Bandits, Juggernauts arrange ArenaBall title clash

MANILA, Philippines - The Bandits lined themselves up for a three-peat as they subdued the Rebels, 2-0, while the Juggernauts shut down the Wolves, 27-0, to arrange a showdown for the 2012 ArenaBall Philippines crown at the Marikina Sports Park.

The back-to-back champion Bandits came out victorious in a defensive struggle with the second seeded Rebels, cashing in on their pass rush by CB GH Dy’s sack on Rebels’ QB Jai Merchant for a safety in the third quarter en route to victory in the first of the ABP Super Four playoffs at the rain-drenched Marikina field.

In the other match, the Juggernauts outplayed the Wolves from start to finish with halfback Johnny Babaran keying the early charge with a 60-yard rushing touchdown and wide receiver Wally dela Cruz adding an extra point on a pass from QB Paul Reyes.

In their next drive, Paul Reyes made a spectacular pass to WR Vincent Yiu for a 10-yard touchdown then came up with another pass to Lionel Milan for the extra point. Reyes spiked the Juggernauts’ superb first half stint with another pair of precise passes, paving the way for Milan’s 12-yard touchdown and an extra point from Marvin Bernardino.

Babaran scored on another touchdown in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard run to cap the Juggernauts’ game-long domination of the Wolves and advance to the finals for a first-ever crack at the ABP crown.

The finals of the ABP ArenaBowl Season 3, backed by Banapple, Muscletape, Dragon Fireworks, Hooters Phils. and The Philippine STAR, will be held Sept. 15, also at the Marikina Sports Park.