IBM Big Blue defense takes over in win over All Mitsubishi Lions

The IBM Big Blue (3-2) turned three interceptions and a blocked punt into a 24-10 win over the All Mitsubishi Lions (2-3) Saturday at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki, with AJ Wentland leading an IBM defense that repeatedly shut down the Lions whenever they threatened.

The teams finished almost dead even in total offense — IBM with 252 yards and All Mitsubishi with 251 — but the Big Blue made the plays that mattered.

Fukuda answers the surprise start

All Mitsubishi opened with an onside kick and recovered it, but the gamble quickly backfired. Jiro Fukuda intercepted DeMarcus Levon Irons Jr. two plays later, and IBM went straight to work.

Yuki Masamoto repeatedly connected with Reece Horn as the Big Blue moved 60 yards. Minje Akimoto finished the drive by powering in from three yards for a 7-0 lead.

The Lions answered behind Isaiah Khalil Malcome, who broke loose for 67 yards to the IBM three. The Big Blue defense stiffened there, forcing All Mitsubishi to settle for Yuta Onishi’s 22-yard field goal.

Horn breaks it open

Masamoto and Horn struck again early in the second quarter. Facing fourth-and-one, Masamoto went downfield instead of simply moving the chains, hitting Horn for a 43-yard touchdown and a 14-3 advantage.

Minutes later, IBM’s special teams broke through and blocked a punt, returning it for another touchdown to stretch the margin to 21-3.

Horn was the centerpiece of the Big Blue offense, hauling in eight passes for 187 yards and a touchdown. Masamoto completed 12 of 22 passes for 214 yards and a score.

Wentland leads the defensive charge

While the IBM offense built the lead, Wentland was at the center of a Big Blue defense that kept All Mitsubishi under pressure. The linebacker led everyone in the game with eight total tackles, including a sack and two tackles for loss, repeatedly helping shut down drives before the Lions could build momentum.

The secondary supplied the turnovers. All Mitsubishi came out of halftime moving the ball, but Yoshito Fujita ended the opening drive with an interception at the IBM eight. Yuto Fukuoka then drilled a 39-yard field goal to make it 24-3.

Fujita struck again on the Lions’ next possession, picking off Irons for his second interception of the afternoon and earning game MVP honors.

Big Blue finishes it

With Wentland leading the defense and Fujita taking away opportunities on the back end, IBM never allowed the Lions to mount a sustained comeback. Irons completed 21 of 40 passes for 172 yards and was intercepted three times. Malcome caught 10 passes for 83 yards and also led All Mitsubishi with 62 rushing yards on four carries.

All Mitsubishi finally reached the end zone in the closing minute when Irons ran it in from three yards, but the outcome had long since swung IBM’s way.

The Big Blue defense finished with three interceptions and three sacks, while the special-teams touchdown supplied another major swing as IBM secured its third victory of the X League Premier season.