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CNMI Sharks crush PH Punishers
The CNMI Sharks players and officials pose for a photo after beating the PH Punishers, 72-0, in an exhibition game at the University of the Philippines Oval Field last Saturday. (Contributed Photo)
The CNMI Sharks pummeled the PH Punishers, 72-0, in an exhibition game at the University of the Philippines Oval Field last Saturday, avenging their loss to the hosts two years ago. The Sharks and Punishers met first on Nov. 10 at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City with the PH squad escaping with a 13-6 victory.
The CNMI Sharks brought 22 players and officials in their return trip to the Philippines and were led by Commonwealth Football League Association chair and head coach John Blanco. Blanco also played as an offensive lineman and was joined by player coach Gart Backe, defensive coach and player June Failauga, and quarterback Jerome Norita. Completing the team were George Lieto Jr., Jermaine Catching, Syl Teregeyo, Derick Rangamar, Butch Kaipat, Joe Ocampo, Jaime Martinez, Caesar Whitt, Glen Palacios, Zac Ruetz, Charleston Aiken, Dave Ada Jr., Vince Kaipat, Alex Standish, Derick Aughenbaugh, Daniel Agulto, and Jay Tilipao. Glen Dikito Jr. and Eric Atalig joined the CNMI delegation as referees.
With the host pulling off a seven-point win over the Commonwealth bets in their first collision, the CNMI Sharks-PH rematch was expected to be a close one, but it turned out as a lopsided game in favor of the visitors. Thanks to Backe and Failauga, who according to Blanco designed the Sharks’ potent offensive plays and fortified defensive formations, respectively. Blanco added the Sharks hammered the Punishers despite the assistance Guam players and coaches gave to the hosts.
The Sharks were so dominant that they got into the board early to take a commanding, 48-0 lead by the end of the first half, and then closed out the one-sided match with their ninth touchdown. Ada scored the first touchdown after picking up the ball off a Punishers fumble in the end zone. Standish recorded the ninth and last, as he cut through the Punishers passing lane and completed the interception with a TD.
Sharing the limelight with Ada and Standish was Rangamar, who according to Blanco scored on a kick-off return to the end zone. The spitfire Rangamar would have gotten another touchdown off the similar play if not for a block in the back violation charged on Agulto.
Besides Ada and Standish’s TDs and Rangamar’s kick-off return, the Sharks’ four other TDs were all made via running plays. They then earned 12 points off two defensive touchdowns, 14 from seven out of the nine two-point conversion plays, and four on two safeties at the soaked UP field.
Meanwhile, the CNMI Sharks would like to thank the following for making their PH trip possible: Saipan Apparel, Pretty Tours, Rep. Edmund Villagomez, Committee To Elect Edwin K. Propst, MARPAC, IT&E, and Kanoa Resort.
