‘First one feels good’: Hannibal’s Williams scores touchdown during Notre Dame’s spring game

Hannibal product Aneyas Williams, here speaking at a press conference earlier this spring, scored on a 7-yard touchdown run during Saturday's Blue-Gold Game in South Bend, Ind. | Submitted photo

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Aneyas Williams’ smile said it all. The Hannibal product’s first touchdown run in front of a crowd in Notre Dame Stadium felt as electric as it looked. “First one feels good,” Williams said in a brief interview on the sideline posted on the University of Notre Dame football team’s social media…

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Schuckman: Changes are happening and will help Killday, Hawks create right trajectory

Quincy University football coach Jason Killday is implementing changes that seem subtle at the moment but will have a long-lasting impact on the success of the program. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The changes are subtle, probably unnoticeable to many. For those who see them, follow them, abide by them and trust them, the payoff should be substantial, at least that’s what the Quincy University football players need to be thinking. The transition to a new head coach with new standards and ideals to go…

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Photo gallery: QU football team hits midpoint of spring practice with energetic effort

The Quincy University football team is halfway through its spring practices and making strides in Jason Killday's first year as head coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Halfway to the nearest finish line, but only just beginning the process. That’s where the Quincy University football team finds itself. The Hawks wrapped up their eighth spring practice Friday afternoon at QU Stadium with a spirited, energetic effort that moves them a step closer to the spring game. Quincy will engage in…

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Charges dropped against former QHS all-state running back accused in Iowa State gambling probe

Former Iowa State University running back Jirehl Brock, a Quincy High School all-stater and the Blue Devils' all-time leading rusher, had gambling charges against him dismissed Friday by a judge in Story County, Iowa. | Photo courtesy Iowa State athletics

AMES, Iowa — Jirehl Brock no longer has to worry what a conviction on a tampering of records charge might entail. Friday, the former Quincy High School all-state running back learned the charges against him and three other former Iowa State University athletes were being dismissed by a Story County judge after evidence showed the…

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Legacy of retiring Truman State football coach Gregg Nesbitt is one of respect, admiration

Truman State football Gregg Nesbitt announced his retirement Friday after spending the past 14 seasons guiding the Bulldogs. | Photo courtesy Truman State athletics

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — The reaction to Friday’s news that Truman State football coach Gregg Nesbitt is retiring spoke volumes about the legacy he leaves. It’s one of respect, admiration and praise. Nesbitt has earned all of that. A native of Hannibal, Mo., who played football at Truman State (then known as Northeast Missouri State) in…

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Killday’s first recruiting class at QU features local ties, building blocks in trenches

Quincy High School linebacker Ty Douglas, left, and wide receiver Adon Byquist are key components of the Quincy University football team's recruiting class. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Having spent the past 14 years recruiting the I-55 corridor between Chicago and St. Louis, Quincy University football coach Jason Killday understands there is a wealth of talent between the two metro areas. You just have to look. “You have to be able to dig in the dirt a little bit and find…

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Pro football future still exists for QU’s Wilson after being selected in UFL dispersal draft

Former Quincy University offensive lineman BJ Wilson was selected by the San Antonio Brahmas in the United Football League's dispersal draft. | Matt Schuckman photo

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — BJ Wilson is getting another chance to prove he belongs on a professional football team’s roster. Wilson, the Quincy University graduate who was an All-Great Lakes Valley Conference left tackle, was selected in the United Football League’s dispersal draft by the San Antonio Brahmas. He is expected to join the Brahmas…

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College notebook: Former QU assistant coach guiding nation’s No. 1-ranked NCAA D-II team

Minnesota State-Moorhead coach Tim Bergstraser, a former Quincy University assistant coach, has the Dragons at 14-0 and atop the NCAA Division II national poll. | Photo courtesy Minnesota State-Moorhead

QUINCY — The new No. 1-ranked men’s basketball team in NCAA Division II is being led by a former Quincy University assistant coach. Minnesota State-Moorhead moved to the top on the National Basketball Coaches Association poll this week with a 14-0 record, displacing reigning D-II national champion Nova Southeastern after the Sharks had their 62-game…

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Schuckman: Mizzou will play for national championship someday, right?

Mizzou quarterback Brady Cook, who led the Tigers to an 11-2 season, brings the team out of the locker room prior to an October game against LSU at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Someday, right? That’s what I keep telling myself. Following Michigan’s victory in Monday night’s national championship game, several colleagues and friends who are devout Wolverines fans took to social media to celebrate. It had been 27 years since Michigan, the winningest program in college football history, had captured a crown. So jump, shout,…

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‘He is the right guy for this program’: QU introduces Killday as new football coach

Jason Killday talks about his approach as a coach during Wednesday's press conference in which he was introduced as the new Quincy University football coach. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jason Killday has never been a job chaser. “Occasionally, you see something you kind of raise your eyebrow to and think, ‘That’d be interesting,’ said Killday, who spent the last eight seasons as the offensive coordinator with the Truman State football program after six seasons on the Quincy University staff.  “My goal has…

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Schuckman: Strong roots in community, football make Killday right choice to guide QU program

Quincy University President Dr. Brian McGee, left, congratulates Jason Killday after he was introduced as the Hawks' new football coach during a press conference Wednesday in the Hall of Fame room on the QU campus, while QU athletic director Josh Rabe looks on. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Roots run deep in the Killday family, where the family farm outside of Winchester, Ill., remains the beacon that draws everyone home. Josh Rabe wants Quincy University to have the same magnetism. So for the second time this calendar year, when faced with having to hire a head coach for a high-profile program,…

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‘This is about going home’: QU football coach resigns to take reins of Virginia-Wise program

Quincy University football coach Gary Bass, right, resigned after seven seasons at the helm to take over the program at the University of Virginia-Wise. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Appalachian Mountains are calling Gary Bass home. The North Carolina native who spent the past 12 college football seasons coaching at Quincy University, including the last seven as head coach, resigned Tuesday morning after accepting an offer to become the head coach at the University of Virginia-Wise, an NCAA Division II program.…

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WIU tabs EIU offensive coordinator Joe Davis to be next head football coach

Joe Davis, who spent the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator at Eastern Illinois University, has been named the new head football coach at Western Illinois University. | Photo courtesy EIU Athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — Joe Davis’ task is to bring gridiron success from east to west. The Eastern Illinois University offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, fresh off an eight-win season in Charleston, Ill., was named Sunday as the new head football coach at Western Illinois University. “Joe clearly met the expectations that we have for our…

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QU’s Tabakovic earns first-team All-GLVC honors, Palmyra’s Plunkett among second-team picks

Quincy University senior defensive lineman David Tabakovic, left, was a first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team’s season, which ended with just the fifth winning record in the past 28 years, resulted in 15 players earning All-Great Lakes Valley Conference honors. Senior defensive lineman David Tabakovic was the Hawks’ lone first-team selection. The 6-foot-2 Tabakovic led the Hawks with 15 tackles for loss and 8.5…

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Crim: Comeback against Florida shows Mizzou football team not destined to continue trend of disappointing finishes

Wide receiver Luther Burden III and the Mizzou football team rallied to beat Florida last Saturday to improve to 9-2. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Maybe the perception of the Missouri football program is changing. Coming off a 36-7 demolition of Tennessee after going toe-to-toe with top-ranked Georgia between the hedges, the Tigers moved up to ninth in the College Football Playoff rankings. There was talk of a New Year’s Six bowl game. They were double-digit home favorites…

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Officiating blunders leave QU football coaches, players angry and frustrated following loss

Quincy University football coach Gary Bass will be submitting video evidence to the Great Lakes Valley Conference office illustrating missed calls by the officiating crew during Saturday's 41-34 loss to McKendree at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass is fighting mad. Everyone in the Great Lakes Lakes Conference administration, especially Mike McCann, who is the league’s supervisor of football officials, is going to hear and see why. The Hawks suffered a 41-34 loss to McKendree on Saturday at QU Stadium. Bass won’t deny his team…

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Ground and pound: Hawks control line of scrimmage, flatten Cardinals with running game

Quincy University running back JQ Brown runs away from the William Jewell defense on a 68-yard touchdown burst to open Saturday's game in Liberty, Mo. | Photo courtesy Jeb Jarman

LIBERTY, Mo. — After the Quincy University football team rushed for more than 200 yards against Truman State, Hawks coach Gary Bass figured he needed to see his offensive linemen in a different light. “I was like, ‘Damn, maybe that group’s better than I give them credit for,’” he said. Saturday, they delivered another statement…

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Truman State methodically erases QU’s lead, rallies to win GLVC showdown in overtime

Truman State quarterback Nolan Hair outruns the Quincy University defense to the front corner of the end zone for a game-winning 20-yard touchdown in overtime Saturday at Stokes Stadium in Kirksville, Mo. | Photo courtesy Truman State athletics/Timothy Barcus

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Coming oh-so-close hurts oh-so-much. Quincy University football coach Gary Bass felt that pain for his players Saturday afternoon. The Hawks grabbed a 20-0 lead over No. 24 Truman State in the first 13 minutes of their first road game of the season, but managed to score just seven points over the remaining…

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Hawks finish homestand with best start since 1994 following resilient effort against Bearcats

Quincy University safety Joseph Webb, left, brings down Southwest Baptist running back Abel Carter during Saturday's Great Lakes Valley Conference game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — The schedule gave the Quincy University football team every opportunity to build some momentum before facing the Great Lakes Valley Conference’s heavyweights. All the Hawks needed to do was be resilient enough to take advantage of it. Saturday, the Hawks proved they were. Quincy trailed Southwest Baptist for a majority of the second…

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Second-half surge carries QU football team to third stright victory heading into GLVC play

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett, left, pressures Northern Michigan quarterback Mariano Valenti during Saturday's game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An air of frustration in the Quincy University football team’s locker room seemed inevitable. Twice during the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Northern Michigan, the Hawks forced and recovered fumbles that gave them possession at the Wildcats’ 27-yard line both times. Neither time did Quincy score. First, the Hawks missed a 43-yard…

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Hawks’ Davis sets friendships with former teammates aside to lead Hawks to victory

Quincy University quarterback Drake Davis threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns during Saturday's 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As the Quincy University football team prepared for its final non-conference game, Drake Davis needed to shift his way of thinking. Friends were now foes. Northern Michigan visited QU Stadium on Saturday, which meant Davis, the Hawks’ first-year starting quarterback, was going up against his former teammates. Davis transferred to Quincy after deciding…

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Photo gallery: QU football team heads into GLVC play following victory over Northern Michigan

Quincy University wide receivers Travis Isaac, left, and Jalen Lawrence react after Isaac scored on an 8-yard touchdown pass Saturday against Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team is taking a three-game winning streak into Great Lakes Valley Conference play following Saturday’s 45-27 victory over Northern Michigan at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at the venerable stadium and put together this photo gallery:

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Lightning strikes, Hawks roll: QU football team puts away Fort Lauderdale with 42-point first half

Quincy University junior running back Jadon Washington, right, looks for running room Saturday against the University of Fort Lauderdale at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Denny Sinnock

QUINCY — It turns out three quarters was enough. The Quincy University football team led the University of Fort Lauderdale 42-0 at halftime Saturday at QU Stadium, tacked on another touchdown in the third quarter and went to the locker room due to a lightning delay with a 49-0 edge. The game resumed and teams…

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Schuckman: Those criticizing QU’s lopsided victory need to dig deeper to see final score didn’t come from lack of sportsmanship

Quincy University running back Teon Dollard — the Hawks' third-string back — breaks loose for a 54-yard gain in the second quarter of last Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The only way to truly understand how the Quincy University football coaches handled a situation none of them enjoyed would have been to be one of the few on the sidelines or in the coaches’ booth wearing a headset. Without being privy to those conversations, it’s difficult to claim the Hawks chose to…

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Schuckman: Weekend filled with football is reminder connections and people matter most

Macomb athletic director Steve Horrell and his grandsons show how football connects families, generations and people. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Waking up Monday morning, I realized there is one undeniable truth in life. The world is a better place when there is a weekend filled with football. Here’s why: Football is about connections more than it is collisions. Friday night, with my pickup truck parked next to the fence wrapped around the Airstrip…

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Hawks set single-game scoring record with 89-0 drubbing of Crusaders

Quincy University tight end Hans Wisnewski (81) celebrates his 31-yard touchdown reception with offensive lineman Austin Dearing (74) during Saturday's game against Madonna University at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The video from Saturday’s 89-0 sandblasting of Madonna University could be an invaluable tool for Quincy University football coach Gary Bass and his staff to use in molding the depth chart this season and evaluating how to build future rosters. Now the coaches possess film on everyone. The highest-scoring game in program history…

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Photo gallery: QU football team rewrites single-game records in whitewashing of Madonna

Quincy University quarterback Ike Wiley, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate, looks to pass during the second quarter of Saturday's game against Madonna at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team established new single-game records for points scored and margin of victory during Saturday’s 89-0 lambasting of Madonna University at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this photo gallery:

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QU’s Plunkett earns GLVC Defensive Player of the Week after big plays against Chadron State

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week after returning a fumble 91 yards for a touchdown and setting up another score with an interception last Thursday night against Chadron State. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A new number. Same attitude and effort. Peyton Plunkett’s aggressive approach to playing linebacker for the Quincy University football team is why he is considered a lynchpin of the Hawks’ defense. It showed in the season-opening 35-34 loss to Chadron State as Plunkett helped the Hawks dig out of a 22-0 hole to…

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C-SC unable to move ball efficiently in suffering second straight road loss to open season

MARSHALL, Mo. — Struggles offensively led to the Culver-Stockton College football team suffering its second consecutive road loss to open the season. The Wildcats managed just 60 yards rushing and amassed just 268 total yards in a 28-7 loss to Missouri Valley College on Saturday night at Gregg-Mitchell Field. C-SC played without starting quarterback Brock…

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College football tracker: Former area prep gridiron standouts ready for season openers

Quincy Notre Dame graduate Jonny Bottorff, left, will be the starting center when the Northern Arizona football team opens its season Saturday at Arizona. | Photo courtesy Northern Arizona athletics

QUINCY — The first weekend of the college football season puts familiar faces in new places, new roles and new positions. Here is a look at some area football products as their seasons get underway:  • A pair of Clarence Cannon Conference products are expected to play a role in the Truman State football team’s…

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Same old situation? Hawks say not at all despite Eagles’ late TD costing them season opener

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, right, looks to attack a ball carrier after the snap during the first half Thursday night against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Some may see it as the same old song and dance. Jackson Connell insists it’s a different tune, and he’s been around the Quincy University football program long enough to know the difference. Sure, the self-inflicted wounds responsible for allowing Chadron State to sneak out of QU Stadium on Thursday night with a…

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Photo gallery: QU football team opens season under lights against Chadron State

Quincy University senior defensive end David Tabakovic leads the Hawks onto the field for Thursday night's season opener against Chadron State at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team opened its season Thursday night, rallying from a 22-point deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter before Chadron State scored in the final minute to snare a 35-34 victory at QU Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was on the sideline and put together this…

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Inside QU football: Five players who will impact how much success Hawks enjoy

Quincy University linebacker Peyton Plunkett is expected to be one of the central figures in the middle of the Hawks' defense this season. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team kicks off its season Thursday night by welcoming Chadron State, an NCAA Division II program in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, to QU Stadium. The Hawks are coming off a 4-7 season — their seventh consecutive losing season — but have the advantage of playing eight home games…

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Last-minute drive ends with interception, leaving C-SC football team with loss in season opener

YANKTON, S.D. — Houston Swan nearly engineered a drive to remember Saturday night. Instead, the Culver-Stockton College football team has to figure out how to regroup. Forced into action when C-SC starting quarterback Brock Nellor was ejected after receiving a second unsportsmanlike penalty, Swan, the redshirt freshman backup quarterback, took the reins of the offense…

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QHS graduate Brock voluntarily leaves Iowa State football program, still faces gambling charges

Quincy High School graduate Jirehl Brock, right, was expected to by the Iowa State football team's starting tailback this season, but he voluntarily left the program after being charged in a gambling probe. | Photo courtesy Iowa State athletics

AMES, Iowa — Jirehl Brock’s career with the Iowa State football program is over, and with it, his time playing at the NCAA Division I level likely is as well. According to a story published by the Des Moines Register on Monday afternoon, Brock voluntarily left the Cyclones football program. The Register said the information…

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Interim Northwestern football coach began college coaching career at Culver-Stockton

Northwestern interim football coach David Braun spent the 2010 season as the defensive coordinator at Culver-Stockton College. | Photo courtesy Northwestern Athletics

CANTON, Mo. — The interim coach responsible for stabilizing the Northwestern football program during a tumultuous offseason began his coaching career at Culver-Stockton College. Last Friday, David Braun was elevated from defensive coordinator to interim head coach by the Northwestern administration. He replaces Pat Fitzgerald, who was fired last week amid a hazing scandal in…

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Offensive tackle Wilson becomes first QU player ever to sign contract with NFL franchise

Quincy University left tackle BJ Wilson signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers this week, becoming the first player in QU history to sign with an NFL franchise. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — BJ Wilson was standing in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport when he received the phone call that made him part of Quincy University football history. In the midst of so many people, the 6-foot-7, 320-pound Wilson tried his best not to make a scene. “I’m in a crowded airport in a very public…

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Seizing opportunity gives WIU product chance to help Chiefs win another Lombardi Trophy

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, a Western Illinois University product, will play in his second Super Bowl this Sunday when the Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. | Photo courtesy WIU Athletics

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An opportunity is all Khalen Saunders ever needed. Western Illinois University provided one. So have the Kansas City Chiefs. Because of those, Saunders is living out a dream yet again this week as he prepares to play in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. It is the 6-foot,…

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College notebook: Northeast Missouri native Kirby Cannon joins QU football coaching staff

Alexandria, Mo., native and former Austin Peay State University coach Kirby Cannon will be joining the Quincy University football coaching staff as the defensive backs coach. | Photo courtesy APSU Athletics

QUINCY — Imagine Quincy University football coach Gary Bass’ surprise when a former FCS head coach expressed interest in joining the Hawks’ staff. Suddenly, one of the youngest groups of coaches in the Great Lakes Valley Conference had the opportunity for an injection of experience. Kirby Cannon will certainly provide that. A native of Alexandria,…

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Hawks’ Wilson, Bulldogs’ Griffith earn first-team All-GLVC football honors

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson was a first-team All-Great Lakes Valley Conference selection. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An Achilles tendon injury kept Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson from completing a remarkable feat to end his collegiate career. It did nothing to diminish the impact he had. The Great Lakes Valley Conference football coaches were well aware of that. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound Wilson missed the Hawks’ regular-season finale against William…

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Turnovers prove costly as QU football team falters in season finale, finishes last in GLVC standings

QUINCY — Gary Bass didn’t waste time lamenting a season-ending loss. He had other plans in mind. “I’m going to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” the Quincy University football coach said. Recruiting. Fund-raising. Facility improvements. All have to be addressed immediately if the Hawks want to rebound from Saturday’s 17-7 Great Lakes…

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Crim: Georgia on every college football fan’s mind as best team after throttling Tennessee

After throttling Tennessee's high-scoring offense last Saturday, Georgia is clearly the team to beat in the College Football Playoff. | Submitted photo

What did we learn last weekend in college football? Defending champion Georgia is clearly the best team after throttling the high-powered Tennessee offense, Alabama is no longer invincible after losing on the road for the second time, and Illinois is not quite ready for prime time after falling at home to a struggling Michigan State…

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QU offensive tackle accepts invitation to participate in East-West Shrine Bowl

Quincy University senior left tackle B.J. Wilson will participate in the 98th East-West Shrine Bowl in February in Las Vegas. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — B.J. Wilson’s invitation to play in the 98th East-West Shrine Bowl isn’t some run-of-the-mill honor tossed around to whoever might be available to play. This is a direct path to the NFL. The 6-foot-7, 320-pound Quincy University left tackle accepted an invitation this week to play in college football’s most elite all-star game…

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Griffith, Bulldogs run Hawks into ground to stay on course for shot at GLVC championship

Truman State running back Shamar Griffith, a Hannibal native, breaks free from a tackle attempt by a Quincy University defender during Saturday's game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — Welcome home, Shamar Griffith. Well, it’s as close to home as the former Hannibal all-state running back is going to get throughout his collegiate football career. Griffith, who transferred from Missouri Western to Truman State, enjoyed his finest performance as a Bulldog on Saturday, rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown as Truman…

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Hawks’ Harris earns second GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honor

Quincy University quarterback Tionne Harris threw for 469 yards and three touchdowns in last week's 63-62 overtime victory at McKendree. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tionne Harris kept slinging the football. His receivers kept catching it. And the Quincy University football team kept scoring. What it all added up to was one of the best single-game passing performances in program history, an epic comeback in an overtime victory, and another Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the…

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Crim: College football, Hall of Fame closers, baseball playoffs and QU basketball on the mind

Tennessee's 52-49 victory over Alabama on Saturday rocked the college football world. | Photo courtesy University of Tennessee athletics

Notes, quotes and great thoughts from a sports weekend that, for the first time in a month, did not include my alma mater turning a winnable college football game into an excruciating loss: OK, so Missouri was on a bye. No game, no angst. Surely the Tigers won’t lose on Saturday to Vanderbilt, the only…

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Orndorff engineers fourth-quarter comeback as C-SC opens North Division play with victory

Culver-Stockton College running back Demarquez Johnson looks for running room during Saturday's game against Graceland at Ellison Poulton Stadium in Canton, Mo. | Photo courtesy Lisa Wigoda, C-SC Athletics

CANTON, Mo. — Trailing by a point heading into the fourth quarter of its Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division opener, the Culver-Stockton College football team showed the poise expected of a team that has been in the trenches. Junior quarterback Jase Orndorff directed a pair of crucial scoring drives and the Wildcats clamped…

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‘Biggest win since I’ve been here’: QU football team rallies on coach’s birthday to end drought against McKendree

The Quincy University football team celebrated head coach Gary Bass' 39th birthday by beating McKendree 63-62 in Great Lakes Valley Conference action at Leemon Field in Lebanon, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

LEBANON, Ill. — Gary Bass had a simple wish for his 39th birthday. “All I wanted was a victory,” the Quincy University football coach said. First, he had to endure some stress-filled moments before blowing out the candles in historic fashion. Trailing by as many as 21 points on three separate occasions Saturday afternoon, the…

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Action Jackson: Connell’s pick-six sparks Hawks in second-half shellacking of Panthers

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, left, gets mobbed by teammates Peyton Plunkett, center, and Joseph Webb after returning an interception 72 yards for a touchdown on Saturday afternoon against Kentucky Wesleyan at QU Stadium.

QUINCY — The signature moment of Jackson Connell’s season — probably of his collegiate football career as well — meant so much more than six points on the scoreboard. It’s how he finally put short-term disappointment and long-term setbacks behind him. With Quincy University leading Kentucky Wesleyan 19-3 in the closing minutes of the third…

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Leathernecks unable to sustain momentum after strong start to second half

Western Illinois University running back Jaylen Reed looks for running room during Saturday's game against Northern Iowa in Macomb, Ill. | Photo courtesy WIU Athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — After a scoreless first quarter, the Northern Iowa football team put things together, earning its first victory of the season, topping Western Illinois University 52-17 at Hanson Field on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Leathernecks to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Leathernecks and Panthers went toe-to-toe…

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Schuckman: Progress defensively gives Hawks chance to compete while waiting for offense to find its consistency

Quincy University freshman defensive lineman Sawyer Krueger, right, reacts after a tackle for loss during Saturday's 34-14 loss to Ashland at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It goes in the ledger as a loss, but in terms of progress being made — from Week 1 to Week 4 this season and over the course of the last 364 days — Saturday’s outcome needs to be viewed as a small step in the right direction for the Quincy University football…

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Photo gallery: QU football team battles No. 12 Ashland at QU Stadium

Ashland running back Geo'vonni Wahsington, right, stiff-arms Quincy University defensive Sa'hron Cunningham during Saturday's game at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University football team celebrated Homecoming by welcoming 12th-ranked Ashland to QU Stadium on Saturday. Check out the action through the camera lens of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman:

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Struggles offensively in second half doom C-SC football team in loss at home

Culver-Stockton College quarterback Jase Orndorff scrambles during Saturday night's game against Missouri Valley College in Canton, Mo. | David Adam photo

CANTON, Mo. — A week after turning the ball over 10 times in a loss at Evangel, the Culver-Stockton College football team gave another game away. This time, it was the inability to sustain a second-half drive. Missouri Valley College scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and C-SC was shut out in the second…

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Hawks’ Harris earns GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honors after record-setting performance

Quincy University quarterback Tionne Harris picked up the Great Lakes Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week honor after throwing six touchdown passes in last Thursday's victory over Trinity International. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU athletics

QUINCY — Tionne Harris hung out on the Quincy University football team’s sideline during the second half of last Thursday’s game against Trinity International having put his pads away and changed into shorts. The junior quarterback did enough in the first half to break a school record, propel the Hawks to their first victory of…

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College football notebook: Brock hits 100-yard mark, Personett and Boyer contribute to Scots’ blowout, Griffith scores TD for Bulldogs

Former Quincy High School all-stater Jirehl Brock looks for running room during Saturday's game against Iowa. The Iowa State junior running back finished with 100 yards rushing in the Cyclones' 10-7 victory in Iowa City, Iowa. | Photo courtesy Roy Dabner

QUINCY — For the first time since Jirehl Brock stepped on the Iowa State University campus and the first time in Matt Campbell’s coaching tenure, the Iowa State football team took the Cy-Hawk Trophy back to Ames. Saturday’s 10-7 victory over Iowa at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa, ended the Hawkeyes’ six-game win streak…

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WIU’s ball-hawking start against Minnesota fades in lopsided loss to Big Ten opponent

The Western Illinois University defense celebrates after forcing and recovering a fumble by Minnesota on the opening possession of Saturday's game in Minneapolis. | Photo courtesy Rachael Keating, WIU athletics

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — If Western Illinois University defensive coordinator Todd Drury could script the start to every game, he’d pencil in the result of the opening series Saturday against Minnesota. Force a fumble, recover it and put the Leathernecks’ offense in prime position. That’s how it went against the Golden Gophers. After a 2-yard reception…

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Deep six: Harris throws for record-setting six TDs as Hawks rebound by overwhelming Trojans

Quincy University wide receiver AJ Hardin heads for the end zone after catching one of quarterback Tionne Harris' record-breaking six touchdown passes during Thursday night's victory over Trinity International at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, QU Athletics

QUINCY — Tionne Harris tried the best he could to not allow himself to break into a smile. Better luck next time. “Six touchdowns … yeah, that’s pretty cool,” Quincy University’s junior quarterback finally admitted, with an ear-to-ear grin punctuating what had been a record-setting performance. The 5-foot-8 junior threw a Hawks record six touchdown…

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Crim: Pujols’ surge, Iowa’s meager offense and Williams’ record-setting effort provide stats, numbers to ponder

Hannibal's Aneyas Williams makes a touchdown catch between two Jefferson City defenders during Friday night's game in Jefferson City, Mo. It was one of eight TDs Williams scored, breaking the single-game school record. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Stats, stats and more stats for your reading pleasure on a leisurely Labor Day. Every Cardinals fan knows 42-year-old Albert Pujols looked like a younger version of himself at the plate in August, fueling a surge that propelled St. Louis to the top of the National League’s Central Division. Just how hot was he? Jayson…

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Rhythm and power: Brock enjoys 100-yard rushing effort in season opener for Cyclones

Quincy High School graduate Jirehl Brock rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown in his first regular-season start at Iowa State in Saturday's 42-10 victory over Southeast Missouri State at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. | Photo courtesy Luke Lu/Iowa State Athletics

AMES, Iowa — Quincy High School football fans remember these kinds of plays well. Jirehl Brock gets to the edge, turns upfield, jukes a defender, powers through a defender and finishes the play with a bull-dozing mentality. Iowa State fans saw how that looked Saturday. Brock’s signature run of his first 100-yard collegiate performance came…

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New season, nothing new: QU football team’s defense leaks heavily in season-opening loss

Glenville State wide receiver Javian Bellamy, center, eludes the tackle of Quincy University linebacker Trevon Rhodes during Thursday night's game at QU Stadium. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett, Quincy University

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass didn’t sugarcoat things after the Hawks’ season-opening 44-15 loss to Glenville State Thursday night at QU Stadium. “We got punched in the face, so we’ll see how well we respond next week,” Bass said. Glenville State, an NCAA Division II school from Glenville, W. Va., didn’t take…

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Schuckman: Brock, Aschemann, others ready to seize opportunity as college football season begins

Quincy High School graduate Jirehl Brock, right, will start as the No. 1 tailback for Iowa State University when the Cyclones open the season at home Saturday against Southeast Missouri. | Photo courtesy Iowa State athletics

QUINCY — Jirehl Brock patiently waited for his chance. Zack Aschemann decided to take another chance. Cody Schrader chased his chance. And Caden Selle earned a chance. Therein lies the beauty of college football. An opportunity always exists if you wholeheartedly pursue it. Brock, the former Quincy High School all-stater and all-time leading rusher, will…

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QU football team embarks on new season with defense featuring new attitude, demeanor

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson will anchor an offensive line ready to create more record-setting moments. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Even if he had tried, Gary Bass wasn’t going to find a credible defense for the Quincy University football team’s defensive effort. So the Hawks’ head coach did what was necessary. He fixed the problem. Bass, heading into his sixth season at the helm, made changes within the coaching staff, brought in crucial…

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Commitment to rebuilding WIU football program from within gives ‘Necks solid foundation

The defensive line, along with the offensive front, appears to be a strength for the Western Illinois University football team heading into Thursday's season opener at Tennessee-Martin. | Photo courtesy WIU athletics

MACOMB, Ill. — The five returning players that sat to each side of Western Illinois University football coach Myers Hendrickson at media day felt like they had a stake in the rebuilding of the Leathernecks. In a time when the NCAA’s transfer portal makes it easy to find a way out, those players wanted to…

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Crim: Illinois, Mizzou searching for improvement, consistency as college football season dawns

Illinois junior running back Chase Brown and the Illini got the reason started with a 38-6 thumping of Wyoming on Saturday in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy University of Illinois athletics

In case you missed it, Alabama is once again the consensus pick to win the college football national championship, with Ohio State nipping at its heels, and so yawn. Sure, Georgia, Clemson and Utah have the potential to reach the four-team playoff, but the Crimson Tide are expected to avenge last season’s championship game loss…

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Balance, defensive aggressiveness highlight QU football program’s first preseason scrimmage

Quincy University linebacker Jackson Connell, left, runs down a running back during Saturday's scrimmage at QU Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Revamping a defense that statistically ranked among the worst in NCAA Division II last fall starts with a single mission. Become more aggressive. The Quincy University football program’s first scrimmage of the preseason revealed a defense hell bent on being a collective nuisance. The Hawks swarmed ball carriers, harassed wide receivers and delivered…

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Culver-Stockton College lands at No. 22 in NAIA preseason football poll

Culver-Stockton College football coach Tom Sallay has transformed the Wildcats into a nationally respected program as he enters his sixth season at the helm. | Photo courtesy C-SC athletics

CANTON, Mo. — Upon arriving on the Culver-Stockton College campus, Jase Orndorff heard the stories of the bleak days of the football team. He doesn’t want the Wildcats to ever experience that again. “Now it’s my job as the quarterback and one of the captains to keep us playing at a high level,” said Orndorff,…

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GLVC coaches pick QU football team to finish sixth in preseason poll

Quincy University linebacker Peyten Chappel, left, and left tackle B.J. Wilson answer questions during the GLVC Kickoff on Friday at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett

LEBANON, Ill. — There is excitement bubbling around the prospects of the Quincy University football team trotting out an offense that could challenge some of the single-season records the Hawks established last season. At the same time, there is concern about a defense that was one of the worst in the nation in NCAA Division…

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C-SC picked to finish second in Heart’s North Division in preseason football coaches’ poll

Senior quarterback Jase Orndorff will lead the Culver-Stockton College football team this fall in pursuit of a Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division championship. | Photo courtesy C-SC athletics

CANTON, Mo. — With success has come respect for the Culver-Stockton College football program. That is obvious with how the Heart of America Athletic Conference coaches voted in the league’s annual preseason poll. The Wildcats, coming off an historic 8-3 season last fall, were picked second in the Heart’s North Division. Three-time defending division champion…

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QU senior offensive tackle receives mention on Shrine Bowl 1,000 list

Quincy University left tackle B.J. Wilson is one of 29 NCAA Division II players to be named to the Shrine Bowl 1,000 list. | Photo courtesy Quincy University athletics

QUINCY — B.J. Wilson understood Quincy University football coach Gary Bass had a vision. That doesn’t mean Wilson shared it. “I did not think I was going to like O-line,” said the 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle. Bass felt Wilson’s mixture of size and athleticism — he was a 240-pound tight end from St. Louis University…

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Spring game gives QU football program opportunity to showcase growth

The Quincy University football team's defense made significant strides this spring, where were on display Saturday night during the annual spring game at QU Stadium. Photo courtesy Max Bennett

QUINCY — Gary Bass put himself in the crosshairs. His team then took aim at ending the spring the right way. During Saturday afternoon’s build-up to the Quincy University football program’s spring game, the Hawks’ sixth-year coach willingly climbed into a dunk tank and got dumped into the water during a tailgate party a short…

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Crim: With NFL draft looming, Culver-Stockton College’s Rupcich ready to see dream come true

Culver-Stockton College left tackle Andrew Rupcich could have his name called during the NFL draft, which takes place April 28-30 in Las Vegas. Photo courtesy C-SC Athletics

CANTON, Mo. — The list of football players with ties to Culver-Stockton College who have been selected in an NFL draft begins and ends with Bob Hendren. The offensive lineman, who enrolled in C-SC before transferring to the University of Southern California, was chosen by Washington in the seventh round in 1946, when the league…

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Photo gallery: QU football team’s first spring scrimmage

The Quincy University defense collapses on a ballcarrier during Saturday's scrimmage at QU Stadium. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy University football coach Gary Bass made it clear to the Hawks’ defense what the matra needed to be throughout spring practice. Play smart. Play hard. Play fast. So far, that’s working. The Hawks showed considerable improvement defensively during Saturday’s controlled scrimmage at QU Stadium, doing more gang tackling than one-on-one tackling as…

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QU football team finds upgrades defensively, talent throughout region in recruiting class

Palmyra product Peyton Plunkett, who played at Northwest Missouri State, is transferring to Quincy University as part of the Hawks' recruiting class. Photo courtesy Northwest Missouri State

QUINCY — To replenish and restore the Quincy University football program’s roster, Hawks coach Gary Bass gave his coaches a pair of priorities to follow on the recruiting trail. One, talent and versatility are a must. Two, make it a regional class and forego a nationwide scope. The end result is a signing class featuring…

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Culver-Stockton’s Rupcich, Huffman receive NAIA All-American honors from AFCA

Culver-Stockton College senior left tackle Andrew Rupcich, left, and senior middle linebacker Dalton Huffman, right, were named to the NAIA All-American team. Photos courtesy C-SC Athletics

CANTON, Mo. — The record-setting and high-profile careers of Culver-Stockton College left tackle Andrew Rupcich and middle linebacker Dalton Huffman were capped Monday with both receiving American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-American honors. Rupcich was a first-team selection for a third straight season, while Huffman was a second-team pick who earned the first All-American honors…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, October 23

Hannibal’s Kendel Locke tips the ball during the Pirates' district semifinal game against Fulton on Saturday at Korf Gym. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

Girls Volleyball At Korf Gym, Hannibal, Mo. Class 4 District 8: Top-seeded Hannibal advanced to the district championship match with a 25-15, 25-17, 25-16 victory over Fulton. Bella Falconer led the Pirates with 25 kills, while Ashlyn Hess had 22 assists and Nora Hark had five kills and 12 assists. Hannibal will face second-seeded Warrenton…

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College notebook: Keck sets Maryville record with 25 kills in GLVC match

Quincy Notre Dame graduate Taylor Keck set a Maryville record for kills in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match with 25 kills against William Jewell. Photo courtesy Maryville athletics

ST. LOUIS — Taylor Keck helped the Maryville women’s volleyball team end a six-match losing streak with an historic effort. The Quincy Notre Dame graduate recorded 25 kills in a five-set, come-from-behind victory over William Jewell last week at Moloney Arena. The Saints won 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 25-20, 15-8 with Keck delivering kills on four…

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Turnovers haunt Wildcats as four-game winning streak ends

ATCHISON, Kan. — The Culver-Stockton College football team’s four-game winning streak was snapped Saturday afternoon with a 65-24 loss at Benedictine College. It’s the 32nd consecutive loss by the Wildcats against the Ravens. The Wildcats enter their bye week with a 4-2 record and will start Heart of America Athletic Conference divisional play Oct. 16…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, September 18

College Football At QU Stadium, Quincy Quincy University 38, Walsh 17. Click here for the story. At Gregg-Mitchell Field, Marshall, Mo. Culver-Stockton College 52, Missouri Valley 28. Click here for the story. Prep Football At Jacksonville, Ill. Jacksonville Routt 32, Unity-Payson 26. The Mustangs’ Cecil Hunt scored a pair of 12-yard touchdowns in the first…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, September 11

College Football At QU Stadium, Quincy Quincy University 59, Iowa Wesleyan 27 At Ellison Poulton Stadium, Canton, Mo. Culver-Stockton College 38, Evangel 35 Men’s Soccer At John Wood Community College, Quincy JWCC 2, Heartland 1: The Trail Blazers’ Adam Naim converted a penalty kick in the first overtime to knock off the nation’s No. 7…

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Wildcats end 26-game losing streak against Pioneers behind Orndorff’s five TD passes

OLATHE, Kan. — Jase Orndorff threw five touchdown passes as the Culver-Stockton College football team ended 26 years of frustration with a 37-19 victory over MidAmerica Nazarene University on Saturday afternoon at the Olathe District Activity Center. It was the Wildcats’ first victory over the Pioneers since a 45-43 decision at Ellison Poulton Stadium during…

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