By Robert Balajadia

The Miller Football League kicked off their 2015 season on a Valentines Saturday afternoon where the defending champion Pepsi Warriors picked right back up where the left the 2014 season after blanking the Hal’s Angels 21-0 at the Eagle field.

Offense was hard to come by in the early goings, but the defense for the Warriors looked as lively as ever after shutting forcing the Angels into four turnovers, scoring 15 points off two of the defensive takeaways in the second half.

“We like playing with [the Angels] because they bring out the best in us,” admitted Warriors linebacker Justin Andre. “The one thing we really appreciate is working out on the field together as a team. We do need to work out a few kinks, but we’re always talking to each and other and telling each other how we can improve, even during the game.”

Andre was big on the defensive end getting three tackles for loss and an interception in the 2nd quarter.

Justin Andre of the Warriors connects with Marvin Manibusan to stop the play short. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Down 6-0 midway through the 3rd quarter, the Angels were trying to move the ball through the air behind quarterback Steve “SP” Phillips, but Warriors Sandy Fejeran jumped the route of an Angels receiver at the 50, bringing the Warriors in the red zone for just the second time all game.

Warriors quarterback Danny Manibusan wasted no time on the opportunity by throwing a fade route to his receiver Vince Espinal in the corner of the end zone. The Angels were protesting a push-off on the play, but a 2-point conversion from Manibusan to receiver Paul Unger officially put the score to rest, putting the Warriors up 14-0.

With the score still two touchdowns to none midway through the 4th quarter, the Angels tried to find their offensive rhythm to try and make a final comeback. Phillips tried on three straight plays to move the ball through the air, but two drops and an overthrow forced the Angels to punt on 4th down.

The Angels executed a perfect snap and catch on the punt play, except for the blocking assignments as Warriro Anselmo Untalan came flying in to block Phillips punt. The ball bounced back 15-yards into the end zone where Untalan dove on top of it to secure the strip, scoop and score trifecta to put the Warriors up 21-0 after a successful PAT.

Angels’ DJ Cruz punctured a 50-yard return with less than six minutes in the game, but two sacks by the defense and a holding penalty by the offense forced the Angels to have to convert on a 4th and very long. The Warriors defense forced the Angels into a turnover on downs and eventually closed out the contest by Hosea Ware-ing out the clock.

“We have to take it one game at a time. We do a good job at keeping each other humble and staying grounded,” said Andre.

Hosea Ware of the Warriors blasts through Angels for a 20 yard gain in the first quarter of play. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Coming out of half-time, the Angels completed two first downs to get within the Warriors 30-yard line, the closest they got to scoring all game, with all intentions to tie the game or take the lead. The Warriors defense had different plans after stripping Angels ball carrier Marvin Manibusan, creating the games second turnover.

The Warriors scored their first touchdown in the 2nd quarter after Dave “Double-D” Delgado punched a two-yard score. The run was set up by a 32-yard catch by receiver Alex Azceraga. The Angels blocked the PAT and nearly returned the ball for a score off a PAT, but the Warriors kicker Terry Perkins jumped on top to end the play.

MFL action continues Sunday with the Rams taking on the Eagles at 2 pm @ the Eagles Field.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Paul Unger of the Warriors dives to save a deflected pass from touching the ground. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Mitch Manibusan of the Angels gets swarmed by Warriors on his way for extra yardage. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)

Marvin Manibusan of the Angels gets wrapped up by Alex Azcarraga after a big gain in the first quarter. (photo by Kyle Twardowski)