Panthers lose Heartbreaker to Cosumnes Oakes 12-7
August 28, 2025

The Panthers came in determined to get a win on the road against the 2-1 Wolfpack August 28th. Cosumnes Oaks last year finished 2nd in the mighty DI Delta League going 8-4. 

The Panthers started off as well as can be. 

After forcing a Wolfpack three and out, Paris Jones returned the punt 55 yards for a dazzling Florin Panther touchdown. Jones received the kick near the CO sideline and after making one Wolfpack miss, bounced to the outside, kicked it into a different gear and flew down the Florin Sideline.

The next play was just as dazzling. The Jet Sweep Option PItch from QB1 Jayda Lewis, to Slot Receiver Janiya Brister who pitched to Fullback Kristin Juniel was an amazing feat of ball handling. 

The Wolfpack were baffled and the Panthers had a 7-0 lead. 

Senior Leaders jayda Lewis and Zavanna Payne

The Panthers learned from their mistake two days ago, in which they did not start fast, but after the momentum subsided this contest settled into a physical tug of war. 

The Defense again was outstanding. Except for one play. A direct snap to #2 Cosumnes Oaks All League Running Back Abby Greene. 

After swarming the Wolfpack offense all evening, Greene pulled off the Houdini act. Despite being strung out by the sideline, Greene managed to Jump Swivel her hips, cutting back past numerous Panther Flag Pullers to the endzone. The Florin defense was stunned. 

After a Jazz Landers interception of QB Avery Nogosek on the point after,  Florin led 7-6. 

The Panther defense continued to be suffocating.

Jazz Landers played outstanding leading the team with 9 flag pulls and the aforementioned interception in the end zone. The two freshmen, Rhian Fitzgerald and Kristin Juniel both had 5 tackles a piece, two of them sacks by Juniel. Jazira Arteaga Khandilyan had three flag pulls, Naomi Brister had one. Paris Jones and Janiya Brister were solid on the back end with two flag pulls a piece. 

Safety Janiya Brister: Team Leader in Interceptions

The Panthers had answers for the CO Trips Pass and Option Run packages. 

While the Florin defense was ‘Doing Their Job’, the Panther offense threw 4 interceptions, continuing to give the Wolfpack superior field position. 

Late in the 3rd quarter, the Wolfpack started to drive deep into Panther territory, but Janiya Brister intercepted a ball giving the Panthers the ball in their own territory. 

Again unable to move the ball, Florin was forced to punt. 

In a shake your head moment, the punt went up in the air, hit the ground and went backwards. 

The Wolfpack had a 1st and goal at the 4 yard line gifted to them. 

The Panther defense played tough, but on a 4th and 2, CO Coach George Smith, went back to his ace in the hole, Abby Greene and the direct snap. 

“We knew it was coming. We missed a flag and she darted in”, Carter Harris said. 

The 2019 Sac Jouquin Section Football Player of the Year has been coaching in the absence of Coach Marquez who stepped down to health issues. 

“Carter has been a blessing. We had him for 4 weeks, then the district took 4 weeks to clear him. We’re all going to miss him when he has to leave. He has been great with the girls and obviously knows what we are trying to accomplish here”, the elder Harris voiced. 

The younger Harris will be relocating to La Jolla California to work at one of the top accounting firms in the world at Ernst & Young at the end of September. 

Paris Jones has the burst to go to the end zone on every play

Back to the game…

With 4 minutes left, the Panthers began to figure it out. 

“We noticed a hole in their defense. It took a minute for the girls to adapt”, Carter Harris said. 

Florin’s best drive QB Jayda Lewis mixed in short passes to slot receivers Janiya Brister and Paris Jones. Lewis then began to run the speed option with Kristin Juniel. One play, Juniel bounced to the outside for 35 yards. The Panthers managed to get down to the Wolfpack 5 yard line, but could not punch it in on 4th and goal on a fumbled handoff. 

“We had our chances. We started off so well. We need to learn how to win a ballgame.. We will get a win when we earn a win. We are not there yet”, Coach Mike Harris said.

In another game in which the Panthers knew they should have fared better, the bus ride home was a bummer. 

The Panthers lost 12-7 to a very solid football team. 

Football and Life is a game of inches

“We are playing the best teams in the area to prepare to compete for a Greater Sacramento League Championship. We are teaching the ladies about staying in the process of becoming the best versions of themselves on and off the field”, Coach Mike Harris said. “Learning to persevere and not make the same mistake twice are life long lessons. We either win or learn.” 

The Panthers will see the Cosumnes Oaks Wolfpack again next week at home again on a Thursday, but before the opportunity for redemption, Florin will take on the River City Raiders on the road Tuesday after the Labor Day Weekend.