Last in a series of DODEA-Pacific football previews.

Much has changed about Guam High’s football team as it prepares for its season opener Saturday against Southern.

All but five starters have either graduated or transferred. There’s even a new man at the Panthers’ helm – Kevin Manns, who assisted longtime coach Jacob Dowdell who has retired and is living in South Carolina.

Manns says he isn’t trying to fill the shoes of his predecessor. Though the team’s system and philosophy remains the same as it was the 10 seasons Dowdell was coaching, Manns said.

“It’s still like he’s (Dowdell) running the team. I’m just the conduit,” Manns said. “I have the majority of the coaching staff back in place. With the experience that we have, there’s no change.”

Still, there will be quite a few new faces dotting the lineup, with Manns saying he plans to rely “heavily” on three key players, one of whom was named to the All-Island team last season.

Senior speedster Aaron Johnson, a triple threat under center, returns at quarterback where he’s equally adept at breaking off big runs as he is finding open receivers; he also runs track for the Panthers. “He has grown into the position,” Manns said.

Twin seniors Cameron and Justin Brantley also return. The former returns to the backfield and will start in place of DeShawn Baird, last season’s Offensive MVP, who has transferred to Georgia (taking his 1,118 yards and 15 touchdowns with him).

Cameron Brantley will also see time at various defensive positions, mainly at linebacker and defensive end. Justin Brantley will anchor the defense at linebacker.

“We also have a couple of new young backs. We’ll see how they do,” Manns said.

As has been customary, the Panthers’ main concern is lack of depth. “We always have the smallest numbers,” said Manns, whose team looks to field between 35 and 40 players, far less than island power Father Duenas Memorial.

“We play ironman football, and we try to condition the players as much as we can to prepare for that,” Manns said.

The Panthers came as close as they have in many years to finally taking down the Friars, were it not for Super Typhoon Mawar, which struck the island May 24 and forced cancellation of the league championship game.

Guam High has three league regular-season titles and one island championship to its credit. Father Duenas brings a 65-game winning streak and six straight league titles to the table this season.

“Last year, we had a juggernaut; unfortunately, we couldn’t display that in the final,” Manns said. “But we’re looking forward to getting a shot this season. We’re here to compete.”

Saturday’s opener vs. Southern kicks off at 7 p.m. at Panthers Field. The key game might be the Panthers’ season finale, when they host the Friars at 7 p.m. Oct. 27.

TEAM CAPSULE

2023 spring season record — 7-1.

Coach — Kevin Manns, first season (takes over for Jacob Dowdell, 60-38 in 10 seasons with three regular-season titles and one island title).

Returning players — 16.

Returning starters — 5.

Key performers — Aaron Johnson, Sr., QB; Cameron Brantley, Sr., RB-DE-LB; Justin Brantley, Sr., LB.

Strength — Speed and quickness at skills positions.

Drawback — Lack of depth.

Overview — Rebuilding in the hope of contending as the season progresses.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Sept. 30

Southern at Guam High, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Okkodo at Guam High, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14

Guam High at George Washington, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20

Guam High at John F. Kennedy, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27

Father Duenas Memorial at Guam High, 7 p.m.

Postseason (game sites to be determined)

Friday, Nov. 3

Quarterfinals

6 vs. 3, 7 p.m.

5 vs. 4, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 10

Semifinals

Game 1 winner vs. 2, 7 p.m.

Game 2 winner vs. 1, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 17

Third place

Semifinal losers, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Championship

Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.