Phl Aguilas face tall odds

MANILA, Philippines - Nothing is impossible for members of the Philippine team that left yesterday for Japan to seek a slot to the 2015 International Federation of American Football (IFAF) World Championship.

The team, known as Pilipinas Aguilas, is composed of 45 hard-working and hard-hitting players, men of different professions. In Japan, they will face great odds.

On Saturday in Tokyo, the Aguilas will face the Japanese, with the winner advancing to next year’s world championships. Only two teams from Asia will get there.

According to Dodi Palma II, president of the American Tackle Football Association of the Philippines (ATFAP) and a player himself, South Korea is already in after beating Kuwait in the other pairing.

Japan is the strongest team in Asia with a tackle football history spanning 80 years.

“It’s really a challenge but we accept the challenge. There’s no way for us to go but up. There’s always a chance if you give your best,” said Palma during Wednesday’s send-off party at Metrowalk.

So far, Palma said there are only four Asian teams recognized by the IFAF, and sooner or later he said more countries are coming in.

“Teams from Southeast Asia are growing in number, and Palma said ATFAP will soon put up an invitational tourney among teams from the region.

Tackle football has been in the Philippines for five years now and recently the ATFAP was recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee and the Philippine Sports Commission.

“But we’re not regular members yet so all the government can provide us for now are travel exemptions. We needed the recognition or we’re just an underground league,” said Palma.

Making up the team are 45 players, mostly from Manila and a few others from provinces like Iloilo and Butuan. There are 13 Fil-Americans in the squad. Head coach is Will Yeh.

Palma said for the players, outfitted by Puma, are spending for their own airfare.

The starters are Jon Vergara, JJ Cocjin, Nico Sy, Daryl Jamiro, Andy de Liano, Tim Espinosa, Johnny Babaran, Mark Marigomen, Wally dela Cruz, Emilio Lim, Paul Reyes and Mike Hoese (offense); and BJ Padua, Mike Garcia, JP Suarez, Yosh Sukarai, Rob Macabante, Jeremy Nadado, Mark Patiag, Wewe Alvero, Jay Laborte, Evan Baylon and JR Diangkinay (defense).