Connect with us

Football

RAIDERS SECURE PERFECT REGULAR SEASON

The undefeated Raiders took on the Outlaws Saturday in the second round of the Guam Varsity Football League and were able to secure a perfect record, closing out the regular season on a spectacular game from Jesse “Pumpy” Manglona who had 10 receptions and a rushing touchdown to lead the Raiders to a 27-2 victory.

By Kai Akimoto

The undefeated Raiders took on the Outlaws Saturday in the second round of the Guam Varsity Football League and were able to secure a perfect record, closing out the regular season on a spectacular game from Jesse “Pumpy” Manglona who had 10 receptions and a rushing touchdown to lead the Raiders to a 27-2 victory.

In their previous meeting, the score was kept close for the majority of the game. This time around, that would not be the case. The Raiders came out hot scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter courtesy of receiver Mitch Charforus and running back Dave Delgado.

Player of the game, Jesse “Pumpy” Manglona, contributed greatly to the Raiders air game grabbing five receptions in the first half, one being for a gain of 42 yards to setup the Raiders for a passing touchdown by receiver, Storm Rosario. The point after attempt was blocked and scooped up by Gary Santos, who ran the ball 92 yards back to the house to get the outlaws on the board end of the half 20-2.

“We’re a very versatile team. We have strength both on the ground and in the air. Danny [Manibusan, quarterback] sets us up really well with our routes, but we have to give it up to our O-line. Without them, Danny wouldn’t have the time in the pocket, and we wouldn’t have the holes to run through,” said Manglona on the keys to their offensively dominant victory.

The Raiders smothering defense didn’t allow an offensive score from the Outlaws. (photo by Michael Ebio)

The defensive score on the blocked PAT attempt would be the only score for the Outlaws. Raiders’ defense, anchored by linebacker Allen Blend, locked up the Outlaws as the Raiders’ vacuum-seal coverage would keep the endzone out of sight for the Outlaws, forcing three turnovers in the second half.

“Consistency was the main factor for us defensively. We just made sure that everyone was doing their assignments on defense and making sure we kept our heads in the game so that our tempers wouldn’t get the best of us. Our defensive unit is all about cohesiveness, and each individual was able to take care of their responsibility which brought us together defensively,” said Blend, veteran men’s league participant who celebrated his 48th birthday at the game.

Pumpy Manglona would cap off the game with a rushing touchdown to end the game 27-2 and close out the Raiders’ regular season with an undefeated record. The Raiders end the season with the first seed going into the playoffs and will play the fourth seed next week in the GVFL semi-finals.

Game photos all shot by GSPN’s Michael Ebio

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Ad

GPS Sports Calendar

October

November 2023

December
SU
MO
TU
WE
TH
FR
SA
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Events for October

1st

Events for November

2nd

Events for November

3rd

Events for November

4th

5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Events for November

4th

No Events
Events for November

6th

Events for November

7th

Events for November

7th

No Events
Events for November

9th

Events for November

10th

Events for November

11th

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
Events for November

11th

No Events
Events for November

13th

Events for November

14th

Events for November

14th

No Events
Events for November

16th

Events for November

17th

Events for November

18th

19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Events for November

18th

No Events
Events for November

20th

Events for November

21st

Events for November

22nd

Events for November

22nd

No Events
Events for November

24th

Events for November

25th

26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Events for November

26th

Events for November

27th

Events for November

28th

Events for November

28th

No Events
Events for November

30th

COMING SOON …

  • 2023 Pacific Games in Solomon Islands (Nov 19-Dec 3)

 

 

QUICK HITS

The Guam Smokin’ Hot women’s softball team captured first place in the Asia Cup Softball Championships 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand.
——————————————————-
Roque Martinez gets the unanimous decision win Saturday night in his debut fight in South Korea’s Black Combat promotions.
The 37-year-old controlled the tempo all three rounds and bloodied his opponent with some 3rd round ground and pound.

More in Football