FRIARS OPEN 2023 SEASON WITH A ROUT OVER ISLANDERS 35-0

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The FD Friars’ quest for an eighth straight ISA Football League championship started Friday night with a 35-0 victory over the JFK Islanders at the Guam High Field. The Friar offense went off in the first half, and their defense finished the job in the second half to win their season opener, extending their winning streak to 66 games.

The Friars got things going early with a fumble recovery on the opening play of the season. FD’s Kaleb Salas recovered a fumble on a bobbled JFK snap to give FD possession.

The rest of the first half was the Alex Sojo to Trey Blas show. Sojo connected with Blas for three touchdowns in the first half for 103 total yards. By halftime, FD led 28-0 with Tristan Burgos adding a rushing touchdown dive.

“Alex and I developed that confidence from the work we put in at practice. We are just picking up where we left off last season and having fun with it.”

– FD receiver Trey Blas

The Sojo to Blas touchdowns were from 11, 41 and 40 yards out to help the Friars establish an early lead.

The final score was 35-0 after Sojo rushed for a six-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Sojo was also perfect in extra kick point tries (5-for-5). Sojo completed 10 passes for 158 yards before sitting out after a couple of drives in the third. Jaron Meno accounted for 80 total yards – 35 receiving yards and 45 rush yards.

The Islanders found some momentum in the middle of the third quarter with Kevin Bekwith recording a 37-yard punt return. Quarterback Steven Concepcion found Vandahlei Reyes for a 12-yard reception to move the chains.

The Islanders were in Friar territory, but the stingy FD defense managed a pair of tackles-for-losses by Isaiha Arriola and Burgos to hold the Islanders scoreless.

FD’s Burgos and Jovince Meno were active for the entire contest, stopping the Islander from running up the middle. Burgos had five tackles, and Jovince Meno had 3.5 tackles.

“We were sad we were not able to finish off last season (due to typhoon Mawar). Tonight, we were all excited to just get back on the field and play Friar football, ” said Arriola. Arriola had three tackles for losses and a sack for FD.

Vance Meno and Arriola led the Friars with 6.5 tackles each. Meno also recorded an interception.

Malcolm Lim had a game-high seven tackles for the Islanders. Noah Guerrero had five tackles for JFK. Bekwith was active as a defensive back, defending three passes.

“There’s still many things we need to work on to get better, and we will work on those issues in practice next week,” said Arriola. “For our game next week, we need to be better on team chemistry and being more aggressive on defense.”

FD’s focus now turns to the GW Geckos next week. The Geckos defeated the Okkodo Bulldogs 48-0 Friday night, and the Friar 66-game win streak will be on the line next week against their long-time rival. 

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: