PANTHERS ROLL OVER TITANS 46-0 ON OPENING NIGHT

By Jay Leon Guerrero

Opening night is finally here! One game featured the Guam High Panthers taking their home field and getting a statement 46-0 victory over the Tiyan Titans Friday night. The other game between the GW Geckos and Okkodo Bulldogs did not take place after the Bulldogs forfeited.

Rain drenched the field at the evenings’ lone game, but that did not stop the Panthers from picking up where they left off last season. Junior running back Noah Harris rushed three times in the second quarter, and all three runs were for touchdowns. Harris scored from 17, 29, and 36 yard scores to put Guam High up 34-0 at halftime.

Sophomore quarterback Rai Johnson had a highlight 91-yard touchdown just before halftime, stuffing two tackles before breaking away down the left sideline for the score.

The Panther defense also scored twice. A safety and fumble recovery for a touchdown after bad snaps by the Titans were committed deep in their own territory. Senior linebacker Isaiah Hayashi got credit for the touchdown and also had a sack in the first half.

The Titans committed 13 penalties for the contest, but at least they came out to play with an Ironman squad. Tiyan head coach Brian McGill continued to encourage his players to play hard and play their best.

Tiyan’s John Jesse Mantanona shined on the field with a team-high 72 yards rushing on offense and six tackles on defense. Mantanona was also responsible for forcing a fumble.

Tiyan quarterback Aven Amorin completed four passes, all to receiver Rhyler Cruz for 33 yards.

Johnson had 52 passing yards with five completions. Johnson had 134 rush yards and two touchdowns. Judah Alcantara had three receptions for 44 yards.

Panther Braden Flinn had a team-high six tackles, with one tackle for a loss and a fumble recovery.

“It just feels good to finally get back to playing football after a year off,” said Harris. “Our game plan for tonight was to keep the intensity up, no matter how tired we got.” Harris had 178 rushing yards on nine carries and four touchdowns.

“Our goal this season is to play hard and make it as far as we can,” said Johnson. “We are looking forward to passing the ball more and following our blocks on offense.”

Guam High has a very young team with only three seniors and three juniors on the roster.

The Panthers will play the Geckos next week in a showdown of two heavyweight teams based on last season. The Geckos won via forfeit against Okkodo and will finally take the field next week against Guam High. Tiyan will look for their first win next week against the JFK Islanders. Both games will be next week on Friday. 

SATURDAY NIGHT

JFK vs. FD @ GW

Southern vs. Sanchez @ JFK