Barbarians look to end skid against Lightning
With no wins stacked up against a pair of losses, the Barbarians are looking to shed the stigma of a listless last place team in the Commonwealth Football League this morning when they take on the undefeated Shell Lightning, but they have their work cut out for them if they hope to knock off the blue and gold.
Despite a void in the win column, the Barbarians boast the league’s second-best rushing attack with 190 yards on the ground through two games—mostly on the strength of game-breaking utility player Syl Teregeyo.
League organizers agree that Teregeyo has something special that allows his squad to have a chance every time he shows up to play. Last week he gained 105 yards and a rushing touchdown, caught a 13-yard pass, and recorded 2.5 tackles. Teregeyo may very well be the league’s most dangerous man, but if the Barbarians want an aerial attack to rival the Lightning, they will have to rely on Plasido Tagabuel. “Plas Pass” is a gifted quarterback who can find his receivers all over the field, and he displays his toughness and selfless determination when he lines up in defensive formations as well.
If Tagabuel can find a way to get the ball to star receiver Alison Kaipat, the black and gold will have a fighting chance. Kaipat has the moves and the speed to get the job done, but he will most likely have a difficult time paired up against the Lightning’s top coverman Dominic Reyes.
With Reyes already assigned, the Barbarians have the opportunity to get the ball to big man Kelvin Fitial who will dwarf his cover corners. If Fitial can’t reel in the ball, Tagabuel also has Asterio Tawanpiy and B.J. Tagabuel at his disposal, and the duo won’t shy away from running patterns over the middle.
If they go between the hash marks on short yardage missions they will face a painful pair of linebackers in Joe Ocampo and Chico Reyes.
After watching the Lightning in their first two games, Plas Pass will look to take advantage of rookie corner Tyrone Kileleman who has been burned more times than Japanese tourists under the sun at Managaha.
Lightning receiver George Lieto may take that weakness away as he often plays dual roles as a cornerback.
The action starts at 10am when the teams meet at the CPA Airport Field. Plenty of parking is available but spectators are reminded not to park along the road on the tree-lined road that leads to the Saipan International Airport.
