Sports
FZN to host "The Battle of O'Fallon"!
The Panthers defeat Ladue in the opening week of high school football.
The Fort Zumwalt North football team opened the season with an impressive 42 - 21 victory over Ladue. Ladue entered the game as the second ranked team in Missouri's Class 4 poll and handed the Panthers their only regular season loss a year ago. The Panthers, currently ranked second in Missouri's Class 5 poll, opened the season with a number of questions following the graduation of Cade Brister, who was "Mr. Everything" for the Panthers a year ago. Jack Ederer, who had the task of replacing Brister, made an impressive debut at quarterback for the Panthers. Ederer completed 11 of 15 passes for 199 yards and ran for an additional 76 yards on 19 carries. Other outstanding performers on the offensive side of the ball include: Jaylin Vaughn (4 touchdowns) and Cario Payne (118 yards rushing). Marion Lowery and Jacob Triplett also added scores for the Panthers. Defensively the Panthers were led by Kyle Mallet (5 tackles) and Jaylin Vaughn (4 tackles, one sack). Marion Lowery and Bryce Rowles contributed to the Panther defensive effort as each recovered fumbles that led to Panthers touchdowns. Owen Sears, making his debut as the team's kicker, was a perfect 6 for 6 in extra point attempts.
This Friday night the Panthers will play host to district rival Fort Zumwalt West. The two public schools high schools in the City of O'Fallon, have met on the gridiron in each of the past three seasons. Prior to that the schools had only met twice (2000, 2001). Unofficially the game has been dubbed "The Battle of O'Fallon", as city bragging rights will be determined.
The game is scheduled to start at 7:00 pm this Friday night (8/25).