The Fort Zumwalt North Panthers were Class 5 state semifinalists a year ago and they look the part of a team ready for another deep postseason run this season.
The Panthers are currently 6-0 and featured a talented group of versatile skill position players who can make big plays. Junior Izaiah Hartrup has rushed for 381 yards along with 182 yards receiving and eight touchdowns. Senior Cairo Payne has 247 yards rushing, 290 yards receiving and six touchdowns. Quarterback Joel Hilliard has passed for 907 yards and seven touchdowns in his first year as a starter.
Senior 6’1,” 260-pound two-way performer Jaylin Vaughn is a bulldozer at fullback and a defensive leader at linebacker. Vaughn has 53 tackles and two sacks for the season. Linebacker Cerry Watson has 48 tackles, one sack and one interception while defensive end Max Martin had 56 tackles and three sacks.
Fort Zumwalt North had a big game with district rival Fort Zumwalt East (5-1) on Friday night at North.
Roughriders on a roll
After dropping their first two games of the season, Roosevelt High has been on a surge with four consecutive victories. The Roughriders are one of the top contenders in the Public High League under the guidance of second-year coach Trey Porter.
Sophomore quarterback Tabraon Neal is a talented dual-threat with 1,127 yards passing and 14 touchdowns. Senior Terrell Cannamore is a prime target at wide receiver. The 6’3” Cannamore is a two-sport standout in football and basketball. Darrius Jackson is a talented running back and cornerback with a team-high four interceptions.
*Lift for Life Hawks are soaring
*The Lift for Life Hawks have been enjoying a breakout season with five consecutive victories after their season-opening loss to a strong Lutheran-St. Charles team.
The Hawks feature a potent backfield combination in sophomore Rico Singleton and junior Antonio Gines. Singleton has rushed for 959 yards and 13 touchdowns while Gines has rushed for 527 yards and eight touchdowns. Lift for Life will try to extend the winning streak to six on Saturday when it visits Principia.
Standout Individual Performers
*Vicario Upchurch caught four passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over Rockwood Summit.
*Jar’Vion Harmon of Hazelwood East caught four passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over McCluer North.
*Taj Butts of DeSmet rushed for 165 yards on 29 carries and two touchdowns in a victory over Chaminade.
*Kevion Hampton of Hazelwood West had four receptions for 120 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in a victory over Riverview Gardens.
*Mekhi Hagens of Cardinal Ritter passed for 447 yards and four touchdowns in a victory over St. Mary’s.
*Cortez Brown Jr. of Cahokia had five receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Centralia.
On Tap this Weekend
Friday, October 5
Cardinal Ritter (6-0) at Borgia (6-0), 7 p.m.
Eureka (6-0) at Kirkwood (5-1), 7 p.m.
Marquette (4-2) at Pattonville (5-1), 7 p.m.
Fort Zumwalt East (5-1) at Fort Zumwalt North (5-1), 7 p.m.
CBC (5-1) at Vianney (5-1), 7 p.m.
Hazelwood Central (4-2) at Ritenour (3-3), 7 p.m.
East St. Louis (5-1) at Massillon (OH), 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 6
Fox (6-0) at Hazelwood East (4-2), 1 p.m.
Parkway West (4-2) vs. Ladue (6-0) at Kirkwood, 1 p.m.
MICDS (5-1) at Westminster (3-3), 2 p.m.
