Pirates destroy Tyrants, rule PH Flag Football tiff

MANILA, Philippines – Team Pirates crushed De La Salle U Tyrants, 36-6, to scoop up the title in the Philippine Flag Football League’s Flag Day five-a-side tournament recently at Claret School Football Field.

Mon Borromeo scored 14 points while Ross Denopol and Cole Piscano each reached the end zone twice as the veteran Pirates romped off with the one-sided victory in the finale of the event supported by Busan Universal Rail Inc.

"We never expected the wide margin but we are thankful for the opportunity to play in pocket tournaments like these. These events give us the chance to play which we don't usually get," Pirates team captain Justine Gunnacao said.

Bannered by four mainstays of the national team, the Pirates imposed their will against their relatively less-experienced rivals and stormed to an 8-0 lead with Piscano reaching the end zone and Gunnacao converting the two-point after try attempt.

The Pirates doubled their lead in their next possession with Borromeo's try and Anton Quintos’ conversion from 10 yards.

Stephen Kyle Cinco punched through the Pirates’ defense to put the Tyrants on the scoreboard, 16-6, but they failed to cash in on the conversion.

But there’s no stopping the Pirates’ juggernaut. Denopol and Borromeo spearheaded the attack as the Pirates punched in 22 unanswered points to put the game beyond the reach of the Tyrants, a team formed just last November.

Despite the loss, Cheenie Rapanut, founder of DLSU Flag Football Sports Club, expressed satisfaction with their performance in the tourney, which were participated in by eight collegiate teams and two commercials clubs.

"We girls had the chance to play against the boys," Rapanut said.

Philippine Flag Football League president Paul Le said the competition is part of PFFL’s efforts to grow the sport, where Filipinos have a strong potential to excel and be world class.

"This is not height specific, physique and even gender-centered sport. Bagay sa atin kasi mabibilis, maliliksi at madiskarte ang mga Pinoy," said Le, whose group is lobbying for the inclusion of flag football in the calendar of the UAAP and NCAA soon.