‘Landyn Essig is really fast’: Essig returns two kickoffs for touchdowns, scores four times in Pirates’ rout of Spartans

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | October 12, 2024
Landyn Essig had two kickoff returns for touchdown, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in Hannibal's 56-18 win over Moberly. — Photo by Shane Hulsey

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Landyn Essig’s encore performance was just as impressive as his opening act. With the Hannibal football team leading Moberly 41-18 at the start of the fourth quarter of Friday’s North Central Missouri Conference game at Porter Stadium, Essig had already run the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, rushed for a touchdown…

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‘He really expects us to be that good’: Early-season challenges bringing out best in Pirates

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | September 25, 2024
Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender goes over a play with his offense during a practice at Porter Stadium in preparation for Friday's game against Mexico in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Sometimes a team’s record doesn’t tell the whole story. Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender believes that is the case regarding the Pirates’ 2-2 start to 2024. “I feel like we’re a little better off than where I expected to be,” Gshwender said. Gschwender’s positive outlook stems from not only the Pirates’ lopsided…

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