Lady Panthers Lose a Heartbreaker at Cosumnes Oaks
September 3, 2024

The Lady Panthers traveled to Cosumnes Oaks High School to run it back for a 7pm night game.  Last Tuesday, in the opener, Florin scored on big plays in their way to an 18-6 victory.  Tonight however, the Wolfpack were determined to not give up the big play and CO did just that. The Lady Wolfpack, playing in soft coverages, eliminated explosive plays, forcing the Panthers to sustain long drives to score and Florin could not do it losing 8-6 to the Cosumnes Oaks. 

“Coach Smith (Wolfpack Head Coach) made some adjustments, personnel changes. We couldn’t get out of our own way in the first quarter. They played a super soft Cover 4 defense, giving up the flats, but we couldn’t capitalize. When you make that many mental mistakes, the football gods refuse to give you a win.” Coach Harris said.

AJ Hawthorne starting at QB1 for the Wolfpack kept in on the ground only throwing a handful of passes. 

The Florin defense played well enough to win, shutting down the Wolfpack offense for most of the evening, but the Panthers had one breakdown and it cost them the game. 

Late in the 1st half, CO halfback Pearl Vang grabbed a toss from Hawthorne and scooted down the Florin sideline. Four Panthers missed Vang, ALL officials missed the call. Vang ran out of bounds, and the Lady Wolfpack were on the scoreboard. 

Harris told Elite Blue Chip, “#21 ran out of bounds. Pochop (eyephotou.com) has a picture of it. Our girls were confused why the whistle was not blown, but life ain't fair and bad calls are a part of the game. We should have pulled the flag. We can’t let the officials affect the outcome of the game. Champions do not blame the officials. Champions control what they can control.”

With the Lady Panthers down 6-0, Florin went on a long drive that culminated in a Jayda Lewis 2 yard touchdown pass to Aneesa Perkins. Zavanna Payne and Janiya Brister had big catches on the scoring drive. 

Sophomore Janiya Brister had 5 catches for 43 yards

In the turning point of the game, Lewis threw to the flat to an open Payne for the go ahead conversion, but left the ball inside. Hawthorne, playing linebacker on defense, jumped the drag and picked off the 1 point attempt running it all the way to the opposite end zone.  

In girls flag football if the conversion is returned for a touchdown, the defending team is awarded two points. This is how Cosumnes Oaks beat the Panthers. 

Hawthorne grabbed the ball and outran Lewis to the endzone and the Wolfpack had an 8-6 lead. 

The Panthers valiantly drove the ball down to the CO 20 yard line, but on a rollout pass, Lewis' arm was hit while throwing, resulting in an interception ending all hopes of a comeback victory. 

Jayda Lewis was 16/25 for 133yds and 1 TD. Led Team in rushing with 33 yards on 5 caries

The Panthers were expected to play the Elk Grove Thundering Herd on Thursday, but Elk Grove had problems arranging officials and the game has been rescheduled. 

Check out the revised schedule as there are a few changes such as a Home/ Home series with Sheldon to end the 2024 campaign, a Home/ Home series with Elk Grove September 23 and 25th and a 7:15pm night game vs Foothill after the boys JV football game will also be played there. 

The Panthers will take on the Valley Vikings in the first of many battles for the Highway 99 Sign. 

Zavanna Payne had 4 catched for 42 yards

Florin plays on the road Tuesday on the Valley campus at 5:30 PM in their first league game and stepping stone to a Greater Sacramento League title. 

Lady Panther Football

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