Junior linebacker Matt Henderson, who was expected by many to be one of the top defensive players in the Mission Valley League this season, has left Rosemead and will play at Cathedral this fall.

Henderson got experience last season as a sophomore and was on his way to a big season, according to several MVL insiders. He is the second player the Panthers expected to have contribute to leave the program. Sophomore speedster Jesse Audelo also left for Cathedral. Audelo was a wide receiver/defensive back.

Aram’s take: Two big blows for the Panthers, who you’d like to think are going to be in the thick of a wide-open MVL this season. These two defections hurt.