Robbie Franco scores twice to help lead the Panthers over Arroyo.
By Duane Barker
(El Monte) The Rosemead Panthers traveled east on Lower Azusa Avenue to do battle with Mission Valley League rival Arroyo Friday night. A slow start turned into a big finish as the Panthers edged the Arroyo Knights 28-27, the final score coming with just :11 remaining in the contest.
In their last possesion, Rosemead went on 14 play drive starting on their own 20-yard line and culminated with a one yard touchdown pass from Steven Nava to Luis Luna. Panther HC Marc Paramo had a decision to make. Kick the extra point and head to overtime or go for two and the win. He went for two and Robbie Franco did the honors turning the corner on the left side of the Knight defense and into the endzone.
“It’s a testament to the kids. All week long, all year long we’ve had a problem with mental toughness. They fought and fought and even if we would have lost the game, I was so proud of the fact that they never gave up” comment coach Paramo after the game.
Rosemead needed all of that mental toughness when a Nava interception set up the go ahead score for the Knights. The interception came on the heels of a Victor Maldonado intercpetion of Chaz Miller at the Panther 10. Arroyo’s Andrew Guardado returned the favor setting up the Knights at the Rosemead 35. Six plays later Miller found David Cortero in the endzone for the go ahead score.
*** Franco carried the ball 14 times for 75-yards and two scores.
*** Miller lead the Knights on the ground with 103-yards on ten carries.
*** The teams were tied going into the locker rooms at halftime 6-6.
*** Nava connected on 18 of 31 passes for Rosemead for 162-yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
*** For Arroyo, Miller hit on 24 of 40 passes for 265-yards, two touchdowns and two picks.
*** Leading the Panthers in receiving was Jordan Parham catching nine balls for 74-yards.
*** David Cortero lead the Knights and all receivers on the evening grabbing eight for 129-yards and a score.
*** Rosemead converted on two two-point conversion the first to Michael Sahagun and the second on the run by Franco.
*** Arroyo will travel south next week to take on the El Monte Lions.
*** The Panthers will take next week off and prepare to host the Gabrielino Eagles on October 17.
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