Islanders prove to be Dream's Nightmare,
beating Nevada 27-0 in their home opener

   
Islander defensive back Paki Gordon #8  intercepts a Nevada Dream pass attempt in Virginia City. Photo by Sean Lewandowski

Mar. 24 2012 - Virginia City, NV
The Pacifica Islanders traveled to the historic town of Virginia City, Nevada to open their 2012 Gridiron Developmental Football League season with a 27-0 win over the Dream. The Dream who were founded this year did an excellent job marketing the game as many curious fans packed the stadium to see their inaugural performance between these 2 conference rivals.

On what turned out to be a beautiful afternoon in the mountains, the Islanders drew first blood as quarterback Myles Gates connected with receiver Wes Walters for a 1 yard touchdown pass with 5:09 left in the first quarter. Terra Nova grad & Islander kicker Jimmy Sweeney converted the PAT to give the Islanders a 7-0 lead.

After a great defensive stop the Islanders defensive back & punt returner Paki Gordon returned the Dream’s ensuing punt for a 75 yard touchdown, after another successful PAT by Sweeney the score was 14-0 Islanders. Paki Gordon played another exceptional game on both special teams and defense, deflecting many of the Dream’s pass attempts.

The second quarter was mostly a defensive game for both squads. The Islanders & the Dream were able to muster some good drives but neither was able to score again before the half. Late in the second quarter it appeared as if the Islanders would go up by another 7 but the Dream were able to deflect Gates’ pass into the end zone and intercept it giving them the ball back at their own 20. With very little time left the Dream could not score.

After the halftime break both teams came back to field with revamped game plans. Although both teams moved the ball well like the 2nd quarter it wasn’t until late in the 3rd that the Islanders were able to add to their lead. Gates was able to connect with receiver Ricky Moore for a 30 yard TD with 3:38 left in the 3rd quarter. The Islanders defense was led by new standout linebacker Yousef Naconzi who made an interception and return to setup the Islanders first score along with many drive ending tackles.

Playing from behind really limited the Dream’s game plan in the 4th quarter and they were forced to throw the ball more than they would have liked. This proved to be no easy task against DB’s Thad Vinson, Jason Cory and Paki Gordon as they were intercepted more than once. The Islanders however were happy to run the ball in the 4th, as their plan was now clock control. The Islanders final score came on a 5 yard TD run by Pacifica’s RB Sal Washington however a bad snap on the PAT attempt caused them to only get 6 points, with that score being the last the Islanders were up 27-0 to record their first regular season victory.

The Islanders now travel to Sonora next Friday night to take on the Tuolumne County Outlaws with a 7pm kickoff at Sonora High School. The Islanders will return home on Apr. 7th for a rematch with the Dream.