CNMI Sharks rip PH Templars

Players and officials of the CNMI Sharks pose for a photo after demolishing the Philippine Templars, 68-0, during their friendly game last Saturday at the Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch in Makati, Philippines. (Contributed Photo)

The CNMI Sharks tore the Philippine Templars apart, 68-0, during their friendly game at the Gatorade Chelsea FC Blue Pitch in Makati, Philippines last Saturday.

The Sharks won the match dubbed as “Battle of the Pacific” despite their limited manpower, as the visiting team had only 18 players available for the game against the Templars’ 60-man roster.

“We knew going into the game that we were going to be short handed so we made sure that our players knew both sides of the ball,” John Blanco told Saipan Tribune yesterday. “We went in with only 18 players and one offensive coordinator (our defensive coordinator suited up) and faced a team roughly 60 deep.”

Blanco was joined on the team by quarterback Jerome Norita, Angel Terry, Gregorio Sablan, Daniel Calvo II, Ben Jones Jr., Vince Kaipat, Jermaine Catching, Rodney Deleon Guerrero, George Lieto Jr., Tai Doram, Paul Ferreira, Jeff Norita, Charleston Aiken, Kelvin Fitial, Joe Esteves, Vaeotootoo Failauga Jr. , Ken Taitingfong, and offensive coordinator Garth Backe.

“Our defense, led by defensive coordinator/player, Tai Doram was brutal. Everyone on the 18-man team played some defense. Our offense, headed by offensive coordinator Garth, was able to provide a well balanced passing and running attack,” Blanco said.

With the Sharks on target, they led at 48-0 at halftime.

“Our quarterback (Jerome Norita) was able to get in a couple of TD passes to his favorite target, Kelvin,” Blanco said. “I have not received the game stats from the other team, but we had several of our players scoring, including Kelvin, Ben, Vince, Jermaine, George, and Rodney.”

“Though we approached the game with the mindset that we intend to win, we also knew that our opponents would bring their A game and that we needed to stick to our assignments, keep cool heads and focus on ensuring that we did not allow our opponents any opportunities to score or to shut down our offense. ‘18 Deep’ has become the word amongst the team,” Blanco added.

Meanwhile, the Sharks acknowledged Tan Holdings and Naked Fish for helping them in their fundraising efforts for the exhibition match in the Philippines and the team’s other supporters.

“We would also like to thank Rep. Edmund Villagomez who has been a tireless supporter of our efforts to establish football in the CNMI, and the organizers from the Philippine Templars, most notably Coy Calleja, for hosting us. Thank you to all who supported our fundraising efforts through purchasing tickets,” Blanco said.