The FZN football team advanced to the finals of the MSHSAA Class 5 District 3 tournament with a resounding 37 - 2 victory over Wentzville: Liberty. It was the second time the Panthers defeated conference foe Liberty this season. The Panthers will now play host to McCluer North this Friday (11/9) in the district championship round.
The Panther defense played exceptionally well against the Eagles as the Liberty offense failed to score in the contest. "Big" Jaylin Vaughn, recently named the GAC Central Defensive "Player of the Year", continued his fine season as he recorded 13 tackles on the evening. Other defensive standouts include: Cario Payne, who returned an interception 68 yards for a Panther touchdown, Max Martin (10 tackles), Gavin Stricker (7 tackles), and DJ Rue (6 tackles). Panther coach Joe Bacon was also pleased with the defensive play of Izaiah Hartrup who made a pair of notable "big" hits.
On the offensive side of the ball, it was Jaylin Vaughn, who is seeing increased offensive minutes as the season progresses, that led the way! Vaughn rushed for a game high 123 yards while scoring a pair of touchdowns. Izayah Hudnut, who split time with Vaughn at fullback, also scored for the Panthers. Coach Bacon was particularly pleased with the play of his offensive line, which continually opened big holes for Panther runners throughout the evening. The Panther offensive line is composed of: Nate Rapplean, Joey Martin, Ryan Medley, Gavin LaBell, Gavin Stricker, and Adam Lewis.
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Rounding out the Panther effort was the play of their special teams. The dynamic Cario Payne returned an Eagle punt for a touchdown and kicker Owen Sears was a perfect 4/4 in extra points. Sears also kicked a 32 yard field goal for the Panthers.
As noted, the Panthers will now host McCluer North this Friday night. It is the first ever meeting between the two schools. Longtime Panther assistant coach Marty Robinson is a graduate of McCluer North and a member of the 1988 Star squad that finished second in state. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm at Robert Fisher Stadium.