Justin Brantley and the Guam High defense forced four turnovers in Saturday’s 29-7 season-opening win over George Washington. (Jim Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

MANGILAO, Guam – If defense is the formula for victory on the football field, Guam High’s season opener on Saturday was a textbook example.

Terrell Rosario returned a fumble 30 yards for a touchdown, one of four takeaways for the Panthers, and quarterback Aaron Johnson ran 60 yards for a score as Guam High downed George Washington 29-7.

“This was a neat experience,” said Jacob Dowdell, who coached the team from the air while flying to Guam en route back from spring break, communicating with his assistant coaches via the team’s Facebook page.

It was the Panthers’ biggest margin of victory over the Geckos in Guam High’s 25-year history.

Dowdell’s chief worry entering the opener was how well the offensive line would perform, with four of last year’s starters having graduated. Both the line and the defense answered many questions, he said.

“I’m so proud of the players and coaches for taking care of business,” Dowdell said. “I’m so proud of the defense. One of the best we’ve had at Guam High in years.”

Rosario, a senior linebacker, led the way defensively for Guam High with 14 tackles, the fumble return and three tackles for losses. “He is a stud linebacker,” Dowdell said.

Ben Harris and Elijah Mitchell had two interceptions and Warner White the other fumble recovery for the Panthers. DeShawn Baird ran 18 times for 165 yards and a touchdown and Cameron Brantley added another rushing touchdown for the Panthers.

Guam High next plays Simon Sanchez at home on April 10.

Guam High's Cameron Brantley rushed for one of three touchdowns in the Panthers' 29-7 season-opening win Saturday at George Washington. (Jim Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

Panthers rout defending softball champs

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam – Sophomore right-hander Brinnlyn Hardt got her second win in two starts, striking out nine batters, and catcher Becca Rapier belted a three-run home run to lift Guam High past Academy of Our Lady of Guam 17-2 in a rematch of the island’s softball final a year ago.

“Brinn and Becca are great additions” to the team, coach Amanda Mansel said. “But overall, our team is solid this season.”

The Panthers spotted the Cougars two first-inning runs, then answered with 15 runs. In addition to Rapier’s home run, Hardt, Madalyn Mansel - the coach’s daughter - and Morgen Piehl each had two-run singles in the rally.

“We also had smart baserunning and tough defense,” Mansel said. “Awesome start to the season for the Panthers.”

In their first two games, Hardt has struck out 16 batters and the Panthers have outscored their foes 44-2.