downfield. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Pepsi struck quickly after halftime as Manibusan hit receiver RJ Bryant up the middle for a 30-yard touchdown to go up 21-0.

The Rams nearly avoided the shutout on the following drive as Zapatos burned the Warriors defense for a 40-yard touchdown run, but an illegal blocking penalty negated the touchdown. The play instead resulted in an interception by Warriors Valiant Borja for 32 yards.

Manglona grabbed his second pick of the game on the following drive, but the Warriors take on two more scores in the final quarter to prevent any sort of comeback.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Warriors running back Hosea Ware breaks loose for a 27-yard gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Rams’ quarterback Leeray Zapatos escapes danger and gains positive yards. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Warriors receiver Jacob Torres fights off Rams Jeremy Manglona for a big gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Rams Tom Medler gains short yardage before the Warriors defense stuffs the play. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The Rams defense pokes the ball out from Warriors running back Hosea Ware. (photo by Robert Balajadia)