STEEL BLAZERS ROMP TOUGH CHICKS

By Mike Nauta Jr.

It was a busy Sunday at the Raiders Field in Tiyan as action in the Bud Light Guam Women’s Tackle Football League featured two games on the day, the afternoon game featured the Tough Chicks taking on the Steel Blazers. With fans surrounding the sidelines and cheering their respective teams on, players looked to channel the positive energy onto the gridiron. After four action packed quarters, it was the Steel Blazers who picked up the win after stifling their opponents 28-6.

With possession of the ball, the Steel Blazers began their opening drive on offense. Wasting no time, starting quarterback T.J. Rodrigues went to the air and found an open Andrina Taimanglo deep inside Tough Chicks territory. It only took two more plays from that point on before the “goose eggs” on the scoreboard was removed. Facing a second and goal, a halfback sweep to the left had Cassandra Tajalle score the game’s first touchdown for six points. On the ensuing play, Tomisha Roberto split the uprights making it a 7-0 game.

The Tough Chicks went right to work on their first attempt on offense as running back Shawna Mailoux carried the ball for 14-yards and a first down conversion. While hoping to get into the end zone, the Tough Chicks continued to move the chains. However, the offensive rally came to a sudden halt as Adriana “The Hammer” Cruz-Aguon picked off Tough Chicks starting quarterback Taralyn Santos.

Steel Blazers Tricia Adkins leaps into the end zone for her teams second touchdown. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The turnover proved costly for the Tough Chicks as the Steel Blazers ground game put out some huge yardage. Three straight running plays by Johnnie Meno, Lorina Guerrero, and Dee Lynn Cabrera put the Blazers at the four yard line. From that point, quarterback Tricia Adkins ran a quarterback keeper that resulted in a touchdown. Roberto would be successful with another PAT upping the Steel Blazers lead to 14-0.

With time running out in the opening half, the Tough Chicks desperately looked for answers hoping to end the dry spell. However, the black and gold defense held ground and forced a turnover on downs. Hungry for more, the Steel Blazers made use of another turnover as they increased their lead to 20-0 courtesy of a Paulette Nededog 52-yard touchdown run.

Second half action started much like the opening as strong defense by the Steel Blazers immediately forced their opponents to punt. Starting from their own 25-yard line, SB managed to march downfield and into the red zone. Despite trailing, the Tough Chicks remained strong and forced a fumble that was recovered at the two yard line.

Tough Chicks running back Shawna Mailloux bounces to the outside for a short gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The Steel Blazers remained poised and relied on their defense to deny Tough Chicks to convert for points. Eventually, the ball would change possession and SB going back on offense. Getting back into the red zone, the Steel Blazers made sure to finish the job as Guerrero cut her way through the Tough Chicks defense for a touchdown. On the very next play, Taimanglo converted for two points after a catching a pass from Adkins.

Just when things were looking like a Steel Blazers shutout victory, the Tough Chicks were not ready to leave with their side of the scoreboard still reflecting zero. Normally used for her speed, Mailoux went from a runner to a passer as she found teammate Constance Hargrove for the touchdown. Time on the game clock eventually expired signaling the end of the game and giving the Steel Blazers the victory.

Bud Light Guam Women’s Tackle Football League action resumes next weekend with games being played on Saturday and Sunday.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Tough Chicks Aryelle Quichocho finds wiggle room in the Steel Blazers tough defense after catching a short pass. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Latoya Monica of the Steel Blazers gets the reception for a big gain. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Tabitha Reyes of the Steel Blazers wraps up Shawna Mailloux in the backfield for a loss. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Tough Chicks quarterback Taralyn Santos gets swallowed up by the Steel Blazers front line. (photo by Robert Balajadia)