PANTHERS TAKE BIG MATCHUP OVER GW

GSPN

Apr 2

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Guam High Panthers got a huge 29-7 win against the GW Geckos in a rematch of last season's semifinals. The Panthers seized momentum early and never looked back to get a huge win in the ISA High School Football League Saturday night at the GW Field.

DeShawn Baird rushed for 162 total yards and a touchdown to help the Panthers win a key victory over one of the league's powerhouse teams.

"It feels good to be back on the football field again. This year, we played rugby and track, and all we were thinking about was getting back on the football field."

- Guam High's Deshawn Baird

Jackson Ellis with a take down for the Panthers. (photo by Cam Santos)

The Panther offense was aggressive against a hard-hitting Gecko defense. The Panthers used their speed and mixed up rushing and passing plays to earn the victory.

Panthers quarterback Aaron Johnson, also ISA's All-Island sprinting champion, used his speed for a 62-yard score to put the Panthers ahead in the first half.

"This is the first game of the season, and it sets the tone for the rest of the season," said Johnson. "First games give the first impression, and we executed tonight."

The Panthers capitalized on an interception from Benjamin Harris to set up a 35-yard touchdown run by Cameron Brantley to start the game off with an early score. The extra point from Cameron Wharton made the score 7-0.

The Geckos started to move the chains on the ensuing possession with first downs from running backs Isaiah Hayes and Rayn Rios. The Geckos entered Panther territory but tackles for losses by Terrell Rosario forced the Geckos to punt.

Both defenses made plays as the score was still 7-0 in the second quarter with four minutes remaining.

Johnson called his own number and dashed down the right sideline for a 62-yard score to push the lead up to 14-0 by halftime after Wharton kicked the extra point.

GW started the second half, moving the chains once again with Jake Cruz finding success two big runs of 16 and 8 yards. The Panthers made a play on their own 30-yard line with a strip fumble. Rosario quickly picked up the fumbled ball and ran into the endzone to put the Panthers up 22-0 after a successful two-point conversion from Johnson to Joey Delia.

"We came out with intensity and stayed aggressive throughout the game," said Rosario. Rosario had a game-high 10 tackles with two tackles for losses.

The Panthers continued to run the ball to keep the clock running in the fourth quarter. Baird's number was called several times in the final period, and he made a big 66-yard touchdown run to keep the game out of reach.

"My line really stepped up today. What I saw from them today was impressive," said Baird.

GW got a late touchdown in the final period to avoid the shutout. GW quarterback Jaydin Duenas found Ricardo Leon Guerrero II in the end zone to put their only points on the board.

GW will look for their first win of the season on April 10th (Monday) at home versus the Tiyan Titans. The Panthers will have their home opener also on April 10th against the Simon Sanchez Sharks.