
By Robert Balajadia
The JFK Islanders were riding defensive highs as they blanked the Southern Dolphins 23-0 at the JFK Field Saturday evening. The weekend kick-off to the 2018 IIAAG football season concluded with three different Islanders finding the end zone.
Islanders quarterback Allen Blend II threw for the games first touchdown and punched in the games final score on the ground to power the JFK offense. Receiver Nico Valez hauled in the 38-yard touchdown from Blend and running back Justin Camacho capped off a big run with a six-yard score in the 3rd quarter.
“We have a solid line this year and I’m happy with what we were able to do today,” said Blend on how his offense performed in the season opener.
The Islanders defense played suffocating style led by the reigning defensive MVP in line backer Chase Spotanski. Spotanski collected 13 tackles and nearly came away with two fumble recoveries.
“There’s still some simple errors that we need to fix, but I’m proud of the way that we played on the defensive side of the ball today,” said Chase.
Islanders Juan Sarmiento converted two-of-three PAT’s and also converted on the games only field goal attempt. Sarmiento’s score gave the Islanders a 10-0 lead at the half.
JFK started to get more ground work in during the 3rd quarter as Camacho spurned the defense for a 25-yard run on a near scoring play. Camacho dove into the end zone but was ruled a yard short and taken out of bounds. A false start penalty pushed the Islanders back to the six-yard line, but Camacho skated right through the middle to finish the job, putting JFK ahead 16-0.
Big runs from Camacho and Spotanski brought the Islanders inside the red zone in the 4th quarter that ended in a quarterback keeper from Blend for one yard for the 23-0 score.
The JFK offense is functioning at a more comfortable pace behind second year starter Blend. The offseason work put in by JFK’s lead players has played the biggest part in their dominant performance Saturday evening.
“I have a lot more confidence this year. My first year I got a good taste of what high school football is like, and it came with a lot of sacks, but that’s okay,” laughed Allen. “I try to hit the gym everyday and our team has been dedicated to cross-fit so we have been working hard all off season.”
For Spotanski, winning a title is of course the end goal, but his personal goal is to make his father, who passed away last year, proud by dedicating his senior season to him.
“That’s my ultimate goal,” said Chase on honoring his dad. “I want to make him proud by playing hard this season.”
The Islanders will take on the Tiyan Titans Saturday evening while the Southern Dolphins will face the Sanchez Sharks at the Okkodo Field on Saturday as well.
GAME RECAP
The Dolphins forced and recovered a fumble on the opening drive
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

photos by Michael Ebio


GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2K/5K
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
19th
SPRINT TRIATHLON, PACIFIC GAMES QUALIFIER
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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