Knights win first IFL crown

Mt. Carmel School’s Merrick Toves, left, scans the pitch before making a pass, while Whispering Palms School/Brilliant Star School’s Casey Chambers tries to catch up on defense during their title game in the 2016 NMIFA U12 Interscholastic Football League last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Finally, Mt. Carmel School reigned supreme in the NMIFA U12 Interscholastic Football League.

The Knights clinched the boys division championship of the 2016 season after beating Whispering Palms School/Brilliant Star School in a shootout in the finals, 2-0, last Saturday at the Hopwood Junior High School Field.

Leo Naraja and Dev Bachani delivered the goals in the penalty shootout, while keeper Merrick Toves made the defensive stops to hand Mt. Carmel its first title in the IFL. With its victory this season, the Knights’ name will be etched in the perpetual trophy alongside two-time champions William S. Reyes Elementary School (2012 and 2015), Koblerville Elementary School (2008), Saipan Community School (2009 and 2010), Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School (2011), Saipan International School (2014), and Whispering Palms (2013).

Whispering Palms players joined forces with Brilliant Star School this season, but missed the championship as their shooters were frustrated by Toves—the tallest player on the field who used his long arms and legs to deflect the ball.

Dylan Mister took the first attempt for WPS/BSS, but overshot his mark as his ball went too wide to the goalie’s right. Mister was also the keeper in the shootout and held his ground against the first two MCS shooters. Casey Chambers was next for WPS/BSS and his first attempt was pushed out by Toves, who was later called for a violation, giving the former another try. Chamber’s second shot, however, also did not make it in, as the ball went over Toves’ head and the goalie tossed it back out.

Toves had his third straight defensive stop when he kicked out the ball that Max Church hit. Toves then made the game-winning save when he used his knees to block the ball that Dane Hodges kicked. WPS/BSS’ fifth shooter did not make an attempt as Mt. Carmel had already secured the victory behind Bachani and Naraja’s goals.

“Those guys (Bachani and Naraja) were able to redeem themselves in the finals after missing their penalty shots in our semis games. I am happy that they were able to deliver when we needed them the most,” MCS team manager Catherine Attao-Toves said.

Catherine also commended the efforts of his son, Merrick, who provided leadership to the team, having been the oldest player on the squad.

“He always helps his teammates and encourages them to play harder each game. He started out as a striker and we moved him in different positions all throughout the season, but I did not hear him complain. In the penalty shootout, we felt that he is the best and the most experienced player that we could put in the goal and he delivered,” Catherine said.

Overall, the Knights team manager was impressed with all the players’ performance this season.

“Everybody did their share in this victory, playing defense, hustling for the ball, cheering for their teammates while they are not playing or helping them after getting bumped in a play. This win is a product of team effort. We gave everyone a chance to play and every time they went on the pitch, they were focused and tried their best to contribute to the team,” added Catherine, who greeted her players heading out of the pitch after the title win with hugs and high-fives.

The festive mood in last Saturday’s finale was in contrast of the 2015 season’s championship match where some of the Knights players were seen wiping away tears as they fell to WSR, also in a shootout, 1-3.

“Mt. Carmel managed to redeem itself from that heartbreaker last season. I am happy for the players and we would like to thank Northern Mariana Islands Football Association for putting up a league, even for a short season, to give our student-athletes a chance to play and enjoy the game,” Catherine said.

The Knights, who are coached by John Diego Masga, used a 13-player roster for the IFL. Joining Merrick, Naraja, and Bachani on the squad were Markus Toves, Christian Guerrero, Leland Deleon Guerrero, Andrew Sablan, Devin Propst, Dylan Santos, Ruben Guerrero, Vicente Reyes, Roco Bellavia, and Vidal Sablan.