Pirates relish passion, support Hannibal community showed during postseason run

By Steve Eighinger | December 4, 2021
Hannibal fans packed the west side of the Faurot Field stands in support of the Pirates during Friday's Class 4 state championship game against Smithville in Columbia, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Above all else, Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender and his players wanted the community to know how much they appreciated what they heard and saw Friday. “I can’t say enough about the town of Hannibal,” Gschwender said. “I have never seen anything like the support we get. I could not be more…

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Just gotta believe: Pirates’ ability to put trust in each other and their commitment leads to championship game berth

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 3, 2021
Hannibal senior quarterback Courtland Watson and the Pirates are one victory away from becoming the third team in program history to win a state championship. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — To achieve everything the Hannibal football team already has and could more potentially come Friday, one thing needed to be clear from the start. You just gotta believe. The Pirates had it in their heads they could be a state championship-caliber crew before taking a snap. “I think it came the first…

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