DeShawn Baird shredded the George Washington defense for 315 yards and 3 touchdowns on 15 carries for the Panthers. (Donna Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam – DeShawn Baird and Guam High’s secondary lifted the Panthers to their second straight trip to the Interscholastic Football League final.

Baird, a junior, rushed 15 times for 315 yards and three touchdowns, while Joey Delia, Ben Harris and Elijay Ferrell-Ayers combined for six interceptions as Guam High blanked George Washington 28-0 in Friday’s IFL semifinal at Panthers Field.

“Those guys on defense helped us secure the shutout,” said assistant coach Kevin Manns.

For his part, Baird broke off four huge runs, of 30, 35, 50 and 80 yards. “Baird was a workhorse tonight,” Manns said. “He was really the MVP this evening.”

Guam High’s other touchdown came on a 2-yard run by quarterback Aaron Johnson. He totaled 75 yards on six carries.

Manns served as Guam High’s coach; head coach Jacob Dowdell has been hospitalized with an undisclosed medical ailment.

“We got the boys prepared and they went and played good ball today,” Manns said.

Guam High's Ben Harris intercepts a pass in front of George Washington's Marcello Blas. (Donna Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

George Washington receiver Jake Cruz is wrapped up by Guam High's DeShawn Baird as Panther teammates Elijay Ferrell-Ayers and Braden Flinn move in to help. (Donna Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

Guam High's Aaron Johnson rushed six times for 75 yards and a touchdown against George Washington. (Donna Rhodes/Special to Stripes)

The Panthers (7-1 overall) will play Father Duenas Memorial (8-0) next Saturday in a rematch of the 2021 season final, which the Friars won 26-8. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. May 27 at George Washington High School.

Father Duenas won Friday’s other semifinal 36-0 over John F. Kennedy; it was the six-time defending island champion Friars’ Pacific-record 65th straight victory. They have not allowed a single point this season.

George Washington (5-3) will play JFK (4-4) in the third-place game next Friday.