Recap
Newbury Park, CA — As usual, Brady Smigiel and Shane Rosenthal were at the forefront of the Panthers victory.
Smigiel tossed a 3-yard TD pass to Cody Wirz and ran for a 19-yard touchdown. Rosenthal notched two interceptions, including a 35-yard return for a pick-six.
The junior wide receiver/defensive back leads the county with eight interceptions.
Smigiel's scoring pass broke a treasured program record. His 88th TD pass in less than two seasons surpassed a record held by Keith Smith for 30 years.
Balen Betancourt and Jaxon Mckinney added rushing touchdowns.
Coach Joe Smigiel loved the team achievement.
"I'm so happy not because of the league championship but the fact we flipped the program," he said. "In two years, Panthers football is back with back-to-back playoff berths and a league championship. "That's 29 kids buying in, holding themselves accountable and playing for each other.
"When you're at the point when they're are no individuals and they play for each other, those are life's lessons. That's why I coach. I make 5 cents an hour and that's the best 5 cents I will ever coach."