BASEBALL MVP HELPS GW TO FOOTBALL WIN 26-6

By Jay Leon Guerrero

After dropping their season opener to the Guam High Panthers, the GW Geckos have won two games in a row after defeating the Southern Dolphins 26-6 in the ISA High School Football League.

The Geckos got two passing touchdowns from quarterback Jaydin Duenas. Duenas threw both scores to wide receiver Ricardo Leon Guerrero II in the second quarter to give the Geckos some momentum by halftime.

Leon Guerrero has three touchdown receptions for the season, and the baseball MVP from ND said he accepts the challenge of playing football.

“Coming from baseball to football, the conditioning and discipline is different,” said Leon Guerrero. “Although I go to ND, I’m happy to represent GW, a team that my family has played for and coached.”

Dolphins score

The Dolphins got their first touchdown of the season via quarterback sneak from Michael Jesus, a two-yard dive. The score was set up by a 45-yard pass from Jesus to receiver Jesse Torres. The score in the second quarter tied the game at 6-6 after a failed PAT.

The Geckos got a special teams touchdown before halftime with linebacker Rayce Rios blocking a punt for a 37-yard score.

“My coach (Ryan Rios) told me where to blitz, and my teammates also helped open it up for me,” said Rayce Rios. The block was in the second quarter to give the Geckos a 12-6 lead after both extra point attempts failed. Leon Guerrero’s second touchdown catch just before halftime had the Geckos leading 18-6 at the break.

The Dolphins had 17 pass plays for the contest with Jesus tallying 119 yards. Torres caught two completions for 69 yards, Ethan Guerrero also caught two passes for 35 yards.

The Geckos got an insurance touchdown in the third quarter off a reverse run from Jake Cruz for a 26-yard score. Running back, Sage Castro ran left and handed the reverse to Cruz, who dashed down the right sideline untouched for the touchdown. 

Cruz ran in the two point conversion to make the score 26-6, which eventually was the final score after a scoreless fourth quarter.

Freshman sensation Rayn Rios, younger brother of Rayce, led the Geckos in rushing with 50 total yards and had the game’s only sack, a key play to stop a Dolphin drive in the fourth quarter.

Donte Salas from Southern had a game high 55 rush yards on eight carries. Anthony Bonarrigo anchored the Dolphin defense with five tackles while Kekoa Baleto had four tackles and a fumble recovery.

The Geckos improve to 2-1 for the season and will play the Sanchez Sharks (0-2) next Friday at the Okkodo Field. The 0-3 Dolphins will take on the Tiyan Titans (1-1) next Saturday at the GW Field. 

With momentum on their side, the Geckos look to go on a run to make the top four playoffs in May. “Our coaches are working hard to help us improve with every practice. The grind is showing with everyone now running harder as a team,” said Rayce Rios.

Rayce Rios and defensive lineman Chawi Keresuma each had five tackles to lead the Gecko defense. 

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