RAIDERS OPEN SEASON WITH SWEEP

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Guam National Youth Football Federation (GNYFF) action continued on Saturday with the Crusaders taking on the Raiders at Tiyan field.

The Raiders Metgot Division wasted no time in finding the end zone and scored four touchdowns in the first half in route to a 32-0 victory.

Ian-John Sarusal Blas and Manz Jimmy Santos found the end zone twice to lead the Raiders offense.

“It’s not about individuals. The whole team worked hard to win today,” said Santos. “It feels good to get our first win. Our team played hard today, and I’m proud we showed good sportsmanship,” said Blas.

Blas had 87 rush yards and two touchdowns, Santos had 84 yards and two touchdowns for the game. Both backs displayed speed to avoid tackles.

The Crusaders came out in the second half with a good drive led by Jude Sablan and Josten Iakopus. Jude Sablan had a 15-yard gain to start the drive. Iakopus later bulldozed his way for another first down to enter Raiders territory.

The Raiders defense, however, was stingy on Saturday and made key tackles to force a turnover on downs.

The Raider defense was anchored by Brayden Jace Burgos with four tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. Damon Cruz also had a forced fumble for the Raiders.

The Raiders’ Tailur-Jay Fegurgur rushed for 85 yards on four carries, which were all in the second half.  Raider quarterback Kohen Michael Ignacio rushed twice for 15 yards and also had a goal-line QB sneak for an insurance touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Sablan led the Crusaders with 40 total rush yards. The Crusaders fall to 0-2 for the season and will look for their first win against the Packers next week.

The Raiders will have a showdown next week versus the Angels at the Tiyan field.

In the early game, the Raider Manha division got their first win with a 33-6 victory. The Matua division completed the sweep with a 22-0 victory. 

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