The Mehlville High School varsity football team visited Fox High School Friday night for the annual Huddle Up for Heroes game, which honors military veterans and current service members, but not much football was played.
The game was postponed after the opening drive until Saturday due to stormy weather, but it was still a successful tribute to military personnel and local fire and police departments, according to Mehlville head coach Kent Heinemann.
“As for Friday night’s atmosphere, it was just awesome with lots of members of the military in full uniform,” Heinemann told the Call. “I thought Fox did a great job showing appreciation to our area’s servicemen and women.
“They really do a great job with the Huddle Up for Heroes game.”
When Mehlville and Fox resumed play Saturday afternoon, the Panthers were not able to get much going, as they endured their fourth consecutive loss, falling 27-8 to the 2-2 Warriors.
“We struggled on defense and couldn’t really get anything going offensively until the second half,” Heinemann said. “Fox is very physical and very good at moving the ball, while eating the clock at the same time.”
Fox struck early in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead, then topped off the first half with three touchdowns in the second quarter, taking the 27-0 lead into the half.
Mehlville shut out the Warriors in the second half, and Jabari Shelton scored for the Panthers about midway through the fourth quarter, However, the first half was too much for Mehlville to overcome, something that has plagued the Panthers this season.
From the start of the season, Mehlville has played some very tough teams — Pattonville, Francis Howell and Hazelwood East — and has been in close competitive matches in those first three games, according to Heinemann.
At times, the Panthers have played some excellent football, Heinemann said, adding that his team has not yet been able to put all the pieces in place.
This Friday, the Panthers will travel to Seckman to face the 0-4 Jaguars, marking the halfway point of the season.
Also on Friday, the Lindbergh High School varsity football team fell to Lafayette 56-9.
The 1-3 Flyers will travel to Parkway South this Friday to tackle the 2-2 Patriots.
The Oakville High School varsity football team was defeated by Northwest Friday night in a close 34-27 game.
This Friday, the 0-4 Tigers will travel to Marquette to square off against the 2-2 Mustangs.
