MANHA OUTLAWS MAKE MASSIVE STATEMENT

By Paradis J. Fejerang

Under a blazing Saturday morning sun at Eagles Field in Mangilao, the Outlaws battled the heat just as much as the Guam Packers, eventually pulling away for a convincing 40–14 victory for some Triple J GNYFF Youth Football League Månha Division action.

The two teams were the last remaining undefeated squads in the division coming into the weekend.

Holding a 20–7 lead at halftime, the Outlaws withstood several determined pushes from the Packers before finishing strong behind 9-year-old Players of the Game Lenox Reyes and Aven Chamberlain.

Reyes delivered a standout performance, accounting for three of the Outlaws’ six touchdowns. He opened the scoring in the first half before adding two more touchdowns after the break, finishing with 18 of his team’s 40 points.

The Outlaws also received first-half touchdowns from Madden Untalan and Masen Perez, while Untalan added multiple extra points and played a key role in keeping the offense moving. Matua Limtiaco and Wyatt Tenorio also contributed with strong offensive efforts throughout the morning.

Chamberlain capped the scoring with the game’s final touchdown, ending the impressive outing for the Månha Outlaws.

For the Packers, K’noah Toves accounted for both of his team’s touchdowns and never let his squad stop fighting despite facing an early deficit.

Although the Outlaws struck first, the Packers responded with resilience and managed to get themselves on the scoreboard after falling behind. However, every time the Packers appeared ready to build momentum, Reyes answered with explosive runs behind strong blocking from his offensive line, repeatedly finding ways to break through the opposing defense.

The Packers seemed to make a point to contain Perez for much of the game, making him a primary defensive focus. Luckily for the Outlaws, that strategy opened opportunities for Reyes and Chamberlain to take over offensively, highlighting the Outlaws’ balanced attack and ability to rely on multiple playmakers.

After a sweet halftime performance by the young Outlaw cheer squad, the Packers returned to the field with renewed energy. From the opening whistle of the second half, the players in green hustled from play to play, quickly setting their formations after every whistle in an effort to maintain momentum.

Following Toves’ second touchdown that narrowed the gap, it briefly appeared the Packers had found new life. Still, Reyes quickly answered once again, extending the lead and preventing any comeback hopes from taking hold.

Defensively, the Packers continued to battle until the final whistle, making the Outlaws work for every yard despite the widening score.

Before kickoff, Chamberlain admitted there were some nerves heading into the matchup, sharing that he loves challenges which made him “a little nervous but also really confident.”

Reyes shared the same feeling, while Chamberlain added that he expected a difficult contest after hearing how strong the Månha Packers were and wanted to find out which team would come out on top between the two.

Following the victory, Reyes credited his team’s execution in commending “everyone’s blocking and doing their jobs [that our coaches gave us].”

When asked about responding after the Packers cut in with another touchdown during the second half, Reyes admitted the moment brought some pressure.

“It was a little nerve-racking,” Reyes shared before looking to his coach and remembering how he teaches his Månha crew to always ‘start strong, finish strong.’

Looking ahead, the Outlaws aren’t planning to let the win change their approach despite having a bye week next weekend.

“All [we] have to do [are] our assignments and keep on pushing,” Chamberlain said.

Both players agreed they plan to continue giving maximum effort in every practice, with Chamberlain adding the effort will continue to be put in ‘all the time.’

When commenting on what he looks forward to as the season continues, Chamberlain’s young insight shows the understanding that a team’s strength goes well beyond individual talent.

“We’re just going to keep on pushing, even if some of our friends are hurt, we keep on pushing together even if one person could [do] it all by themselves.”

The victory sends the Outlaws into their bye week with momentum and confidence, while the Packers leave with valuable lessons after showing determination throughout all four quarters despite the challenging conditions.

SATURDAY GAMES

Manha

Outlaws 40, Packers 14

Steelers 13, Barrigada 0

Metgot

Packers 33, Outlaws 7

Steelers 7, Barigada 0

Matua

Outlaws 36, Packers 7

Steelers 8, Barrigada 6

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