The Fort Zumwalt North football team completed a sweep over the other Zumwalt district school's last Friday night with a 30 - 12 victory over Fort Zumwalt East. East was the last Zumwalt school to defeat the Panthers in a game that occurred during the 2013 season. With the victory, the Panthers now stand at 7 - 0 (4 - 0 conference) on the season and have earned at least a share of the GAC Central title. The Panthers can win the title outright with a victory over Timberland.
Against East, it was the Panther defense that led the way holding the potent Lion offense to just 164 total yards and allowing only one offensive touchdown. Leading tacklers for the Panthers were: Max Martin, Jaylin Vaughn, Gavin Sticker, and Shaun Hall. Cairo Payne pulled off the play of the game when he returned a interception for a score at the end of the first half. Payne's touchdown proved to be the winning score of the night.
On offense, the Panthers were led by quarterback Joel Hilliard who went 14/19 with 162 passing yards. Hilliard has now topped the 1000 yard passing mark for the season. Hilliard spread the ball out to several Panther receivers including: Cairo Payne (4 catches for 69 yards and a touchdown), Jacob Noernberg (5 catches for 46 yards), and Tim Nesslage (3 catches for 25 yards). Izayah Hudnut led all Panther rushers with 97 yards on 14 carries. Hudnut's longest carry of the night was a 45 yard touchdown run.
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This Friday the Panthers play host to the Timberland Wolves who currently stand at 5 - 2 (3 - 1 conference) on the season. The game is the final regular season home game for the Panthers who will recognize all their seniors in a pregame ceremony. Kickoff at Robert Fisher Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 pm.