The FZN football team improved to 4 – 3 on the season with a key conference victory over Fort Zumwalt South last Friday. The Panthers defeated the Bulldogs 51 – 3 and, by virtue of the win, took sole possession of first place in the GAC Central standings, as the Panthers remain undefeated in conference play (4 – 0). Additionally, the Panthers maintained possession of the traveling helmet trophy awarded to the winner of each season’s regular season game, a tradition that dates back to the mid-1990’s.
Against the Bulldogs, who entered the game tied for the lead in conference play, the Panthers had outstanding play on both sides of the ball. The defense gave their most dominant performance of the season, holding the Bulldogs to under 100 yards of offense and no touchdowns. Standouts on that side of the ball were PJ Henderson (9 tackles & 2 sacks), Shane Pruitt (8 tackles & 2 sacks), Spencer Steinmeyer and Zach McGee with 6 tackles and a sack each. Brayden Miller also chipped in an interception.
On offense, your leading scorers were Chris Reckel and Connor O’Neal with 2 touchdowns each and DJ Jones, Brayden Miller and Zach McGee with one apiece. Reckel has crossed the goal line 12 times this season, and remains the Panthers touchdown leader. Quarterback Payton Hoker passed for 166 yards and 4 touchdowns. Hoker has thrown for an impressive 19 touchdowns so far this season.
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Tonight the Panthers travel to Liberty to play the Eagles in their final conference game of the season. A victory against the Eagles would give the Panthers the outright conference title. The Eagles enter the game on a two-game winning streak. Kickoff at Liberty is scheduled for 7:00 pm.