Panthers find the end zone as football season gets underway

George Le Gresley

Sports Correspondent

Football

The Paris Panthers football season kicked off Sept. 26 on a beautiful, warm afternoon, with the smell of the Optimist Club barbecue in the air as the junior and senior teams took to the field against the Assumption Lions.

Both Panther squads entered the season relatively inexperienced and short on numbers, meaning several players are being called on to play both offence and defence. As is often the case with young teams, the opening game provided an opportunity for players to adjust to the difference between practices and game action.

The juniors had a solid showing in their opener despite falling 32-14 to Assumption. The coaching staff was pleased with the effort and looked to build on that performance when the Panthers welcomed North Park to Paris on Oct. 3. 

Paris once again put points on the board against North Park, with Alex Aspden and Logan Brunson each scoring touchdowns and Jackson McDonald adding a convert. The Panthers ultimately came up short against the Trojans.

The senior Panthers also showed promise in their season opener against Assumption, putting together several drives that reached the Lions’ goal line. A fumble at the Assumption one-yard line and missed defensive coverages proved costly but provided areas for the team to address in practice. 

Those adjustments were put to the test Oct. 3 against North Park. Chris Kinsman and Maisen Vicente each found the end zone for Paris, while Bhav Aujla added a convert. The Panthers stayed within striking distance but ultimately fell 21-13 to the Trojans. 

Volleyball

The junior boys' team started their season 1-1. Last Tuesday the Panthers hosted St John’s and dropped the match 3 games to 1.  Last Thursday, they travelled to Assumption College and swept 3 -0. This afternoon they will play North Park on their home court, then head to BCI on Thursday. 

The Seniors, with a roster that includes a few Grade 13 players, started their season being swept by BCI in straight sets. Last Tuesday at home, they lost a close match 3-2, and last Thursday travelled to Assumption College and beat them 3-1. This week they will face McKinnon Park S.S. and Pauline Johnson.