Sports
Panthers prep for the “Battle of O’Fallon.”
The Panthers to play in their second straight rivalry game.
Last Friday, the Fort Zumwalt North football team defeated the Fort Zumwalt South Bulldogs, in the annual “Helmet Trophy” game, by a score of 35 – 0. Each year, the winner of the game is presented with a traveling “helmet” trophy marking the history of the rivalry between the two schools. For North, last Friday’s game marked the second straight shutout for the Panther defense. The defensive effort was led by PJ Henderson, who continued his outstanding defensive play; recording 13 tackles and 2 sacks on the night. Jacob Sweeten (11) and Andy Guthrie (10) each had double digit tackles, while Shane Pruitt recorded a game high 3 sacks on the night.
Offensively, the Panthers were paced by the play of quarterback Connor O’Neal, who was nearly perfect in the passing game, going 8/9 for 137 yards and 3 touchdowns. O’Neal also rushed for 41 yards and two touchdowns. Maurice Hamilton was O’Neal’s favorite target on the night, as he hauled in 5 passes for 95 yards and 2 touchdowns. Brayden Miller was also on the receiving end of an O’Neal touchdown pass.
This Friday, the Panther travel across town to play Fort Zumwalt West. The game is known as the “Battle of O’Fallon” featuring the City of O’Fallon’s two public high schools. The two schools have not met on the gridiron since the 2019 season. The Panthers enter the game with a 5 – 3 mark, having won their last two contests. Kickoff at West is scheduled for 7:00 pm.