Football

64 STRAIGHT AS THE FD BEAT ROLLS ON

Friars pitch another shutout; still no points allowed this season

by
GSPN
May 12, 2023

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Father Duenas Friars (7-0) clinched the top seed in the ISA Football League after defeating the GW Geckos 44-0 Friday night at the GW Field.

Alex Sojo was magical once again in just three quarters of playing time. Sojo threw three touchdowns, ran another touchdown, and kicked a 37-yard field goal as the Friars celebrated their homecoming night.

The Geckos could not catch a break on special teams, giving the Friars good field position via fumbles or bobbled attempts on a kickoff or punt return. GW came into the game on a five-game win streak.

There were three turnovers on special teams, and Sojo made use of each one of them in the first half to seize a 30-0 lead by halftime.

Sojo’s top target, sophomore receiver Trey Blas, caught two touchdown passes. Lance Muna-Aguon also caught a touchdown pass from Sojo.

Sojo was also magical on the ground, rushing for 39 yard yards on two attempts, which included an eight yard score. Senior Caleb Murphy punched in an insurance score in the third quarter.

No points allowed
The Friar defense, although limited due to three forfeit games, has not allowed a single point for the season. Tristan Burgos, Isaiha Arriola, and Jovince Meno each had a sack for the Maroon Wall. Defensive end Colin Ada recovered a fumble and scored a 46-yard touchdown for the defense.

FD’s Isaiha Arriola weaved his way through the offensive line for a tackle on Isaiah Hayes. (photo by Cam Santos)

Alucious Medler and Christian Manglona each recorded an interception for FD.

The Geckos had their moments on offense with quarterback Jaydin Duenas throwing for 135 total yards. Duenas’ top target Ricardo Leon Guerrero II caught a 49-yard pass to put the Geckos deep in Friar territory.

With the Geckos looking to score, a bad snap recovered by FD’s Manglona gave possession back to the Friars.

Leon Guerrero II had three catches for 89 yards. Sage Castro led the Geckos in rushing with 40 yards on nine attempts.

Kassmirh Engichy was the first player this season to record a sack against FD. Engichy led the Gecko defense with four tackles.

Jaron Meno had a game-high 57 yards on six rush attempts for the Friars. Sojo tallied 102 passing yards on seven completions.

Murphy had a game-high seven tackles, and Vance Meno had five tackles for FD.

The loss had no impact in seeding for the Geckos (5-2), who will face the Guam High Panthers (5-1) in the semifinals next week.

The Friars are currently scheduled to face the JFK Islanders (4-2) in the first round. JFK has a game tomorrow against Guam High, however, league sources report the game will not be played due to a fight that broke out last week in the JFK vs. Tiyan matchup. The loss will drop JFK to 4-3, and Guam High will improve to 6-1 after the word comes officially tomorrow.