Rosemont Football Ready for Homecoming Game

The Rosemont Wolverines football team is preparing for Friday's homecoming game against Sacramento Charter High School and players and coaches say they are ready to get the big win.

Rosemont, the defending Metro League champion, lost its first three games of the season to Franklin of Stockton, at Pioneer of Woodland and Laguna Creek of Elk Grove. They have since gone on a three-game winning streak against , Valley and a forfeit win by McClatchy, which was punished for a players brawl with Kennedy.

"Since last week was a forfeit, we took it real easy to nurse injuries and get ready for this week," said Rosemont head coach Rick Wanlin.

Homecoming week offers its own potential for distractions, with . Rosemont team members say the game comes first.

"A dance doesn't feel as well without coming out with a win," said senior fullback/linebacker Kani Johnson.

Wanlin said he encourages players to show Rosemont pride but to stay focused.

"I told them to take part in (showing) school spirit but don't be late to practice and when they're here, it's all about football," he said.

Given their records, Rosemont would have to be called the favorite over Sacramento (2-4).

"The players are focused because it's Sac High," Wanlin said. "Last year, losing to them was a disappointment; Sac High always brings a good game to us."

Wolverines junior quaterback Tyler Masterson said Rosemont-Sacramento is an . His teammate Johnson said he agrees.

"It's a big game," Johnson said. "There's a lot of talking between players on Facebook."

The Rosemont players and coaches said they hope Friday's game gets them on a roll.

"A lot depends on this game for us," Wanlin said.

Rosemont High School faces Sacramento Charter High School Friday at Rosemont. The junior varsity game starts at 5 p.m., and the varsity teams play at 7:15 p.m.

Rosemont faces Burbank, another rival, on Oct. 21 followed by contests against Florin and Johnson.