South continues losing skid, hopes to rebound in district opener

Park Hill South (3-4) gets to start anew this Friday as district play begins with a home matchup against North Kansas City (1-6). Although South lost to a tough Staley team last Friday 42-13, the Panthers have reason to be encouraged after they stayed within striking distance of the Falcons for a majority of the game. In a contest the Panthers will be heavily favored to win, they’ll have the chance to break a three game losing streak and begin the defense of the district title they won in 2010. North Kansas City is coming off a 51-14 defeat against Truman.

While Staley pulled ahead 14-0 early in the first quarter last Friday, South was able to post a score when Nick Gillespie caught a Carson Reid pass for a 55-yard touchdown reception. Staley quarterback Trent Hosick added a running touchdown in the second quarter to put Staley up 21-7 at halftime. Down, but not out against the top team in Class 5, Park Hill South was in position to make it a game in the second half.

Morgan Steward increased the margin for Staley with a 62-yard break away run for a touchdown in the third quarter, but the Panthers matched it when Alex Howe catch a 12-yard touchdown pass from Reid to make the score 28-13 going into the final quarter. But it was in that fourth quarter when Staley broke loose with Steward adding his second touchdown on 19-yard run. Rory Driscoll sealed the deal for Staley when he picked off a Reid pass and returned the interception for a 22-yard touchdown increasing the final margin to 42-13.

Last year, Park Hill South defeated North Kansas City 34-7 which was the beginning of a five game winning streak that propelled them to a district title and state quarterfinals appearance.