Second of two major momentum shifts proves costly for Pirates in state quarterfinal setback

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Two shifts in momentum completely changed the context of Friday night’s Class 4 state quarterfinal rematch.

The first gave the Hannibal football team a boost.

The second spelled doom for the Pirates.

After Hannibal scored on the final play of the first half to take a seven-point lead to the locker room, West Plains responded by using a botched field goal and a fake extra-point attempt to take the lead in the third quarter and pull away for a 29-14 victory.

The Zizzers, who lost 35-26 to the Pirates in last year’s quarterfinals, will play in the state semifinals for the first time in program history next Saturday. Hannibal ends its season with a 9-3 record.

The Pirates trailed 7-0 heading to the second quarter, but sophomore quarterback Waylon Anders connected with senior running back Markahl Humphrey on a 20-yard touchdown pass with 7:52 remaining before halftime to tie the game.

Hannibal grabbed its only lead by finishing a 14-play, 89-yard drive before the second quarter expired. Anders connected with tight end Kane Wilson on a 15-yard touchdown pass to the front corner of the end zone for a 14-7 lead on the final play of the half.

A 10-play, 68-yard drive to open the second half gave the Zizzers the lead for good, but it took some good fortune to make it happen.

Facing fourth and 11 from Hannibal’s 15-yard line, West Plains set up for a field goal. However, a bad snap led to a scramble and 12-yard completion from Aiden Simpson to Jesse Hudson for a first down. Two plays later, Simpson scored on a 1-yard plunge.

On the ensuing point after attempt, the Zizzers faked the kick and completed a two-point conversion pass for a 15-14 lead.

The Zizzers’ Carter McCracken scored on a 5-yard run late in the third quarter and added a 1-yard touchdown run four minutes into the fourth quarter. McCracken finished with 116 yards rushing.

Anders completed 15 of 28 passes for 181 yards and an interception for the Pirates, while Humphrey rushed for 63 yards on 15 carries. Wilson and Haden Robertson each caught six passes, while Aaron Daughtery led the Hannibal defense with 12 tackles.