Tokyo Gas Creators earn first win of X League Premier season behind Taniguchi’s two touchdown passes

The Tokyo Gas Creators (1-2) earned their first victory of the X League Premier season with a 20-10 win over the All Mitsubishi Lions (1-2) at Fujitsu Stadium Kawasaki, using a strong defensive effort and two touchdown passes from quarterback Yuji Taniguchi to pull away in the second half.

Defenses dominate early

The game opened as a defensive battle with neither offense able to sustain drives. Each team managed only a field goal before halftime, sending the teams to the locker room tied 3-3.

The Tokyo Gas defense consistently pressured All Mitsubishi quarterback Demarcus Levon Irons Jr., who finished 17-of-30 passing for 164 yards, one touchdown and one interception while also leading his team on the ground with 62 rushing yards on 16 carries.

For the Creators, Taniguchi completed 11 of 21 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns despite being sacked once, while the running game was led by Yuto Moribun, who picked up 46 yards on six carries.

Turnover changes everything

The turning point came in the third quarter when defensive back Shoma Yamamura intercepted Irons to give Tokyo Gas excellent field position.

Taniguchi immediately capitalized, first connecting with CJ Okpalobi on a 36-yard gain before finding Justin Hobbs for a 22-yard touchdown. Hobbs, who made an immediate impact in his Tokyo Gas debut, finished with four catches for 39 yards and a touchdown to earn Game MVP honors.

Later in the fourth quarter, Kanta Takahashi extended the lead with a field goal before Taniguchi delivered the knockout blow, hitting Yuji Hayashi for a 48-yard touchdown. Hayashi finished with one reception, but it covered 48 yards and produced the game’s biggest offensive play. Okpalobi added three catches for 43 yards, while Ei Takizawa contributed a 29-yard reception.

Creators finish strong

The All Mitsubishi Lions mounted one final push late in the fourth quarter when Irons connected with Isaiah Khalil Malcome for a touchdown. Malcome caught four passes for 47 yards and the score while adding 31 rushing yards.

It wasn’t enough, however, as the Tokyo Gas Creators closed out a well-earned 20-10 victory to snap their two-game skid, while the All Mitsubishi Lions fell back to 1-2 after missing the opportunity to win consecutive games.

Source: X League Premier