Guam avenges loss, crushes Sharks

A CNMI Sharks defender tries to pin down a Team Guam player during the first half of their game in last Saturday’s 2019 Marianas Bowl at the CPA Airport Field. (Kimberly A, Bautista)

Team Guam got the payback it wanted after crushing the CNMI Sharks, 35-0, in last Saturday’s 2019 Marianas Bowl at the CPA Airport Field.

Although the Sharks prepared for the faceoff against Team Guam in this year’s Marianas Bowl, the host were no match for the determined Team Guam, which was driven by its streak-breaking loss last year. The CNMI Sharks cruised to 26-0 victory in the 2018 competition, ending Team Guam’s run (six straight victories) in the two islands’ American football duel.

Team Guam set up the lopsided win after leading in the first half, 24-0. The visiting team played no let up in the second half, especially on defense, as it still neutralized the Sharks to complete the demolition.

Team Guam coach Joey Guerrero said that they took their loss hard against the Sharks last year and they were pleased to return to the island and achieve what they set out to do—avenging last year’s defeat.

“Avenging last year’s loss, we’ll take that loss, we licked our wounds, and we came back stronger this year and we’re looking forward to next year,” he said.

Guerrero added that at the end of the day, Guam is happy to come out and just have fun with their brothers in the CNMI.

“Actually, coming out here to play with our brothers here in the Marianas is always a great pleasure for us, to come out and share the knowledge of football. The win is a win, but at the end of the day, we are brothers in the Marianas and we got to share the love and the knowledge that we have and pass it on to our brothers,” he said.

Guerrero hopes Saipan can come out to Guam for the next edition of the Marianas Bowl.

“Or we can come back. I just want to thank John Blanco and the staff and everyone who supported this event. It’s a great pleasure to be here and the hospitality is by far the greatest,” he said.

Meanwhile, CNMI Sharks coach John Blanco said that they have a good team, but they lacked the commitment to train for this year’s competition.

“Guam is a tough team, but we’re also pretty good as well. It’s just sometimes, those things happen. Sadly, we didn’t prepare enough. We have a pretty solid squad, it’s just that with guys not wanting to make the commitment to practice, this is the end result,” he said.

Blanco congratulated Guam for the win. However, he vowed that the Sharks will put in the time to regain the trophy in next year’s tournament.

“You win some, you lose some, but sadly we lost this one. All I want to say is congratulations to Guam and take care of my trophy because I want it back next year,” he said.

Team Guam defenders keep a close eye on CNMI Sharks players during the second half of their game in last Saturday’s 2019 Marianas Bowl at the CPA Airport Field. (Kimberly A. Bautista)