Football

PANTHERS PULL OFF MUDDY 20-8 WIN OVER GECKOS

Johnson gets by GW defense with two long TD runs

by
GSPN
October 15, 2023

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Guam High Panthers improved to 3-0 in the ISA Football League after holding off the GW Geckos 20-8 on a slippery GW Field on Saturday night.

Aaron Johnson exploded for 157 yards in the first half with two big touchdown plays to help the Panthers lead 20-8 by halftime.

Johnson’s first touchdown, a 64-yard run, gave the Panthers an early 8-0 lead after a successful two-point conversion.

The Geckos evened the contest in the second quarter behind a 26-yard touchdown from running back Kaden Apiag. Apiag broke three tackles at the line of scrimmage and managed to dodge a near tackle by the Guam High defensive backs for the score.

GW quarterback Colen Salas found tight end Corey Charfauros for a successful two-point conversion to tie the game at 8-8.

The Panthers wasted no time in answering with Johnson breaking free for an 82-yard touchdown on the first play after the kickoff. The Panthers led 14-8 after an unsuccessful two-point try.

The Geckos looked to answer, but a fumble by Apiag was recovered by Guam High’s Donte Parker to give possession back to the Panthers. Johnson broke free again for another big run but was tackled by GW defensive back Ricardo Leon Guerrero for a 22-yard gain.

Johnson’s run set up a first-and-goal situation with a little less than a minute remaining in the first half.

The drive ended with Parker shaking off two tackle attempts and diving into the end zone for a five yard touchdown to make it 20-8 after another unsuccessful two-point attempt.

“I’m thankful to all my teammates, my offensive line, God, and my cleats.”
– Panthers senior QB Aaron Johnson

Johnson said his screw-on cleats were crucial for him to make cuts on the two big plays.

“We started off the game well, but we need to work on finishing stronger,” said Johnson.

Johnson was limited in the second half but still finished with 158 rushing yards on 11 carries. Parker had the rushing touchdown, a fumble recovery, an interception and three tackles.

GW’s Apiag had 78 total yards on offense, rushing for 59 yards and catching three passes for 19 yards. Rayn Rios recorded 35 rushing yards on four carries. Rios and Ryder Cotelesse each recorded five tackles for the Geckos.

Guam High and the FD Friars are now tied with identical 3-0 records in the ISA standings. The two teams will meet on Friday, October 27th at Guam High.

The Geckos fall to 1-2 and will play Southern on Friday. The Gecko losses are against the Panthers and Friars, the two powerhouse teams. The pressure is on for the Geckos, and they will need to win all their remaining games to claim at least a third seed come playoff time.