The FZN soccer team recently completed the regular season portion of their schedule with a 3 – 1 victory over Parkway North. It was the 17th victory of the season for the squad which won only 2 games just two seasons ago. The team now stands just one win away from the school mark of 18 wins set during the 2015 season. The win over Parkway North was the team’s third in a row as the Panthers have won 5 of 6 heading into District play set to begin next week.
This season the Panther “Futbol” team has been led by the play of their strong senior class made up of: Tyler William, Adam Coleman, Cole Bixby, Thomas DeAvilla, Grant Rapplean, Owen Sears, Elijah Quiles and Luke Herbst. Bixby has emerged as the Panthers top goal scorer with 13 so far this season. DeAvilla leads the team in assists with 13 while scoring 11 goals. Grant Rapplean (9 goals, 7 assists), Owen Sears (9 goals, 7 assists) and Luke Herbst (2 goals, 9 assists) have also been major contributors to the Panthers well-balanced attack this season. Sophomore Davis Herbst has had an outstanding season as the team’s primary keeper, recording 11 shut-outs on the season. Elijah Quiles and Ethan Busse have provided the Panthers with strong defensive efforts throughout the season.
Next week the Panthers begin action in the MSHSAA Class 4 District 7 Tournament hosted by Francis Howell Central. The Panthers will play the host school in the semi-final round scheduled for Tuesday @ 7:00 pm. The Spartans narrowly defeated the Panthers (2 – 1) in the Zumwalt Classic back in August.