Football: Zizzers victorious over Panthers in home opener
The West Plains Zizzers football team defeated the Panthers 26-14 in its home opener on Friday.
Quarterback Cale Combs went a perfect 8-for-8 passing for 172 yards, while Gavin Marshall paced the rushing attack with 128 yards on 27 carries. Defensive lineman Ruker Freeman led the defense with 17 tackles.
"I was very proud of how the Zizzers stuck together as a team and really came together as the game moved along," West Plains Head Coach Brock Kenega said. "The offense was very efficient moving the ball well, and the defense really stiffened up and played great in the second half. Moving forward, we feel this experience will help prepare us for a successful season."
Readers can view photos from the home opener online at our website, www.westplainsdailyquill.net.
Soccer: Zizzers fall to Camdenton 6-1
The West Plains boys soccer team suffered a 6-1 loss to the Camdenton Lakers on Thursday.
The Lakers struck first on a penalty kick before West Plains tied the game. Camdenton then answered with another goal to take a 2-1 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Zizzers failed to match Camdenton's urgency and intensity, West Plains head coach Jimmy Miller said, allowing the Lakers to score early, build confidence and pull away.
"It’s hard to claw back from being a couple goals down, especially to a really good and confident team like Camdenton, because they can just play relaxed and control the ball and possession and play with momentum," Miller said. "I felt like the goal we gave up before halftime was a bit demoralizing, as it was tied for much of the half, but giving up another one early in the second half was a huge momentum shift in their favor."
