Johnson Spoils Florin Homecoming September 19, 2024
Johnson traveled to Panther Park with one goal, spoiling the Lady Panthers Homecoming. The Warriors did just that, defeating Florin 13-7 in front of a packed house of students, parents and alumni in the only Homecoming Game ever played at Florin High School. Panther Park was littered with fans, many pulling up in lawn chairs and blankets, most leaning on partitions.
The vibe was festive. The FHS band, Cheerleaders, Masterpiece Dance Company all performed. The FHS Choir sang the National Anthem masterfully.
“It was a great night. I am grateful for all the alumni, teachers, students and parents who attended the game. I just wish we could have done our part and found a way to get a win”, Coach Harris told Elite Blue Chip.
Homecoming introductions of the Florin Lady Panthers
Johnson came in with a perfect 3-0 record, undersized and lacking speed; however, executed their simple scheme to perfection in the first half. The Warriors threw to the flat early and often.
Johnson found a way to get small chunks of yards fairly consistently as their QB was 21 for 27 for 177 yards.
“They ran two plays 15 times. We didn’t do a good job of getting them off the field”, Coach Harris said.
Florin had their opportunities. Early in the game, the Panthers reached the Warrior two yard line, but were left feeling stranded.
On 4th down, Jayda Lewis hit Zavanna Payne on the Hook and Ladder and Lamia Perkins raced down the sidelines. With one Lady Warrior to beat, Perkins came up just short of the goaline.
The Warriors then went 78 yards for a touchdown scoring from the 7 yard line due to a Florin broken coverage.
“They ran a 1 X 3 formation, the wrong linebacker rushed, we left their girl uncovered, their QB found her, next question”, when asked about the Warriors first TD.
Lamia Perkins racing down the sidelines after getting the pitch on the Hook and Ladder
When asked about the second touchdown, Coach Harris explained “They (Johnson) called a timeout and stole our play”, Harris said, “They ran our shovel pass to undermine the no run rule within the 5 yard line like we do. Their back scooted in.”
Coach Harris would not accept poor officials as an excuse either.
“They are always bad, but they are a part of the game. We must have been penalized at least 7 plus times. What were the numbers there? We have to be better”, exclaimed Harris when given the stats of penalties.
Florin was penalized 8 times to Johnson’s 1.
“Give them credit. They (Johnson) pull flags and don’t make a whole lot of mistakes. Again, too many self-inflicted wounds on our end for us to earn a victory”, Harris exclaimed in his post game press conference with Elite Blue Chip.
Kat Doonan with her Michael Jackson impersonation after a flag pull.
Florin never gave up and played hard. With 4 minutes left in the game, the Lady Panthers went on a drive and finally put it all together.
Lewis hit Jazzy Landers in the flat, then Janiya Brister, and eventually Erin Foster who scored both the touchdown and extra point conversion.
The score was 13-7.
The Panthers had to stop the Warriors if they had any hopes of a heroic comeback victory in front of the Homecoming crowd. It didn’t happen.
Johnson put together a time consuming drive stalling out inside the Florin 20 yard line with time running out on the clock.
The Panthers lost 13-7 in another close game.
“Yesterday’s game (ending after three overtimes) took a lot out of our girls. We’ll rest up over the weekend and be ready to get a win vs Elk Grove Monday”, Coach Marquez said.
Defensively, Paris Jones and Kat Doonan continue to lead the team in flag pulls. Jones had 9 while Doonan had 6.
Erin Foster scored in the 4th quarter to make the Homecoming game close.
The Panthers play four games next week, taking on Elk Grove Monday at Panther Park and again on Wednesday at Thunder Stadium. Most importantly, Florin heads into league play at 2-2 and cannot lose to Armijo Tuesday or Foothill Thursday, if they still want to challenge Fairfield for a Greater Sacramento League Title.
