Panthers defeat Pattonville in the season opener!

The Fort Zumwalt North varsity football team kicked off their season with an impressive 34-26 victory over the Pattonville Pirates in a hard-fought contest. The win showcased a dynamic offense and a resilient defense, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

High-Powered Offense Leads the Charge

The Panther offense was firing on all cylinders, largely thanks to the stellar debut of quarterback Phillip Arpasi. In his first varsity start, Arpasi proved to be a formidable dual-threat, leading all rushers with 170 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He was equally effective through the air, completing 15 of 21 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown.
Also making a memorable first start was running back Malik Smith, who powered his way to 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns. On the receiving end, Cason Vollmer was the top target, accumulating 65 yards through the air.

Defense Stands Tall

On the other side of the ball, the Panther defense made several key plays to secure the win. Linebacker Nathan Howard led the defensive effort, recording a team-high 6 solo tackles. He was supported by a strong cast including Logan Bauer, Alex Braun, and Jude Miller, who each contributed 4 solo tackles. A highlight of the defensive performance came from Trey Barnes, who snagged the team's first interception of the season.

Up Next: A Rivalry Renewed

The Panthers will look to carry this momentum into their next game as they travel to take on the Francis Howell Vikings this Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. This matchup marks another chapter in a spirited rivalry that has been evenly matched since the series was renewed in 2018, with both the Panthers and Vikings having won four games apiece in that span.