Improvements along offensive, defensive lines continue giving Monroe City its edge

Monroe City lineman Lane Willard (70) and the rest of the Panthers' offensive front five continue opening holes for Quincy Mayfield (22), Dylan Ross (11) and Trey Smyser (1). | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team’s 39-20 loss to Lawson in Week Seven goes in the books as just that — a loss. But looking below the surface, Monroe City coach David Kirby saw a glimpse of the level to which his team is capable of playing. “That was a big eye-opener,”…

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‘It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere’: South Shelby heads to Monroe City for CCC opener

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering has led the Cardinals to 60 or more points in the first two weeks in preparation for the start of Clarence Cannon Conference play. | Photo courtesy Luke O'Laughlin

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team sees the train coming down the tracks. “The kids know what’s coming,” Panthers coach David Kirby said. And as the train that bears the name South Shelby quickly approaches, Kirby knows the kind of performance it will take to knock off the reigning Clarence Cannon Conference…

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‘We’re not soft like that’: Monroe City expects to improve after facing vaunted Valle Catholic in season opener

The Monroe City defense did its best to bottle up Valle Catholic during Friday night's game at Lankford Field in Monroe CIty, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Except for the final score, Dylan Ross wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Ross, a senior running back and linebacker for Monroe City, welcomed the challenge of facing 15-time state champion Valle Catholic in Week One. “If we play a cupcake Week One, we’re just going to be known as…

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Crim: Opportunity knocks for Monroe City as tradition-laden Valle Catholic comes calling

Monroe City coach David Kirby and the Panthers will square off against Valle Catholic in the season opener Friday night at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — At long last, the high school football season kicks off Friday night in both Illinois and Missouri. There will be the usual rivalry games — Quincy Notre Dame will host Quincy High School and Hannibal will host Jefferson City Helias. And Camp Point Central will open the defense of its state championship at…

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Countdown to kickoff: Going on deep playoff run is major part of Monroe City’s motivation

The Monroe City football team finished 8-3 last season, but the Panthers want to return to being a program with its sights set on chasing a state championship. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Being involved in lopsided playoff football games was nothing new for Monroe City. Being on the losing end was. Bowling Green scored four touchdowns on eight offensive plays in the first quarter of last season’s Class 2 District 7 semifinal game, led 44-0 at halftime to prompt a running clock for…

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Monroe City’s state title pursuit ends with semifinal loss to Adrian

Monroe City football coach David Kirby addresses his team following Saturday's 32-16 loss to Adrian in the Class 1 state semifinals. | Photo courtesy Zach Richardson, KHQA

ADRIAN, Mo. — Even in the wake of a hurts-down-to-your-soul kind of loss, Monroe City football coach David Kirby needed the Panthers to remember one valuable thing. “I said this all year long,” Kirby said. “We are not victims. We are victors. You make sure you hold your head high through anything.” After losing 32-16…

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