Armijo Ambushes Panthers in the Heat
September 24, 2024
The Armijo Royals new to the Greater Sacramento League traveled to Panther Park on a blistering HOT Tuesday evening. It was 101 degrees at Florin High School for a 5:30pm start at kickoff and the Panthers did not seem ready. Misques, mistakes and errors mixed in with an Armijo team that had an idea led to the Panthers losing a home league game 28-14.
Coach Harris told the Lady Panthers during pre game, “When it's too HOT for them?” The team chanted back, “It's just right for us!”
That was a lie.
The Royals seemed one step ahead of the Panthers. Offensively, Armijo put together a methodical scoring drive, one after another. Before the Panthers could shake their head from disbelief, they were down three scores.
The Panthers looked sluggish in the heat. Florin’s body language spoke volumes. They were deflated from the disappointment of missed opportunities.
Jayda Lewis was 13/28 for 119 yards and a TD
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One bright spot was the return of Estefania Ortiz, who had been rehabbing an ankle injury suffered in mid August. Stef carried the ball a couple of times for 30 yards, looking explosive running through the Armijo defense.
Coach Harris said, “We wanted to get her a little work, to see how the ankle responds. Stef has been to every practice, despite the injury. She is not only an outstanding scholar athlete, she is a classy lady that gets IT. We are so grateful to have her back in the lineup.”
After some scrumptious hydrating Otter Pops laced with electrolytes from the Florin trainer kicked in, the Panthers began to compete.
The Panthers began to execute in the second half. QB1 Jayda Lewis squeezed a ball to Zavanna Payne down the sidelines just before the safety got there for a 20 yard TD and Florin began to show some life. “Jayda is learning how to attack different defenses. She left it in the air too long. The corner bit on the flat route, she made a good decision, Zavanna attacked the ball at the highest point and competed for the ball. “
Kat Doonan led the team with 8 flag pulls
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Lewis was 13 for 28 for 119 yards and 1 touchdown on the evening, but missed too many receivers in the first half to sustain drives. Coach Harris told Elite Blue Chip, “Quarterback is the hardest position on the field to play. Jayda was a cheerleader last year. She has done a tremendous job winning or learning. I couldn’t be more proud of Jayda. She has come a long way.”
Erin Foster did her thing, rushing for 50 yards on 6 carries, scoring on a 15 yard fake reverse touchdown with four minutes left in the game, but at the end of the night, it was too little too late.
Defensively again Paris Jones and Kat Doonan led the Lady Panthers with flag pulls.
Paris Jones had 7 flag pulls and a pass defensed
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Janiya Brister added an interception. The Panthers lost another tough game against a team it was supposed to beat.
Coach Harris added, “It doesn’t matter if you win or learn. The next day you have to go back to the grind, determined to get better every day regardless.
When asked about the performance of Erin Foster, Coach Harris answered, “Erin is another class act, can’t tell if she is winning or losing, her mindset stays the same. The best players always get hers. That’s Erin.”
Erin Foster rushed for 50 yards and a TD
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The Panthers take on the Elk Grove Thundering Herd the following day on the road for a 4:30 start. As a result, the Lady Panthers will have little time to lick their wounds.
Lady Panther Football
We’re ALL in!
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