Panthers win their 4th consecutive district title!

The FZN football team advanced in the MSHSAA Class 5 post-season playoff tournament last Friday with a 24 - 7 victory over Timberland. With the victory, the Panthers claimed their fourth consecutive district title. The Panthers, who advanced to the state championship game a season ago, will host Lebanon this Saturday in the quarterfinal round. Against Timberland, the Panther defense turned in one of their most impressive outings of the season. The Panthers held the Wolves to under 150 yards of total offense. The Panthers were led by Jacob Triplett, Kyle Mallett, and "Big" Jaylin Vaughn who each recorded six solo tackles. Vaughn and GAC Central Defensive "Player of the Year", Mallett, were especially impressive with a series of big hits. Kader "Big Deer" Nadiaye, Bryce Rowles, King Rue, and Maurius Smith, who have all consistently contributed to the defensive effort, each added five solo tackles. Jacob Triplett also pitched in with a interception that helped seal the Panther victory.

On offense, the Panthers were led by Jack Ederer, nicknamed "Mississippi", Ederer threw for 131 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 151 yards. Jaylin Vaughn rushed for what Coach Joe Bacon described as a "tough" forty yards and two touchdowns. Grant Latina and King Rue each had over 50 receiving yards with Rue also hauling in a touchdown pass. Kicker Owen Sears continued his fine season by making a 24 yard field goal and going a perfect 3 for 3 in extra points.

As mentioned earlier, the Panthers will now host Lebanon High School out of Southwest Missouri this Saturday in the state quarterfinal round. The Yellow Jackets won the Class 5 District 4 title by virtue of a 35 - 17 victory over Ozark. Lebanon is one of the top rushing teams in the Southwest Missouri area, and enter the game with an overall record of 8 - 3. Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 1:00 pm.