GECKOS CAP OFF SEASON OF DESTINY

By Daniel Akimoto

After ten long years, the Geckos reclaimed their place as ISA Football League champions with a hard-fought 7-0 victory over the FD Friars on Saturday night. In a game defined by defense, grit, and resilience, GW delivered a statement performance to cap off an undefeated season and end FD’s reign.

The Lone Score

The game’s only touchdown came early in the third quarter, breaking a tense deadlock. Senior quarterback Jace Dela Cruz, who struggled in the first half with three interceptions, found redemption with a 34-yard scramble that showcased his speed and vision. Eduardo Whitman’s extra point split the uprights, giving GW the 7-0 lead.

“It was a very good feeling scoring that touchdown, especially because I was the only one who scored,” said Dela Cruz. “But I’d like to thank my defense, offensive line, and all my blockers that made the big blocks. Also, the defense for keeping me in the game. I’d like to thank God as well.”

The Perfect Mistake

The breakthrough was set up by a critical defensive play. On FD’s first drive of the second half, quarterback Kaynin McIntosh was flushed from the pocket and met by junior Landon Suzuki, who not only made the tackle but forced a fumble. Collin Siguenza recovered the ball, and GW capitalized by following up with the game’s only scoring drive.

Suzuki finished with 7.5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble – an impact performance that shifted momentum.

Early Struggles, Late Heroics

Dela Cruz’s night began rocky in the first half – all picked off by FD’s Joshua Taijeron, including two on consecutive possessions. But the senior offensive leader didn’t fold.

“At the start of the game, I kept making mistakes,” Dela Cruz admitted. “Three picks and bad reads, but my coaches kept telling me to be myself. We run through these plays at practice all the time. It’s just muscle memory. I was messing it up a lot, but they believed in me.”

Unable to find success through the air, Dela Cruz turned to his legs, leading the team with a 41-yard run in the first half exposing a key weakness in the Friars’ defense. Dela Cruz had the two longest plays of the game.

Defense Wins Championships

GW’s defense delivered a championship-caliber performance, holding the Friars scoreless for the first time in 11 years. Despite offensive turnovers, the Geckos’ defense held strong, limiting FD’s run game to just 85 yards and containing Offensive MVP Javin Meno to 55 yards on 18 carries.
Senior captain Rayn Rios led the charge with 9.5 tackles and 5 tackles for loss, proving he deserved Defensive MVP honors.

“We just talked to our boys,” said Rios. “I think it was the attitude throughout the whole game. We just needed to keep that good attitude and do our best.”

When asked how it felt to take down FD and if he had anything to say about their program, Rios responded with respect and admiration: “If I have one thing to say about the FD program, it’s that they’re competitive. They always come out to play. I really appreciate it. I appreciate that about them. No matter what anyone says about FD, they always come out to play.”

FD’s only scoring opportunity came late in the first half with a 30-yard field goal attempt, which they failed to convert.

Sealing the Victory

With FD threatening late in the fourth quarter, Ty Leon Guerrero delivered the final blow -intercepting McIntosh to seal the win and allow the Geckos to run out the clock in victory formation. It was Leon Guerrero’s league-leading fifth INT of the season.

The Geckos completed an undefeated season, fulfilling their season-long mission to bring the title back to GW.

“It feels great,” Rios said simply, summing up the emotion of a long-awaited triumph.

SCORING SUMMARY

3rd Quarter

GW: 7-0 – Jace Dela Cruz 34-yard run (Whitman kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATS

PASSING

FD: Kaynin McIntosh 5-21-1 39 yds, Kaizayuh Flores 0-0-0 0; GW: Jace Dela Cruz 0-10-3 0 yds, Colen Ray Salas 0-0-0 0

RUSHING

FD: Javin Meno 18-55, Brock Aguon 7-17, Kaizayuh Flores 2-14, Kaynin McIntosh 2-(-1); GW: Jace Dela Cruz 7-83 TD, Justin Sablan 16-77, Rayn Rios 2-15, Jayce Sablan 1-3, Colen Ray Salas 1-3, Seth Dumanal 2-(-3)

RECEIVING

FD: Kaizayuh Flores 3-9, Saul Bamba 1-23, Reef Balajadia 1-7, Jarrett Ko 1-5; GW: None

TOP TACKLES

FD: Cole Brub 6.5, JoeVince Meno 5.5, Michael Santos 5; GW: Rayn Rios 9.5, Landon Suzuki 7.5, Ty Leon Guerrero 4, Eduardo Whitman 4

SACKS

FD: Isaiah Salas; GW: None

INTERCEPTIONS

FD: Joshua Taijeron 3; GW: Ty Leon Guerrero

PENALTIES

FD: 9-75 GW: 7-50

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