Lady Panthers Stunned with Road Loss to Pleasant Grove
August 29, 2024
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Panther Park at 5:30PM, but was moved to Pleasant Grove for a 5pm contest due to a conflict with ‘Back to School Night’. The one positive was that the Florin home crowd did not witness the beat down the Lady Eagles put on the Lady Panthers.
The Panthers lost 25-0
Pleasant Grove played at a different level. Their defense was stout, their ladies played disciplined football, their offense executed. Their quarterback was ELITE.
Team Caprtains |
Florin Coach Mike Harris admitted Pleasant Grove QB, “Kate Myers is phenomenal. She must have thrown that last ball of the second half 45-50 yards. They run legit RPO’s (run/ pass/ options) that put our DB’s (defensive backs) in jeopardy because of her accuracy and arm strength. AND, she is slippery, agile and can run and throw. Myers is the real deal.”
The Panthers didn’t give Elite Blue Chip much to write about. Except for a few Jayda Lewis runs and a couple of nice throws down the field to center Jazzy Landers, Florin couldn’t get much going on the day.
After a Panther goal line stand to open the game, the Eagles scored on their next drive to go up 6-0.
After a Panther interception, the Eagles went ‘Quick Change” catching Florin feeling sorry for themselves and immediately went for the jugular. PG scored two TD’s within a minute and the Panthers didn’t know what hit them.
The Panthers were able to get a first down, but penalties, lack of execution and effort forced Florin to punt yet again.
After the Eagles scored right before half, Florin looked like they were ready to go home.
Coach Harris urged his ladies to compete.
Jazzy Landers seemed to be the only one to get loose against the stingy Pleasant Grove defense. |
“It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says.” Coach Harris exclaimed. “Who controls your effort? Mindset and focus?” The players exclaimed, “We do.” Harris chimed back, “Then do it. Let’s go!”
In a moral victory, the defense only gave up one score in the 2nd half. PG kept their starters in the entire game. Paris Jones had 6 solo tackles and Katelyn Chan added 5.
One positive is that the Panthers learned what it looks like to play at an elite level. Learned in order to be great, they must do what great teams do.
Katelyn Chan had the best response of the day. The junior defensive back said, “When do we play them again? I like playing video games and I see them (PG) as the next level I am trying to get to. I enjoy playing teams like them. I like the challenge.”
Coach Marquez encouraging the team to not give up |
Coach Harris told Elite Blue Chip, “We scheduled this game for a reason. PG is highly ranked in the region. We wanted to see quality teams during the non-league pre-season to prepare us for the league.”
Coach Marquez encouraged the ladies during the post game speech to bounce back and learn from the defeat. “Remember ladies, it's about how we respond. Success is never a straight line. No struggle, no growth.”
The Panthers will inevitably rebound as their remaining schedule is favorable.
Coach Harris Post game wrapup |
Update on Estefania Ortiz’ ankle injury:
August 29, 2024
Ortiz had an MRI and received the results this weekend. Ortiz should be back at practice
Wednesday, with hopes of returning to the gridiron by September 19th Homecoming Game vs Johnson.
Senior Estefania Ortiz |
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