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Geckos, Friars will battle for football championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 5:09 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Guam’s Football Showdown: Geckos and Friars Set the Stage for a Championship Clash

In a season that has been both thrilling and unpredictable, the University of Guam’s (UG) Geckos and the College of Guam’s (CG) Friars have earned the right to face off in the long‑awaited championship game of the Guam State Playoffs Championship (GSPC). Scheduled for Sunday, October 27, the matchup promises to be a culmination of weeks of hard‑earned victories, standout performances, and a storied rivalry that dates back more than a decade.

Road to the Finals

The Geckos entered the playoffs with a 9‑1 record, having dominated the regular season with an impressive 73‑12 point differential. Offensively, the Geckos have been powered by senior running back Alex “Thunder” Rivera, who rushed for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns, and junior wide receiver Marisol “Sparks” Lee, who hauled in 68 receptions for 1,023 yards and 11 scores. The defense, coordinated by Coach Darren Kim, has been relentless, forcing 28 sacks and maintaining a 3.5‑yard average per play over the season.

On the other side, the Friars finished 8‑2, winning their conference with a 68‑16 point margin. Their key offensive weapon has been quarterback and team captain Jayden “The Arrow” Cruz, who completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,300 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. The Friars’ defensive line, helmed by Coach Lisa “Boom” Martinez, has been particularly stout, recording 15 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries during the season.

Both teams’ coaches emphasized that the championship will be a test of character as much as talent. “We’ve been preparing for this moment,” Coach Kim said. “The GSPC finals are a crucible. It’s not just about who can run faster or catch better, but who can stay disciplined when the stakes are highest.” Similarly, Coach Martinez reminded her players, “We’ve faced tough opponents, but this game is about staying focused and executing the fundamentals that have carried us this far.”

Key Players to Watch

The game will hinge on a few pivotal matchups. Rivera’s speed on the ground will be a constant threat to the Friars’ secondary, which is already struggling to contain the Geckos’ rushing attack. Conversely, Lee’s ability to stretch the field will test the Friars’ cornerbacks, who have allowed an average of 6.5 yards per catch in the season.

For the Friars, Cruz’s poise under pressure has been a hallmark of his season. He has led the team to several comeback victories, notably a 28‑21 win over the local rival high school team, a game that showcased his ability to improvise and command the offense in clutch moments. Meanwhile, the Friars’ defensive back, sophomore DeShawn “Speedy” Carter, has logged 12 tackles and 4 interceptions, making him a prime candidate for the game’s MVP.

The Historical Context

The Geckos and Friars have been perennial rivals since the UG and CG football programs were first established in the 2000s. Over the past 15 years, they have met 27 times, with the Geckos holding a 15‑12 edge. Their most recent encounter ended with a 31‑24 victory for the Geckos, a game that set the tone for the upcoming championship.

The rivalry extends beyond the gridiron. Both schools draw a large portion of their student populations from Guam’s urban centers, and the games have become a cultural highlight, drawing fans from across the island. Last season’s championship game, which saw the Geckos triumph 24‑17, was watched by over 3,000 fans in the new stadium, marking a record attendance for a GSPC event.

Venue and Logistics

The championship will take place at the newly renovated Guam Sports Complex, a 10,000‑seat stadium that hosted its inaugural game last month. The venue’s upgraded turf, state‑of‑the‑art locker rooms, and high‑definition scoreboard are expected to provide an optimal environment for both teams and their fans. The complex will open its doors at 6:00 p.m. local time for kickoff, with tailgating festivities scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. The event is scheduled to run until 10:30 p.m., including a halftime show featuring local musicians and a community outreach segment highlighting the schools’ commitment to youth sports.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Beyond the immediate excitement, the championship carries implications for the future of Guam’s football programs. Both schools have been actively investing in facilities and coaching staff, with the UG’s Geckos recently announcing a new state‑of‑the‑art training center, while the CG Friars secured a sponsorship deal with a major local tech firm. These developments signal a commitment to elevating the standard of football on the island and potentially attracting more regional competition.

If the Geckos claim victory, they will add a fifth championship to their record, cementing their status as a dominant force in Guam’s high‑school football scene. Should the Friars win, they would secure a redemption win over their long‑time rivals and showcase the depth of talent developing at the College of Guam.

Links to Further Information

• For a comprehensive breakdown of the season’s statistics and team rosters, the GSPC’s official statistics portal provides a detailed dashboard (www.gspc.gu/stats).
• The University of Guam’s athletic department posted an in‑depth interview with Coach Darren Kim on their website, offering insights into the coaching philosophy and season highlights (www.ug.edu/sports/geckos/coachkim-interview).
• The College of Guam’s sports page includes a feature on quarterback Jayden Cruz’s journey from high school standout to GSPC star (www.cg.edu/sports/friars/players/cruz-journey).

Final Thoughts

As the kickoff approaches, anticipation is building across Guam. Fans, alumni, and local residents alike are eager to witness a game that epitomizes resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of competition. Whether the Geckos or the Friars will walk away with the championship title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this showdown will be remembered as a defining moment in Guam’s football history.