Japan: Fuji Film Ebina Minerva AFC rolls past Oriental Bio Silver Star for second straight X League Premier win
Fuji Film Ebina Minerva AFC (2-1) continued its climb up the X League Premier standings this past weekend, cruising to a 28-7 victory over Oriental Bio Silver Star (0-3) behind a huge first-half performance from quarterback Chevin Cordeiro and wide receiver Jason Matthew Shash.
The duo connected for four touchdown passes before halftime as Fuji Film Ebina built a lead the visitors never seriously threatened.
Connection clicks early
The home team wasted little time taking control.
Cordeiro found Shash for a four-yard touchdown in the opening quarter to break the ice, and the pair kept the pressure on throughout the second period. Touchdown passes of 12, 11 and two yards gave Fuji Film Ebina a commanding four-score advantage before the teams headed to the locker room.
Cordeiro was outstanding, completing 19 of 24 passes for 287 yards and four touchdowns while posting a 79.2 percent completion rate. His favorite target was Shash, who turned 12 receptions into 170 yards and all four touchdowns.
Fujifilm Ebina RB Derek Akira Williams finds running room. Photo: ©X LEAGUE
Defense finishes the job
Oriental Bio showed more life after halftime but couldn’t erase the early deficit.
Casey Hawthorn finally put the visitors on the board with a five-yard touchdown run, adding to a solid all-around performance that included five receptions for 50 yards and 23 rushing yards.
The Fuji Film Ebina defense, however, kept the comeback from gaining any momentum. The home side limited Oriental Bio to 100 passing yards, forcing one interception while holding every quarterback in check.
On offense, Fuji Film Ebina also received contributions from Akie Koyama, who hauled in a 47-yard reception, while Adachi Silk Heart added two catches for 32 yards.
The running game wasn’t asked to carry the load, but Cordeiro chipped in 33 rushing yards, and Derek Akira Williams added 21 yards on the ground.
The victory gives Fuji Film Ebina consecutive wins and builds momentum heading into the next stage of the X League Premier schedule. For Oriental Bio, the search for a first victory continues after a third straight defeat to open the season.
