Muir Overcomes Early Deficit to Defeat Arcadia

The Pasadena Muir High football team always seems to take the road less traveled.

The Mustangs, notorious for doing things in a non-conventional fashion, trailed Arcadia, 14-0, less than four into their Pacific League showdown at Arcadia on Friday.

But instead of throwing in the towel, Muir got motivated, scoring 27 unanswered points to win, 27-14.

The Mustangs, ranked 15th by The Times, are 5-2 overall and 2-0 in league play. Arcadia, ranked 14th, is 6-1 and 1-1.

“We didn’t get down on ourselves when we trailed early,” said Muir Coach Mike Harrison, whose team is undefeated in three games since he took over for Jack Allen. “We knew we could play with these guys. I told my players not to quit--and they didn’t.”

A blocked punt for a touchdown and a 29-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jason Wagner to Nick Rossomanno after a Muir fumble gave Arcadia the early lead.

Muir answered with a 39-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jeremy Bonwell to Danett Johnson and a one-yard touchdown run by Bonwell to tie the score, 14-14, before halftime.

The Mustangs took the lead for good at 21-14 when Bonwell, who completed seven of 15 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, hooked up with Jonathon Johnson on an 18-yard pass play with 11:12 to play.

“We kept our composure and played as a team,” said Bonwell, who scored a second touchdown on a one-yard run with 6:45 to play.