2024 Quincy High School Hall of Fame inductee: 1994 boys soccer team

The 1994 Quincy High School boys soccer team went undefeated in the regular season and allowed just seven goals the entire season. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Editor’s Note: Quincy High School will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games of the 53rd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. Below is the biography used by the QHS Hall of Fame committee to honor one of this year’s inductees. QUINCY — The stingiest team in the history…

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Crim: Seeing Hannibal become passionate about soccer makes Romano, others smile with delight

Hannibal senior forward Bodie Rollins and the Pirates won a school-record 26 games this fall and reminded everyone America's Hometown is a soccer town, too. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Roland Romano took a seat near the top of the south section of bleachers at the Veterans Sports Complex among a contingent of Ladue Horton Watkins fans. He was wearing a white cap featuring the name of the youth soccer teams he coached decades ago. The atmosphere of the Missouri Class 3…

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Ladue’s relentless pressure disrupts Hannibal’s flow, results in loss that ends historic campaign

Hannibal goalkeeper Clayton Neisen makes a save in traffic during Saturday's Class 3 state quarterfinal matchup against Ladue Horton Watkins at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal High School soccer team entered the Missouri Class 3 state quarterfinals with momentum on its side. The Pirates were riding a 21-game winning streak, including a dramatic overtime victory over long-time nemesis Fort Zumwalt South to secure their first district championship since 2013. They had shut out all three postseason…

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Crim: QND’s 1984 state runner-up boys soccer team responsible for raising bar on expectations

The 1984 Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team finished as the state runner-up in a one-class system, winning the first state trophy in program history and raising the level of expectation for future teams. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The longest boys soccer game in Illinois High School Association history was played 40 years ago. Performing on the biggest stage on Nov. 3, 1984 — the state championship game at St. Charles High School — Quincy Notre Dame and Palatine Fremd battled through 80 minutes of regulation and another 40 exhausting minutes…

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Peoria Christian’s two early goals put QND in catch-up mode for remainder of regional title tilt

Quincy Notre Dame senior midfielder Rylan Fischer, left, challenges Peoria Christian's Jacob Below for possession during Tuesday night's Class 1A regional championship game at the Eastside Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach Greg Reis knows once a team goes down 2-0, all they need is one goal to turn the momentum in their direction. “A 2-1 lead in soccer is always a dangerous lead because the team that was up is now being very cautious and the…

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Blue Devils’ resilient effort not enough as Tigers score pair of daggers in regional semifinal victory

Quincy High School senior midfielder Andrew Brown plays the ball forward while being pressured by an Edwardsville defender during Tuesday night's Class 3A Quincy Regional semifinal at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Andrew Brown understood what the quiet walk across the Flinn Stadium turf meant. He was saying goodbye. “A lot of these guys, I’ve played with my whole childhood,” said Brown, a senior midfielder and co-captain of the Quincy High School boys soccer team. “Going to college and after this season moving on to…

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Schuck on a Truck: Hannibal soccer team’s defensive backfield discusses chemistry, stinginess

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Fans of the Hannibal boys soccer team will have two opportunities this week to watch the record-setting Pirates in person, and those who do should take note of how stingy the defense continues to be. Last Saturday, in wrapping up the North Central Missouri Conference championship, the Pirates posted their single-season record…

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Raiders and Devils kick to a draw on the pitch

Quincy High struck first twice, then the Raiders rallied to take the lead. Quincy's Logan Epping hit a second half equalizer as the teams fought to a 3-3 draw at Flinn Stadium Thursday night. — Photo by Shane Hulsey

QUINCY — Andrew Brown was so close. Painstakingly close. With three minutes left and the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams deadlocked at 3 during Thursday night’s clash at Flinn Stadium, Quincy’s Logan Epping received a through ball on the right wing from Trace Routh. Epping kept his eyes up and…

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Photo gallery: QND unable to fend off Gateway Legacy Academy in home finale

Quincy Notre Dame defender Matthew Hunt, left, battles for possession with Gateway Legacy Academy's Camilo Lopez during Saturday's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visits our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team loaded up its schedule to ensure it will be ready for the postseason. Saturday’s home finale at Advance Physical Therapy Field may have been against the best collection of…

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Pirates uses Westhoff’s goal to gain upperhand in intense NCMC battle with Marshall

Hannibal forward Bodie Rollins pushes the ball around Marshall defender Tyler Martinez during Saturday's North Central Missouri Conference game at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kevin Westhoff knows how intense and physical the Hannibal soccer team’s games against Marshall can be. “Playing them all four years of high school, it’s always been like this,” Westhoff siad. “It just gets crazier and crazier each year.” And in a game that featured three red cards, several hard fouls, and…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, Marshall square off in NCMC battle of top teams

The Hannibal and Marshall boys soccer teams ± the top two teams in he North Central Missouri Conference — squared off Saturday at the Veterans Soorts Complex with the Pirates winning 1-0 in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. HANNIBAL, Mo. — Round one goes to the Pirates. The Hannibal boys soccer team beat Marshall 1-0 Saturday in North Central Missouri Conference action at the Veterans Sports Complex, giving the Pirates the upperhand in the conference title…

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Blue Devils don’t want shootout loss to diminish their persistence and fight in battle with Panthers

Quincy High School goalkeeper Lance Venvertloh makes a save on an attempt during the penalty kick shootout against United Township on Tuesday night at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer players hid neither their disappointment nor their frustration. “This hurts man,” junior center back Bennett Soltwedel said after Tuesday night’s Western Big 6 Conference loss in a penalty kick shootout to United Township following a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime. “We had it. We just need…

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Wilson holds line, scores game-winning goal as Pirates beat Blue Devils and sweep Gem City foes

Hannibal's Chase Askey looks to make a move with the ball during Thursday night's game against Quincy High School at Flinn Stadium. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Brody Wilson’s teammates have been offering plenty of suggestions on how he can get more involved in the Hannibal boys soccer team’s attack. “We’ve been on Brody for taking the ball down the line in practice because he likes to cut it in,” Pirates co-captain Bodie Rollins said. The sophomore has been listening.…

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Pirates shut out Spartans as Tharp nets hat trick in NCMC victory

Hannibal's Cooper Scott moves the ball away from three Moberly players during Tuesday night's North Central Missouri Conference game at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team is making its second trip across the Mississippi River this season when it plays Quincy High School at Flinn Stadium on Thursday night. The Pirates got ready by securing another North Central Missouri Conference victory Tuesday night. Senior midfielder Maddox Tharp scored three goals as the Pirates…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 17

Sweep keeps Blue Devils undefeated in WB6 play GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School volleyball team stayed undefeated in Western Big 6 Conference play Tuesday night with a sweep of Galesburg, winning 25-18, 25-18 at Thiel Gym. The Blue Devils are 9-2 overall and 5-0 in the WB6 ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Moline…

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Staying aggressive enables Pirates to gain measure of revenge, take third in own tourney

Hannibal senior midfielder Maddox Tharp moves the ball forward during Saturday's third-place game of the Hannibal Tournament against Rolla at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team may not have earned the opportunity to play for a championship in its own tournament, but Kevin Westhoff and the Pirates relished the chance to exact revenge on Rolla — the team that, until Saturday, had handed Hannibal its only loss of the season. Westhoff’s penalty kick…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal takes third place in own soccer tournament

Hannibal's Bodie Rollins looks to settle the ball during Saturday's game against Perryville in the Pirate Shootout at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccere team split a pair of games Saturday, rebounding from a 4-3 loss to Perryville in a penalty-kick shootout to beat Rolla 2-1 in the third-place game of the Pirate Shootout played…

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Raiders improve toughness, tenacity in second half to snare crosstown showdown victory

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Rylan Fischer reacts to scoring his second goal of the second half Thursday night in the 3-1 victory over Quincy High School at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The resiliency to rebound from a one-goal deficit and draw even by halftime of Thursday night’s rivalry game was welcome, but the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players understood they needed more. They had to get tougher. “We were playing soft in the midfield,” senior co-captain Brody Jones said. “We weren’t getting into…

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Photo gallery: QND beats QHS in first of two meetings in soccer’s crosstown showdown

Quincy Notre Dame's Sullivan Walker gets his head on the ball during the first half of Thursday night's game against Quincy High School at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — Rylan Fischer scored two second-half goals and the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team rallied from a one-goal deficit to beat Quincy High School 3-1 Thursday night at Advance Physical Therapy Field in this season’s first…

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Once Rocks get Goeh-ing, Blue Devils unable to slow them down while suffering WB6 loss

Quincy High School's Logan Epping, right, looks to cut inside a Rock Island defender during the first half of Tuesday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Goeh means go. The Quincy High School boys soccer team had no way to stop that. Rock Island forward Benjamin Goeh netted the first of his three goals Tuesday night in the 14th minute, setting the stage for the Rocks to roll out of Flinn Stadium with a 4-1 Western Big 6 Conference…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils, Rocks square off in WB6 action on Flinn Stadium pitch

Quincy High School forward Trace Routh, left, tangles with Rock Island's Ler Bwe during Tuesday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Rock Island boys soccer team scored two goals in each half Tuesday night and headed home with a 4-1 victory over Quincy High School in Western Big 6. Conference play at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River…

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Pirate treasure: Hannibal boys soccer team beats QND for first time in more than two decades

Hannibal senior forward Bodie Rollins, right, reacts to the ball while being defended by Quincy Notre Dame junior Robbie Reed during Tuesday night's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Hannibal boys soccer players didn’t lack confidence despite the fact it had been more than two decades since the Pirates had beaten Quincy Notre Dame in a cross-river showdown. “The guys thought we should win this game, but to come out and execute and actually do it, that’s a big deal,” Hannibal…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, QND go head-to-head on pitch at Advance Physical Therapy Field

Quincy Notre Dame's Sullivan Walker, center, looks to control the ball while being flanked by Hannibal defenders Kevin Westhoff, right, and Cooper Scott during Tuesday's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Hannibal and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams each went 1-1 in their respective events last Saturday, which meant both came into Tuesday’s matchup at Advance Physical Therapy Field trying to build some momentum. The…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 3: QHS girls tennis team finally plays, Highland with key softball win

Blue Devils finally open season, net first victory CHATHAM, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team had its first two regular-season events canceled, which meant Tuesday’s dual against Chatham Glenwood turned into the Blue Devils’ season opener and first victory with a 6-3 decision. The Blue Devils’ won three singles matches in tiebreakers,…

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QHS soccer team wants to be in position to use home-field advantage in postseason

Senior midfielder Andrew Brown will be one of the leaders for the Quincy High School boys soccer team. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Could history repeat itself? Nine years ago — the last time the Quincy High School boys soccer team hosted a Class 3A regional — the Blue Devils knocked off top-seeded Collinsville 1-0 in the regional title game, a victory that catapulted them to a state runner-up finish. This season, the Blue Devils finally…

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Challenges await QND boys soccer team, but upperclass experience bolsters expectations

Quincy Notre Dame senior midfielder Rylan Fischer is expected to be one of the Raiders' significant playmakers this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — When Greg Reis scans the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s roster, there are quite a few players with a championship pedigree. Some of them, such as senior midfielder Rylan Fischer and junior midfielder Channing Trevino, played valuable minutes during the 2022 team’s run to the Class 1A state title. Some were on…

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At the center of things: Hannibal’s Westhoff changes position to bolster Pirates’ defense

Hannibal's Kevin Westhoff is moving to center back and should form a dominant duo in back with Cooper Scott. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kevin Westhoff has welcomed the change. Primarily a midfielder in his first two seasons with the Hannibal boys soccer program, Westhoff began playing center back for JB Marine, his club team based in St. Louis, last December and is moving to the back line this fall for the Pirates. “It’s a much…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal plays host to soccer jamboree at Veterans Sports Complex

The Hannibal boys soccer team heads into its season opener next weekend at the Rolla Shootout having gained some on-field experience during Friday's jamboree at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team had its own dress rehearsal Friday night, playing host to a soccer jamboree at the Veterans Sports Complex. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent part of his evening on the pitch and put together this photo gallery:

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‘It was definitely insane’: QND’s Jones savors winning national title with SLSG soccer club

Brody Jones, a starting center back from the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team, helped the SLSG U17 team win the ECNL Regional League national championship during the finals in Richmond, Va. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A moment Brody Jones referred to as “the coolest thing in soccer I have ever done in my life” still remains a blur in some regards more than a week after it happened. That’s especially true of the celebration. The St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club Missouri U17 squad, with Jones starting at…

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Raiders’ Cann gives QND boys soccer program 10 straight seasons with all-state honoree

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Leo Cann became the Raiders' 10th all-state selection in the last 10 seasons and finished his career with 69 career goals. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Leo Cann makes it a perfect 10. The senior forward on the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team received all-state honors from the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, marking the 10th straight season a QND player has earned all-state plaudits. “That’s a pretty good run,” QND coach Greg Reis said. Cann led…

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Schuckman: Rock-solid foundation for success helps Hynek and son experience magical run

Peoria Christian coach Cory Hynek, a Quincy High School graduate, will lead the Chargers into Saturday's Class 1A super-sectional against Johnsburg while seeking the program's third final four appearance in his 17 seasons as head coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — All Cory Hynek could do was laugh. In the days leading up to Wednesday’s Class 1A Chillicothe Sectional championship against defending state champion Quincy Notre Dame, the Peoria Christian boys soccer coach was approached by teachers within the school asking why the players had rocks on their desks. “I knew our guys…

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‘Soul-crushing goal’ enables Chargers to upend Raiders, end defense of QND’s state title

Quincy Notre Dame midfielder Rylan Fischer, right, goes flying after battling for possession with Peoria Christian's Myles Zimmerman during Wednesday night's Class 1A sectional championship in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The response was swift, sudden and significant. “That was a bit of a soul-crushing goal,” Quincy Notre Dame’s Mason Monteyne said. Title-dashing, too. In the 14th minute of Wednesday night’s Class 1A Chillicothe IVC Sectional championship, senior forward Leo Cann gave the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team a 2-1 lead over…

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Photo gallery: QND, Peoria Christian clash in Class 1A boys soccer sectional championship

Peoria Christian's Caden Schmidgall, left, keeps the ball inbounds while being pressured by Quincy Notre Dame's Mason Monteyne during Wednesday night's Class 1A sectional championship in Chillicothe, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The reign is over. The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team, the defending Class 1A state champion, was eliminated from the postseason Wednesday night, losing 5-2 to Peoria Christian in the championship game of the Class 1A Chillicothe Sectional. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was at IVC High School and put…

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Show Me Spotlight: Janes helping guide Pirates to continued success on pitch

Hannibal senior defender Thomas Janes is hoping to help the Pirates win a district championship after guiding them to an undefeated run through the North Central Missouri Conference. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Thomas Janes understood his role when the season began, and it had far less to do with creating or denying scoring opportunities than it did with keeping the Hannibal boys soccer team on course. Graysen Crabill found himself in the same situation. The two senior defenders are the only upperclassmen on a…

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Max-imum effort: Frericks’ save on first PK in shootout carries QND to sectional semifinal win

Quincy Notre Dame goalkeeper Max Frericks dives over the top of Mendota's Isaac Diaz to make the save during the second half of Saturday's Class 1A sectional semifinal in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The value of Max Frericks’ presence in goal can’t be overstated or undersold. He’s a game changer. The Mendota boys soccer team became the latest to realize so Saturday in a penalty-kick shootout to decide who plays for a Class 1A sectional championship. The 6-foot-3 Quincy Notre Dame senior goalkeeper stopped the…

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Photo gallery: QND upends Mendota in Class 1A boys soccer sectional semifinals

Quincy Notre Dame's Leo Cann, left, boots a ball past Mendota defender Kaleb Kleckner during Saturday's Class 1A sectional semifinal in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — One hundred minutes Saturday afternoon wasn’t enough for either the Quincy Notre Dame or Mendota boys soccer team to can any separation. So the recent postseason nemesis went to a penalty kick shootout to decide who advanced. The Raiders won the shootout 4-1, giving them a 3-2 victory and a spot in Wednesday’s…

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IHSA nullifies red card issued to QND goalkeeper, making Frericks eligible for sectional semifinal

Quincy Notre Dame senior goalkeeper Max Frericks will play in Saturday's sectional semifinal after the Illinois High School Association overturned the red card he was issued in the regional championship game against Monmouth-Roseville. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois High School Association promotes a sportsmanship program entitled “Do What’s Right!” Thursday, the IHSA followed its own motto and did the right thing. IHSA executive director Craig Anderson and assistant executive director Beth Sauser acknowledged the red card issued to QND goalkeeper Max Frericks during the second of the boys soccer…

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‘Sully’ disposition: Sophomore midfielder’s goal gives QND halftime edge en route to regional title

Quincy Notre Dame's Elliott Hendrian, right, slaps hands with Sullivan Walker after Walker scored late in the first half for the Raiders' first goal in a 5-2 victory over Monmouth-Roseville in the Class 1A regional championship game at Pattee Fields in Monmouth, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MONMOUTH, Ill. — What Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach Greg Reis preaches in practice seems to resonate with his players. At the very least, sophomore midfielder Sullivan “Sully” Walker is listening. “(Reis) has been telling me ever since I scored my first goal to crash the goalie because you’re always there to make something…

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Interpretation of ‘ball in hand’ rule results in red card for QND goalkeeper, could keep Frericks out of sectional semifinal

Quincy Notre Dame senior goalkeeper Max Frericks picks up a ball rolling toward him during Wednesday's Class 1A regional championship against Monmouth-Roseville at Pattee Fields in Monmouth, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MONMOUTH, Ill. — The definition of a “ball in hand” is going to determine if Max Frericks will be the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s starting goalkeeper come Saturday. Right now, sophomore Carter Hankins needs to be ready to fill that role. Frericks, the senior goalkeeper who was the backstop on last year’s Class…

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Schuckman: Rule keeping Illinois prep soccer team from playing in postseason needs to change

The Quincy High School boys soccer team received 15 yellow cards in its first 10 games, but didn't approach the threshold of 25 yellow cards that would have led to a postseason ban.

QUINCY — A 3-0 loss to Collinsville in the Class 3A regional semifinals Tuesday night brought the Quincy High School boys soccer team’s season to an end one game into the postseason. If only Mundelein Carmel could have been so lucky. The Corsairs are watching the postseason unfold instead of playing in it. Had things…

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No Reis, no worries: Raiders open state title defense with whitewashing of Tornadoes

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team looks to capitalize on a ball played into the box during Saturday's Class 1A regional semifinal against Abingdon-Avon in Monmouth, Ill. | Photo courtesy Frank Cann

MONMOUTH, Ill. — If Greg Reis had any long-distance concerns, all he would have had to do is pull out his phone and take one glance at social media to alleviate them quite quickly. The updates, like the goals, came fast and furious. The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach missed Saturday’s postseason opener in…

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Yo, Adrian: Sommers’ goal, stronger second-half play helps Blue Devils win home finale

Quincy High School's Trace Routh uses his head to redirect a corner kick toward the goal during the first half of Tuesday's 3-1 victory over Geneseo at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — At every turn Tuesday night, the Quincy High School boys soccer players caught a glimpse of the program’s storied past. From Dev Reeves, arguably the most significant player in program history, to Donivan Bradshaw, one of the Blue Devils’ greatest scorers, to Jay Ray and his son, J.D., the first father-son combo to…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys soccer team beats Geneseo in final home game of regular season

Quincy High School's Andrew Brown wins a ball in the air during the first half of Tuesday night's game against Geneseo at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer team ran its win streak to four consecutive games in its final home game of the regular season, beating Geneseo 3-1 in Western Big 6 Conference action Tuesday night at Flinn Stadium. The Blue Devils (8-10-1) wrap up their season on the road Thursday against Springfield. Muddy…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Jumping around, getting dirty enables Bridal to be Blue Devils’ stonewall

Ron Bridal, who played goalkeeper for Quincy High School from 1992-94, recorded a school record 39 career shutouts. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

This is the 11th and final installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Ron Bridal, Goalkeeper, Class of 1995 QUINCY — The opportunity to coach not only the Quincy…

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No cramping his style: Dede scores game-winner as Blue Devils fend off Raiders in city rivalry game

Quincy High School's Andrew Brown hugs teammate Nolan Dede after Dede scored the go-ahead goal in Thursday night's 3-2 victory over Quincy Notre Dame at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Nolan Dede wanted to join the celebration, but that required getting to his feet and ignoring his cramping right calf. “It was such a conflict of emotions,” he said. “There was the pain and there was the excitement.” And there was the magnitude of the moment. Dede’s header off an Evan Sohn restart…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND boys soccer teams split city series

Quincy High School defender Nolan Dede, left, tries to take away any attack angle from Quincy Notre Dame striker Leo Cann during Thursday night's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The seniors on the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams had different goals in mind Thursday night. The Blue Devils sought their first victory in the city series during the seniors’ four-year careers, while the Raiders’ Class of 2024 was looking to stay undefeated. Nolan Dede’s second-half goal tipped…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Buying in early put Forbes on path to becoming dynamite defender

An all-state selection as a senior, Quincy High School sweeper Zach Forbes helped the Blue Devils post 14 shutouts and allow just 10 goals in 23 games during the 2009 season. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

This is the 10th installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Zach Forbes, Defender, Class of 2010 QUINCY — Three years before Zach Forbes reached high school, the evolution…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Absorbing coaching enables Evans to elevate himself, teammates

Jerrod Evans established himself as a three-year starter and an all-sectional defender during his soccer career at Quincy High School. | Submitted photo

This is the ninth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jerrod Evans, Defender, Class of 1991 QUINCY — Matt Longo sensed there was something unique about Jerrod Evans’…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Ability to communicate, control back line led to Higgins’ historic career

Curtis Higgins was a two-time Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection and a two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-Midwest selection while starring as a defender for the Quincy High School boys soccer program. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

This is the eighth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Curtis Higgins, Defender, Class of 1993 QUINCY — You might say Curtis Higgins’ pride had doubled. Truthfully, it…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Sohn’s control of pace and play leads to magical state run by Blue Devils

J.D. Sohn, right, helped the Quincy High School boys soccer team reach the Class 3A state championship game in 2015 and the second-place finish is the highest in program history. | Submitted photo

This is the seventh installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. J.D. Sohn, Midfielder, Class of 2017 QUINCY — J.D. Sohn looked around and saw elation through his tear-filled…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Berry becomes maestro at midfield in leading Blue Devils to state tourney

As a senior starting midfielder on the 1987 Quincy High School boys soccer team, Steve Berry, third from left in the back row, led the Blue Devils to the state quarterfinals. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

This is the sixth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Steve Berry, Midfielder, Class of 1988 QUINCY — The summer before his first season as Quincy High School…

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Photo gallery: John Burroughs scores three second-half goals to upend QND soccer team

Quincy Notre Dame forward Leo Cann, right, pushes the ball wide of John Burroughs defender Cooper Desloge during Thursday's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The John Burroughs boys soccer team presented another challenge in what already has been a tasking schedule for Quincy Notre Dame, and the Raiders put the Bombers on their heels in the first half Thursday night at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Leo Cann and Nolan Heck scored in the final 15 minutes of…

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Pirates’ resolve leads to right answer in erasing deficit against Blue Devils

Hannibal goalkeeper Clayton Neisen, left, grabs the ball over Thomas Janes during Thursday night’s game against Quincy High School at Veterans Field in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team continues to prove it has the resolve to answer any setback. Thursday night at Veterans Field, the Pirates answered with a pair of goals. After allowing Quincy High School to score on a penalty kick and a corner kick to take a 2-1 lead midway through the…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Playing up paves way for Sandercock’s Hall of Fame career

Jim Sandercock earned all-state honors in 1982 after helping the Quincy High School boys soccer team to a 15-5-2 record and No. 2 state ranking as a senior. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

This is the fifth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jim Sandercock, Midfielder, Class of 1983 QUINCY — There was an opening on an older youth soccer team…

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Blue Devils suffer third straight loss, fall to Maroons in key WB6 matchup

Moline defender Karinton Djikpe, left, and Quincy High School forward Josh Stupavsky battle to win a ball in the air during the first half of Tuesday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — So often in the wake of a loss, it becomes easy to play a game of “what if.” For example, what if Josh Stupavsky’s shot 36 seconds into Tuesday night’s Western Big 6 Conference boys soccer game had hit the inside of the left post and kicked into the goal? Instead, it hit…

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Photo gallery: QHS soccer team battles Moline for top spot in Western Big 6

Quincy High School defender Asher Otten, left, and goalkeeper Lucas Shepherd get ready for the start of Tuesday's Western Big 6 Conference match against Moline at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Three games into the Western Big 6 Conference season, the Quincy High School boys soccer team finds itself needing a little help to retain the conference crown. The Blue Devils suffered a 2-1 loss to Moline on Tuesday night at Flinn Stadium, leaving the Maroons and United Township tied for the WB6 lead…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Deft touch, high IQ turn Reeves into one of Blue Devils’ greatest players

Dev Reeves graduated in 1985 as the Quincy High School boys soccer program's career scoring leader — he has since been passed on that list — and was a two-time all-state selection for the Blue Devils. | Submitted photo

This is the fourth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Dev Reeves, Midfielder, Class of 1985 QUINCY — The debate over the best boys soccer player Quincy High…

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Prep soccer roundup: QHS falls at home, QND loses twice in tourney, Hannibal finishes second in Pirate Shootout

Quincy High School's Justin Dreyer, left, fights for possession during Saturday's game against O'Fallon at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For 60 minutes, the Quincy High School boys soccer team played with the poise and passion that could make it a regional contender. The final 20 minutes, however, included miscues that resulted in another loss. O’Fallon scored twice in the closing stretch Saturday, pulling away for a 3-1 victory at Flinn Stadium. The…

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Anything you can do, Leo Cann do better: Senior forward’s hat trick lifts Raiders to victory over Blue Devils

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Leo Cann, right, hits a restart over the Quincy High School defensive wall and curls it into the net for the go-ahead goal in the Raiders' 4-2 victory Thursday night at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Leo Cann has played at Flinn Stadium only once each season throughout his high school soccer career. Yet, two of his most memorable moments happened on his rival’s home turf. As a sophomore, Cann scored the lone goal in the second half of the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s 1-0 victory against…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND boys soccer teams collide at Flinn Stadium

Quincy High School defender Nolan Dede goes airborne as QHS goalkeeper Lucas Shepherd covers a loose ball during Thursday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The rivalry continues to be as strong as ever, and the passionate play proved that. The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams met for the 103rd time in their intra-city rivalry on Thursday night at Flinn Stadium, with the Raiders scoring three second-half goals to earn a 4-2 victory.…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Finding footing as freshman helps Smith become part of tradition

Jaeden Smith, left, scored 62 career goals and was a two-timeIllinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state selection for the Quincy High School boys soccer team. | Submitted photo

This is the third installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jaeden Smith, Forward, Class of 2019 QUINCY — Matt Longo had seen enough. Seven minutes into a game…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Work ethic enables Bradshaw to seize opportunity to be great

Donivan Bradshaw scored a single-season Quincy High School boys soccer program record 45 goals in 1995 before enjoying a decorated career at the University of Tulsa. | Photo courtesy Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame

This is the second installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Donivan Bradshaw, Forward, Class of 1996 QUINCY — Donivan Bradshaw took a moment to pinpoint the right word…

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QHS All-Time Starting XI: Speed, skill allow Abbey to develop into dynamic scoring machine

Photos courtesy QHS Yearbook staff

This is the first installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Everette Abbey, Forward, Class of 1996 QUINCY — The curiosity of a coach led to Everette Abbey finally…

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Victory in WB6 opener is progress Blue Devils want to see, but they know more is needed

Quincy High School sophomore Trace Routh reacts to scoring during Tuesday night's 2-1 victory over Rock Island Alleman in the Western Big 6 Conference opener at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer team is playing a game of progression. The rules are quite simple. Improve with every practice. “When you practice, you get a little better each time,” senior defender Nolan Dede said. By doing that, the Blue Devils believe they will hoist a trophy or plaque — maybe…

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Stingy Raiders keep Pirates at bay, make early score stand for one-goal victory

Quincy Notre Dame forward Leo Cann (No. 17) heads the ball into the net off a corner kick for the lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Hannibal on Tuesday night at Veterans Field in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team won every statistical category against Quincy Notre Dame in its home opener except one. The scoreboard. Senior forward Leo Cann scored off a Brody Jones corner kick 5 minutes, 48 seconds into the game and goalkeeper Max Frericks recorded 10 saves to enable the Raiders to withstand…

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Photo gallery: Two first-half goals carry QHS boys soccer team to victory in home opener

Quincy High School defender Justin Dreyer heads a ball out of danger during the first half of Tuesday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Rock Island Alleman at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — First-half goals by Evan Sohn and Trace Routh less than five minutes apart in the first half Tuesday night allowed the Quincy High School boys soccer team to earn a 2-1 victory over Rock Island Alleman in the home opener at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Sschuckman put together this photo…

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Photo gallery: QND boys soccer team shuts out Hannibal despite Pirates’ barrage of shots

Hannibal’s Bodie Rollins, left, takes a shot during Tuesday night’s game against Quincy Notre Dame at Veterans Field in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Quincy Notre Dame goalkeeper Max Frericks made 10 saves and was the backbone of a stingy defensive effort that resulted in a 1-0 victory over the Hannibal boys soccer team Tuesday night at Veterans Field. Freelance photographer Mathew Kirby put together this photo gallery from the game:

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Athletic directors, coaches preaching caution when dealing with opening-week heat wave

Quincy Notre Dame senior center Ben Schwartz takes a drink of water on the sideline during last Friday's scrimmage at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Experience has taught Matt McClelland to always err on the side of caution. That explains why the Quincy High School boys soccer team’s season opener Tuesday night against Jacksonville was postponed. No makeup date has been set yet, but the Blue Devils and Crimsons intend to play the game once this heat wave…

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Blue Devils ready to go on attack to pursue another WB6 crown and postseason success

Andrew Brown, left, will be one of the senior forwards asked to generate goals this season for the Quincy High School boys soccer team. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The loss of an all-state goal scorer could hinder or help the Quincy High School boys soccer team. It all depends on perspective. The way the Blue Devils view things, the graduation of midfielder Carter Venvertloh opens things up. Now playing at Quincy University, Venvertloh finished last season with 32 goals and tied…

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Raiders ready to meet challenges that come with being defending state champions

Quincy Notre Dame senior goalkeeper Max Frericks will be the Raiders' stopper as they attempt to defend their Class 1A state championship. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The hype began before the first practice took place. So the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players know what’s coming. The Raiders’ season opens Monday with an epic matchup — defending Class 1A state champion QND traveling to Peoria to face defending Class 2A state champion Peoria Notre Dame. The Irish have dubbed…

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Photo gallery: Action gets underway as Hannibal teams prepare for fall seasons

One of the Hannibal football players grabs a drink of water during a break in practice Monday morning at Porter Stadium. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A new year has begun. Award-winning freelance photographer Mathew Kirby spent Monday criss-crossing the Hannibal High School campus and venturing out to the Veterans Elementary sports complex as Hannibal teams opened fall practice. He even made it to Norwoods Golf Course for the girls golf team’s practice. Kirby put together this photo…

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Crim: Timing of Longo’s return to QHS soccer program is ‘as perfect as it could be’

Matt Longo, left, spent last fall as an assistant coach with the John Wood Community College men's soccer program. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Matt and Amy Longo decided to finally test the snowbird experience by spending January and February in southwestern Florida. They had the opportunity to play bingo, poker, shuffleboard and pickleball and develop friendships with other residents in a 55-and-older community. There were trips to the beach, to spring training baseball games and to…

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Anderson, Venvertloh uphold family traditions, receive all-state soccer honors

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson delivers a corner kick during the Class 1A sectional semifinal against Serena in Mendota, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — All-state soccer honors are family traditions in the Anderson and Venvertloh households. The youngest brothers made sure tradition didn’t falter. Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson and Quincy High School senior midfielder Carter Venvertloh recently were named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state team, becoming the second and third…

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Photo gallery: QND welcomes home Class 1A boys soccer state championship squad

Tanner Anderson, left, carries the Class 1A state championship trophy into The Pit as the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team celebrated its title run with Tuesday's fire truck ride and assembly. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Greg Reis replaced his silver, postseason beard with a dapper, clean-shaven look in time for a celebration fit for champions. The veteran Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach allowed his facial hair to grow throughout the Raiders’ postseason run, which culminated with last Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Belleville Althoff in the Class 1A…

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Four-star rating: QND soccer team scores three times in second half to upend Althoff and win Class 1A state championship

Quincy Notre Dame players congregate on teammate Deakon Schuette (center) as they celebrate a goal during the second half of the Raiders’ 4-1 victory over Belleville Althoff in the Class 1A state championship game Saturday night at EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Four days ago, Tanner Anderson sat his bag down on the grass, laid the super-sectional plaque on top of it and stopped to oblige a media request. Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer coach Greg Reis suggested he’d take the plaque to the bus to expedite the Raiders’ departure, but Anderson intervened.…

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Schuckman: By choosing to be phenomenal, Raiders ensure they are never to be forgotten

Quincy Notre Dame teammates celebrate a goal by Tanner Anderson (center) on a penalty kick during the second half of the Raiders’ 4-1 victory over Belleville Althoff in the Class 1A state championship game Saturday night at EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Be phenomenal or be forgotten. Such an easy choice. “No one wants to live their life forgotten,” said Jake Hoyt, a senior center back on the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team. “Doesn’t everyone want to be phenomenal?” When Raiders coach Greg Reis posed that challenge to his team on the…

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Schuck on a Truck: QND boys soccer team celebrates Class 1A state championship

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team climbed into the bed of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman's truck after winning the Class 1A state championship to tape an episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — They grew curious — possibly more concerned — whether the suspension on Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman’s pickup truck could hold the weight of the entire Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team piled into the truck’s bed. Much like the Raiders throughout the postseason, Schuck’s truck held up just fine.…

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Carpe diem: Anderson, Raiders seize opportunity to play for soccer state championship

The Quincy Notre Dame soccer players run over to acknowledge their fans after they defeated Elmhurst Timothy Christian 4-1 in a Friday's semifinal game of the Class 1A state tournament at the EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — Opportunity may have passed Tanner Anderson by once. He vowed it wouldn’t happen twice. Belleville Althoff may want to take note of that. Anderson, a senior forward on the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team and the Raiders’ career leader in goals scored, missed his chance to play for a state…

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Call him what you will, but Schuette’s presence and restarts are making him name to remember

Quincy Notre Dame defender Deakon Schuette eyes an incoming ball in the air as he jostles with Elmhurst Timothy Christian midfielder Jake Firnsin during the Raiders' 4-1 victory in the Class 1A state semifinals Friday night at EastSide Centre in East Peoria, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

EAST PEORIA, Ill. — An ongoing problem throughout the boys soccer postseason has been the inability of public address announcers to pronounce Deakon Schuette’s last name correctly. During the Class 1A Mendota Sectional, the Quincy Notre Dame senior defensive midfielder was referred to as “Shoot.” In the second half of Friday’s Class 1A state semifinal…

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Passing the baton: Seniors teach, mold underclassmen in order to sustain QND soccer legacy

Quincy Notre Dame freshman defender Channing Trevino, right, is part of the young cast of players responsible for taking this weekend's Class 1A state tournament experience and helping continue the QND boys soccer program's legacy in the future. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The nerves and excitement have been tempered some by contributing to the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s postseason run, but freshman defender Channing Trevino won’t soon forget the day he got his first start. “It was pretty exciting when against Normal U-High they said I was going to be starting,” Trevino said.…

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Running against the wind: QND capitalizes on directional decision, buries BCC with first-half onslaught to reach state final four

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson reacts to a goal-scoring opportunity narrowly missed during the second half of Wednesday's Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional against Bloomington Central Catholic in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — Mother Nature posed a challenge no matter which direction the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team chose to attack in the first half Wednesday night. Sun in the eyes or wind in the face. So Raiders coach Greg Reis asked goalkeepers coach Kasey Gerding for his opinion on which way to go.…

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Photo gallery: QND soccer team beats Bloomington Central Catholic in Class 1A super-sectional

Quincy Notre Dame's Jake Hoyt, left, marks a Bloomington Central Catholic attacker during Wednesday's Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team earned a spot in the state final four for the eighth time in program history, beating Bloomington Central Catholic 5-1 Wednesday night in the Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional. The Raiders (17-6-2) advance to face Elmhurst Timothy Christian (16-9) at 7 p.m. Friday at the EastSide…

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Quiet assassins: QND soccer team turns laser focus into rout of Mendota for sectional title

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson, left, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his fourth goal during Saturday's 7-1 victory over Mendota in the Class 1A sectional championship game in Mendota, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MENDOTA, Ill. — Everything Greg Reis observed Saturday morning left him convinced the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players had the right disposition to run down a sectional championship. “We had a special energy when we went to mass and then went to breakfast,” the QND coach said. Yet, the tone seemed to change when…

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Photo gallery: Quincy Notre Dame beats Mendota for Class 1A boys soccer sectional championship

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team celebrates the 16th sectional championship in program history after beating Mendota 7-1 Saturday in the Class 1A sectional title game in Mendota, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MENDOTA, Ill. — Gusting winds blowing right in the face of the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players did little to diminish the Raiders’ pursuit of a state championship. QND moved one step closer to that goal with a 7-1 victory over Mendota on Saturday in the Class 1A Mendota Sectional championship. Check out this…

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