Panthers regain “City” championship!

The FZN football team regained city “bragging rights” with a thrilling 26-25 win over their crosstown rival Zumwalt West last Friday night. Last season, the Panthers fell to the Jaguars 10 – 7. The game which has been dubbed, “The Battle of O’Fallon,” as it features the city of O’Fallon’s two public high schools, was closely contested throughout with West holding the lead late in the fourth quarter. A pivotal interception by Drew Riley moved the Panther into position to take the lead with around four minutes left in the game. After a go ahead, touchdown run by quarterback Lucas Newcomb, the Panthers sealed the victory with another interception, this time by Chaun Robinson, with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. With the victory the Panther football team moves to 3 - 0 on the season as they head into the GAC Central conference schedule.

Against West, it was the Panther defense led the way, with notable performances on that side of the ball by Drew Riley with 10 tackles and an interception, Jacob Sweeten with 10 tackles, Chaun Robinson with 9 tackles and a game sealing interception, Logan Bauer with 7 tackles and Aneas Smith with 7 tackles and a fumble recovery.

On the offensive side of the ball, Drew Riley had 82 yards rushing, Lucas Newcomb had 68 yards and 2 touchdowns, and Jayden Noel had 94 yards rushing, two touchdowns.

This Friday, the Panthers travel to Washington as they open the conference portion of the season. take to the road this coming Friday as they start the Conference portion of their season. Last season the Blue Jays defeated the Panthers for the fist time in 12 seasons with a 28 – 24 victory. Kickoff at Washington is scheduled for 7:00 pm.