FRIARS TOO MUCH FOR GECKOS ON MUDDY FIELD

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Father Duenas Friars survived their first test of the ISA Football season and easily defeated their rival GW Geckos 31-0 Friday at the GW Field.

FD quarterback Alex Sojo accounted for three touchdowns and also kicked a 32-yard field goal to lead the Friars. “Preparation in practice helped us get through the game tonight,” said Sojo, who threw for two touchdowns and rushed in for an 11 yard score.

The first score was a pass from Sojo to running Jaron Meno for a 37-yard touchdown. Later in the quarter, Sojo found his favorite target, Trey Blas, for a 22-yard touchdown to go up 14-0. Blas had five receptions for 90 yards. Sojo completed 10/19 passes for 161 total yards.

In the third quarter, Sojo faked a handoff and ran into the end zone untouched to add an insurance touchdown to go up 21-0. Sojo later kicked a field goal in the third to go up 24-0.

The final score of the contest was a 19-yard pick-six interception by FD’s Christian Manglona for a final score of 31-0.

“I communicated with my teammates and my corner on the outside and established our position,” said Manglona. Manglona made the correct read and got in front of the intended GW receiver. Manglona made the pick and dashed toward the end zone for FD’s first defensive score of the season.

Noah Duenas also had a big game for FD, forcing two turnovers via an interception and punching the ball out for a fumble.

The wet field conditions prevented GW from establishing a running game. The Friars held the Gecko ground game to 22 yards. Senior linebacker Vance Meno led the Friars with 6.5 tackles, two of which were behind the line of scrimmage.

Rayn Rios led the Geckos in tackles with 5.5 total and also blocked a punt to give the Geckos good field position.

Rios also did work on offense with a 32-yard reception from GW quarterback Jaydin Duenas to enter the red zone. GW was unable to capitalize from good field position after a penalty, and a bad snap forced them to punt on a fourth and long situation.

GW’s Ricardo Leon Guerrero managed to catch two passes for 12 yards, and he also made four tackles.

Duenas completed five passes for 55 yards. Jovohn Concepcion had 12 receiving yards. Colen Salas led the Geckos running game with 18 yards.

Penalties also plagued the Friars, with a total of nine called against FD’s offense. “We have to pick up on our mental mistakes, and we can improve on that by becoming more disciplined in practice,” said Sojo. 

The Friars (2-0) will play the Southern Dolphins (0-2) on Friday at GW Field. The Geckos (1-1) will play the Guam High Panthers (1-0) on Saturday at GW. 

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