AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam – Be it on offense, defense or special teams, everything seemed to be clicking for Guam High on Monday.
Elijah Mitchell had two 75-yard touchdown returns on special teams, DeShawn Baird rushed for three touchdowns and had two tackles for losses and Terrell Rosario had 15 tackles and two fumble recoveries as the Panthers walloped Simon Sanchez 64-8.
The game was called after three quarters due to the point margin – the largest for the Panthers in their 25-year history against the Sharks.
Panthers coach Jacob Dowdell credited a Saturday evening practice for the team’s performance.
“We had a great practice under the lights and it was an eye opener for the kids, really helped them understand where they were supposed to be,” Dowdell said of the Panthers, now 2-0. “That was a difference maker for us, definitely.”
With starting quarterback Aaron Johnson nursing an injury. Dowdell started freshman Dante Parker under center. He responded by going 6-for-10 for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Playing at slot receiver, Johnson had one catch for 28 yards.
“He’s a left-hander with a big build,” Dowdell said of the 6-foot, 185-pound Parker. “He can throw it about 55 yards flat-footed and he can run.”
Special teams accounted for three touchdowns. Besides Mitchell’s scores, Ben Harris blocked a punt in the end zone for a TD.
Baird ran just seven times but for 150 yards and his three TDs. Rosario forced three fumbles, recovering two of them; Owen Hofsnyder recovered the other.
The Panthers are in action again on Saturday when they host Tiyan; kickoff is at 7 p.m.