by Dave Delgado
Guam - The Pepsi Warriors take to the field in the second game of this year's MFL season against the Cars Plus Rams. The Warriors fell short last year losing to the Angels in the playoffs but look to be contenders for this year's championship cup.
Loring Cruz, Pepsi's head coach, said, "I am very happy with our offensive line, we have our original line from the first year and then we have 3 extra offensive linemen to back them up. Last year was bad because we basically survived with 5 linemen heading into the season and that's no way to start off. This year we are beefed up on the offensive and defensive line and I have never been so happy to see those guys come in. Angelo Barcinas, Gene Arriola and Justin Andre so we are really working off that. Linebacking core my second year players have improved and we added Mike Quinata from the Angels. Secondary wise there will be a change because two of my starters will probably not be with us this season."
With the key additions to both the offense and defense veteran wide receiver Sandy Fejeran likes what he sees with this years squad. "Overall, I think we look good, we have a lot of guys back from last year and picked up some guys from the military that came out for the first time. They look like they can help us out a lot and with this last week to prepare we can pull it together and play good on Sunday," he said.
For the defense, Ryan Rios will be leading the Warriors who have youth on their side. Defensively the front 7 will look to pressure quarterback Will Williams come game time.
The 7-time MFL defensive MVP told KUAM Sports, "I played with Will and Pompy in a previous league and those guys move pretty quick. Will is good beyond the line of scrimmage so he's going to make us earn it and try to catch him. It should be a good match up because they have youth and we have youth, too."
