Guam High football will face early-season tests

Tenth in a series of DODEA-Pacific high school football previews.

Rules are rules, Guam High’s football team was told at the end of last regular season.

The Panthers not only had to forfeit their season-opening game due to equipment issues, but the government shutdown in early October cost them another game.

By league rule, that disqualified the Panthers from the island playoffs, which George Washington won, ending Father Duenas Memorial’s nine-year title run.

But new coach Billy Henry said he and the Panthers plan to put last season’s heartache behind them. Move forward and try to duplicate the feats of Henry’s father, also named Billy, who coached Guam High to its lone league title 16 seasons ago.

“I’m hopeful,” said Henry, who last coached in DODEA at Matthew C. Perry in Japan. “I think we have a good team.”

As has been the case in many a past season, the Panthers get some tough fire-testing right away in their first two games, both at home, on Friday against the defending champion Geckos and Oct. 18 against the runner-up Friars.

“Of course we’re scheduled against those two,” Henry said, with a tinge of gallows humor. “That’ll be fun.”

With senior quarterback Tyler Krueger, senior fullback Ramon Quichocho and senior halfback Dietz Ballentine, Henry says he plans a diverse offense, but with an accent on the run-based attack that Matthew C. Perry is famed for. “Perry-inspired,” Henry said.

The Panthers also have some ability in the receiving corps, with newcomer Isaac Amaguin, a junior, plus senior Rai Johnson.

“Speed is really our ally,” Henry said. “Try to get the ball to our backs and open up things for the passing game.”

All of those players plus junior Michael Lane, a defensive end-tackle, will play both ways. “We’re not very deep,” Henry said.

Guam High hopes to keep the momentum going following its 20-14 season-ending victory over Far East Division I champion Humphreys last November.

“With discipline and focus, we could make a good run,” Henry said. “It depends on our dedication and how we focus on the field.”

Guam Panthers

2025 season record — 4-3 overall.

Head coach — Billy Henry, first season. His father, also named Billy, coached the Panthers to their lone IFL title 16 seasons ago.

Championships — 2010 IFL title.

Returning players — 9.

Returning starters — 6.

Key performers — Isaac Amaguin, junior, SE-CB; Rai Johnson, Sr., WR-S; Tyler Krueger, Sr., QB-LB; Michael Lane, Jr., DE-T; Ramon Quichocho, Sr., FB-CB; Dietz Ballentine, Sr., HB-LB.

Strengths — Upper-class leadership, bonding and dedication to the game. Speed and quickness. Some size in the line.

Drawbacks — Youth, inexperience. Not very deep.

Overview — Panthers could be packing some serious motivation after having to forfeit two games last season, once due to equipment issues, the other due to the government shutdown. It prevented them from reaching the island playoffs. Focus and dedication could keep the Panthers in contention. Much rests with their first two games, against defending island champion George Washington and former nine-time island champion Father Duenas Memorial, both at home.

Schedule

Friday, Sept. 11

George Washington at Guam High, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

Father Duenas at Guam High, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25

Guam High vs. Southern at George Washington High School, Mangilao, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 2

Guam High vs. Simon Sanchez at John F. Kennedy High School, Upper Tumon, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Guam High at Okkodo, 3 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16

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

Friday, Oct. 23

Tiyan at Guam High, 7 p.m.

IFL (Guam) semifinals

Friday, Oct. 30

No. 4 at No. 1, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31

No. 3 at No. 2, 7 p.m.

Third place

Friday, Nov. 6

Semifinal losers, 7 p.m.

Championship Bamboo Bowl

Saturday, Nov. 7

Semifinal winners, 7 p.m.