After starting the season with three straight losses, two by one point, in the non-conference portion of the schedule, the FZN football team opened up conference play last Friday at Washington. The Panthers walked away with at 56 – 7 victory, their 9th consecutive over the Blue Jays, who entered the game with a 2 – 1 mark. The Panther offense was led by quarterback Payton Hoker, who passed for 263 yards and 4 touchdowns. Chris Reckel had a combined 172 rushing and receiving yards while scoring 3 touchdowns on the night. Jalen Lee, Zach McGee and Miles Weddington all were on the receiving end of Hoker touchdown passes. DJ Jones added a 79-yard kick-off return to round out the Panther scoring.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers put forth their finest effort of the season keeping the Blue Jay offense, that had been averaging 30 plus points coming into the game, in check. Defensive standouts included: South Dakota State recruit Jalen Lee, who recorded 14 tackles and an interception, Spencer Steinmeyer (11 tackles), Andy Guthry (8 tackles) and Colin LaBell (8 tackles).
This Friday the Panthers return home, for the first time since week one, when they host district rival Fort Zumwalt East. The Lions are coming off their first victory of the season after defeating Francis Howell North 32 – 27 last Friday night. Kickoff at Robert Fisher Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 pm.