By Candy Taman

The Guam High Panthers won a high school football game for the first time in two years, disappointing the Tiyan Titans who were making their first ever appearance in the IIAAG Saturday night.

However, despite the big 32-0 win, they lost big-time player Juan King, Jr. to a broken tibia. After having a hot start running the ball, King came down breaking his right shinbone. He had already 73 yards on the ground on just three carries.

In their first ever high school football game in school history, the Tiyan Titans huddle up against the Guam High Panthers. (photo by Candy Taman)

Player of the Game Jujuan King

“Most likely we will know for sure on Monday,” Panthers head coach Jacob Dowdell said about the chances of losing his star runner for the season. “There’s just too much swelling right now.

“In just three touches, Juan King proved he’s the number one running back on island. Although his loss is tremendous, Jujuan King and Avery Fernandez took to heart our team slogan when it comes to things like this, ‘Next Man Up!'”

Older brother Jujuan King got the Panthers on the board with a 12-yard toss to 6-foot-4 sophomore Makoa Bamba. Bamba was on the receiving end of two two-point conversions on the night.

Xavier Richardson had a short touchdown run late in the second quarter for the 23-0 halftime lead.

Chase Spotanski and Jujuan King added touchdown runs later on as Guam High broke out of their losing streak, going 0-7 a season ago.

For the Titans, Leo Diaz showed signs of hope with some impressive returns and outstanding play on the defensive end. For history’s sake, quarterback Kobe Quimbao completed the first ever pass in school history to Mark Laanan.

Panthers receiver Makoa Bamba

The Panthers will host the Sanchez Sharks Friday night while the Titans will try and rebound against the Islanders at JFK Saturday night.