DOLPHINS DOMINATE IN SEASON OPENER

By Daniel Akimoto

The 2025 ISA High School Football League kicked off under the Friday night lights at the GW football field, where the Southern Dolphins made a powerful statement with a commanding 38-16 win over the Simon Sanchez Sharks.

It was a near-flawless performance from the Dolphins, who showcased a balanced offensive attack and a relentless defense. Freshman quarterback Ghesan Gaje impressed in his debut, throwing for 220 yards, completing 8 of 12 passes, and delivering three touchdowns despite two interceptions. His chemistry with wide receiver Brenden Tablan was electric—Tablan hauled in all four of his targets, scoring three touchdowns, including two long bombs that ignited the crowd.

On the defensive side, Kyle Atoigue was a force to be reckoned with. He led the team with 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery, setting the tone for a defense that kept the Sharks on their heels all night.

First Quarter Fireworks

After Southern’s defense shut down Sanchez’s opening drive, the Dolphins wasted no time. Ezrah Acovera capped off a methodical drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, though the PAT was missed, leaving the score at 6-0. Another defensive stop gave Southern the ball back, and Tablan broke loose for a 41-yard run, setting up his own 3-yard touchdown reception. Kaden Cruz added a two-point conversion to close the quarter at 14-0.

Second Quarter Surge

The Dolphins continued their dominance in the second quarter. Atoigue’s forced fumble was scooped up by Acovera, who sprinted 34 yards to the end zone, extending the lead to 20-0. Johnnie Brub added a 2-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 26-0.

The Sharks finally responded with a spark of their own—Jeremy Salinas returned a kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 26-7. But Southern answered immediately. Gaje connected with Tablan for a 77-yard touchdown, sending the Dolphins into halftime with a commanding 32-7 lead.

Second Half Highlights

Sanchez came out strong in the third quarter, as Jude Kelly intercepted Gaje and returned it for a touchdown. However, Atoigue blocked the PAT, keeping the score at 32-13. The Dolphins weren’t done yet—Gaje and Tablan linked up once more for a 53-yard touchdown, their third of the night. A failed two-point attempt left the score at 38-13.

The Sharks managed a late 25-yard field goal by Tristan Parks to bring the final score to 38-16, but the damage had already been done.

Christopher Leon Guerrero led the Sharks with 9 carries for 68 yards. Jude Kelly had two interceptions and six tackles for Sanchez’s defense.

Tablan was the leading rusher for Southern as well with 50 yards on only 3 carries.

Postgame Reflections

“This game was just a preview of what we have in store this season,” said Atoigue. “We need to work harder for the upcoming teams, stay humble, and we got more to come.”

Tablan echoed the sentiment: “Even though me and my freshman quarterback [are] different grades, we still got that chemistry that we want to build up, and we’re looking forward to the season.”

The Dolphins will take on the Okkodo Bulldogs in Week 2 next Saturday at 3 pm at the Okkodo Field, while the Sharks face the FD Friars next Saturday night at the GW Field.

SCORING SUMMARY

1st quarter
Southern: 6-0 – Ezrah Acovera 1 yard run (PAT no good)
Southern: 14-0 – Brenden Tablan 3 yard reception from Ghesan Gaje (Kaden Cruz run)

2nd quarter
Southern: 20-0 – Ezrah Acovera 34 yard fumble return (PAT no good)
Southern: 26-0 – Johnnie Brub 2 yard run (conversion no good)
Sanchez: 26-7 – Jeremy Salinas 75 yard kickoff return (Park kick)
Southern: 32-7- Brenden Tablan 77 yard reception from Ghesan Gaje (conversion no good)

3rd quarter
Sanchez: 32-13 – Jude Kelly 46 yard interception return (kick blocked)
Southern: 38-13 – Brenden Tablan 53 yard reception from Ghesan Gaje (conversion no good)

4th quarter
Sanchez: 38-16 – Tristan Park 24-yard field goal

PASSING

Sanchez: Parr 1-6-1 5 yds, Mendiola 0-2-0 0 yds; Southern: Gaje 8-12-2 220 yds

RUSHING

Sanchez: Leon Guerrero 9-68, Toves 6-32, Parr 2-6, Kelly 7-5, Gabriel 2-4, Masga 1-4, C. Camacho 2-2, Salinas 1-2; Southern: Tablan 3-50, Cruz 3-35, Esteves 4-16, Torres 4-13, Acovera 3-3, Brub 1-2

RECEIVING

Sanchez: Kelly 1-5; Southern: Tablan 4-148, Dela Cruz 2-37, Esteves 2-35

TOP TACKLES

Sanchez: Kelly 6, Masga 4, Mesa 4; Leon Guerrero 3, Masnayon 3; Southern: Atoigue 9, Luzanta 5, Maniebo 5, Acovera 3, S. Meno 3

INTERCEPTIONS

Sanchez: Kelly 2

PENALTIES

Sanchez: 3-20; Southern: 7-65

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