Posts Tagged ‘Hannibal’
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…
Read MoreRejuvenated Hannibal volleyball squad whips past Illini West to kickstart another busy week
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Saturday was exhausting. Monday was relieving. After the Hannibal volleyball team played five matches in a nine-hour span at Saturday’s Quincy High School Invitational, a three-set victory in a match that took a little more than an hour was just what the doctor ordered 48 hours later. The Pirates made quick work…
Read MoreHannibal and other North Central Missouri Conference schools considering options as league folds
HANNIBAL, Mo. — With the future of North Central Missouri Conference members now in doubt, the remaining five schools now turn their attention to finding new homes. In a joint press release Thursday, Hannibal Public Schools, Kirksville School District, Marshall Public Schools, Mexico Public Schools, and Moberly School District announced the NCMC will dissolve after…
Read MoreBombers finish second, Pirates beat Blue Devils in cross-river rematch at QHS Invitational
QUINCY — After more than 10 hours of volleyball, it’s only fitting that the final match of Saturday’s Quincy High School Invitational provided another three-set thriller. Macomb outlasted Freeburg 25-13, 21-25, 15-9 to earn second place in the tournament. The Bombers fell behind 5-3 in the third set after a long, grueling rally that lasted…
Read More‘Landyn Essig is really fast’: Essig returns two kickoffs for touchdowns, scores four times in Pirates’ rout of Spartans
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…
Read MoreNorth Central Missouri Conference to dissolve following 2025-26 school year
The five remaining schools in the North Central Missouri Conference (NCMC) — Hannibal Public Schools, Kirksville School District, Marshall Public Schools, Mexico Public Schools, and Moberly School District have announced the dissolution of the North Central Missouri Conference, effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. Superintendents and activities directors from NCMC member schools…
Read MoreTigers hand Pirates rare NCMC loss by ending 26-year drought with one-point victory
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — For the Hannibal football team, it was a game of what-ifs. For Kirksville, it was a game of emphatic statements. The Tigers notched their first victory against the Pirates since 1998 by grinding out a 16-15 victory Friday at Spainhower Field. “We earned some football fans tonight,” Tigers coach Gregg Nesbitt said.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, Kirksville engage in old-fashioned slobberknocker in NCMC matchup
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Gregg Nesbitt and the Kirksville football team made history Friday night with the 16-15 victory over Hannibal, marking the Tigers’ first victory against their North Central Missouri Conference counterpart since 1998. Muddy River Sports Writer…
Read MoreSurge at end of first set carries over as Hannibal rallies to beat QHS in cross-river volleyball match
QUINCY — Hannibal’s volleyball team proved Monday night it’s not necessarily how you begin the process. It’s the finished product that matters most. The Pirates’ performance in much of the first set of what was an eventual 2-1 victory over Quincy was … well, ummm … rather forgettable. What was most memorable, however, was Hannibal’s…
Read MoreCrim: Stage is set for NCMC title showdown when Hannibal football team heads to Kirksville
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Both teams must still play two additional league games after this week, but the North Central Missouri Conference football title could be determined Friday night when Hannibal travels to Kirksville. Both Hannibal, 3-2 overall and ranked fourth in Missouri Class 4, and Kirksville, 5-0 and ranked sixth, are unbeaten after two NCMC…
Read MorePirates uses Westhoff’s goal to gain upperhand in intense NCMC battle with Marshall
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, Marshall square off in NCMC battle of top teams
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…
Read MoreWashington creates role for himself within Hannibal’s offense by ‘really understanding the game’
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Darion Washington hasn’t had many chances to touch the football offensively this season, but he’s making the most of his opportunities. The junior running back caught two touchdown passes and set up another score with a 29-yard run Friday night to help state-ranked Hannibal roll to a 40-0 victory over Mexico at…
Read More‘He really expects us to be that good’: Early-season challenges bringing out best in Pirates
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…
Read MoreMissouri prep football rankings: South Shelby rises to No. 6, Hannibal stays put at No. 4
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND volleyball team outlasts Hannibal in five-set affair
HANNIBAL, Mo. — It took longer than the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team is accustomed to, but thee Raiders finished exactly the way they are used to. With a victory. The Raiders crossed the Mississippi River on Tuesday night for a showdown with Hannibal at Korf Gym, and the Pirates made it a five-set affair.…
Read MoreWilson holds line, scores game-winning goal as Pirates beat Blue Devils and sweep Gem City foes
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.…
Read MoreMissouri prep football rankings: Hannibal holds at No. 4 in Class 4, South Shelby stays at No. 7 in Class 2
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MorePirates shut out Spartans as Tharp nets hat trick in NCMC victory
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, QND, QHS girls golfers take on Norwoods Golf Club
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal, Quincy Notre Dame, Quincy High School and Kirksville girls golf teams played a nine-hole match Tuesday at Norwoods Golf Club. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey hit the links with them and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreStaying aggressive enables Pirates to gain measure of revenge, take third in own tourney
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal takes third place in own soccer tournament
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…
Read MoreHannibal volleyball squad wins third consecutive match ahead of beginning NCMC play
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal volleyball team gave Wentzville Holt all it could handle in sweeping the Indians 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 at Korf Gym on Wednesday night. The Pirates’ Malia Stolte notched a triple-double with 10 kills, 14 assists and 10 digs. Abbie Martin had 13 digs, five aces and four kills. Aly Falconer had…
Read MoreMissouri prep football state rankings: Pirates, Cardinals in middle of respective polls
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MoreScoreboard for Thursday, Sept. 5: Canton, Mark Twain earn softball victories, Hannibal nets NCMC win
Tigers fly past Eagles in home opener CANTON, Mo. — The Canton softball team made quick work of Knox County on Thursday. The Tigers scored 12 runs in the first inning of a 15-0 three-inning victory. Canton’s first six batters of the game reached base, and the Tigers took advantage of three errors and four…
Read MoreBoudreau ties for second as QND girls golf team takes second at Lady Pirate Invitational
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls golf team pieced together another solid up-and-down-the-lineup effort Wednesday, finishing second in the eight-team Lady Pirate Invitational at Norwoods Golf Course. The Raiders posted a 351 team total, while St. Dominic, the reigning Class 3 state champion in Missouri, took first with a 324. QND junior Belle…
Read MorePirate treasure: Hannibal boys soccer team beats QND for first time in more than two decades
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, QND go head-to-head on pitch at Advance Physical Therapy Field
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…
Read MoreRally comes too late for Pirates in NCMC loss to Hornets
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal softball team refused to go down quietly. Trailing by six runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning Monday against Fulton at the Veterans Sports Complex, the Pirates put together a rally. Kennedi Gibbons and Katelyn Mountain led off with back-to-back singles, with Gibbons scoring one out later on…
Read MorePirates expect to improve after falling to Crusaders in season opener at Porter Stadium
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender and the Pirates knew Jefferson City Helias presented a tough challenge, but after a 31-20 loss at Porter Stadium in Friday night’s season opener, they know they’ll be better for having faced a Class 5 juggernaut. “We definitely dealt with some adversity,” Gschwender said. “But our kids…
Read MoreAt the center of things: Hannibal’s Westhoff changes position to bolster Pirates’ defense
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Area teams converge at Porter Stadium in Hannibal for football jamboree
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal football team’s Class 4 state title aspirations were in full bloom Friday night as the Pirates were able to showcase some of the talent and depth that has fans in America’s hometown excited about the upcoming season. Palmyra, Highland, Mark Twain and Bowling Green displayed their own reasons for optimism.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal plays host to soccer jamboree at Veterans Sports Complex
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:
Read MorePrep volleyball primer: New coach leads deep, talented Illini West squad in chase of more hardware
CARTHAGE, Ill. — Four months ago, Sawyer Johnson was finishing up her animal science degree at Iowa State University. Now, she is the head coach of an Illini West volleyball team that won a regional championship and set a school record with 35 victories in 2023. “It’s been a challenging step for sure, but we’re…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Pirates ready to ‘make a path for ourselves’ with array of talent
Coverage of the Hannibal football program brought to you by: HANNIBAL, Mo. — No Aneyas Williams, no problem. This is the prevailing attitude within the Hannibal football program. “With Aneyas or without Aneyas, we’re still going to win,” senior running back Mike Ferreira said. As Williams, who rushed for 4,255 yards and racked up 3,249…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Hannibal’s Waylon Anders discusses leading Pirates’ lethal offense, chasing state championship
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Waylon Anders has quarterbacked the Hannibal football team to 20 victories in two seasons as the starting signal-caller. His experience and understanding of the Pirates’ offense is a critical reason Hannibal is considered a viable state title contender in Class 4. Anders joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate…
Read MoreCross country primer: Wealth of returnees boost expectations for Hannibal, Monroe City girls
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Before answering the obvious question, Hannibal cross country coach Jim Coniglio paused. Then he took a deep breath. Then he smiled. “Yes, I’m optimistic,” he said. “I’m 100 percent optimistic.” Coniglio’s enthusiasm is easy to understand. The Hannibal girls return all but one of their top seven runners from a team that…
Read MoreExpectations rising as Pirates head into fall ranked among Missouri’s top 25 football teams
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The most celebrated player in the history of the Hannibal High School football program begins his first collegiate football season in three days as the University of Notre Dame kicks off fall camp with Aneyas Williams in the backfield. So what does that mean for the Pirates? Opportunities abound. There’s an opportunity…
Read More‘We just did that’: Pair of inside-the-park home runs leads Illinois past Missouri in all-star game
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Jansen Lawson couldn’t possibly do it, too, could he? Yes, he could. And he did. After Quincy High School graduate Brady Lowe hit an inside-the-park grand slam in the top of the first inning of Saturday’s Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game at the Veterans Sports Complex, Lawson, also a former Blue Devil,…
Read MorePlaying in Muddy River Showcase is full-circle moment for Hannibal’s Pugh and her father
QUINCY — Matt Pugh recalled the conversation he had with his daughter, Baylee, when they learned she had been selected to play in this Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase. “She told me, ‘Dad, I don’t know if I’m good enough to be playing in this game. I don’t ever score,’” Matt Pugh said. His…
Read MoreRuby Combative Sports Center to celebrate grand opening Saturday
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Ruby Combative Sports Center will officially open its doors Saturday. The center is a state-of-the-art sports complex located at 2005 Market Street that is focused on youth boxing and wrestling, with fitness programs also available for adults. The festivities will kick off with an official grand opening celebration from 10 a.m. to…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase profile: Hannibal guard Mason Hull carries on all-star tradition
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Although basketball is the tie that binds the Hull family, pickleball is the game of choice these days, especially when Mason Hull and his dad, Marty, go head-to-head. And there isn’t much room for debate on who is better at pickleball. “Me,” Mason said. Would Marty dispute that at all? “No,” Mason…
Read MoreHannibal’s Crane takes fourth in javelin at state track and field meet, Morrison medals in discus
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Hannibal senior Kameil Crane capped her high school track career with a state medal. Crane finished fourth in the javelin at the Class 4 state track and field championships Saturday at Adkins Stadium with a throw of 40.85 meters (134 feet). Her best attempt came on her second-to-last throw. Carl Junction’s…
Read MorePirates’ Novel finishes fourth in high jump on first day of Class 4 state track and field championships
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Taegen Novel is bringing home a state medal. Four more Hannibal athletes have a chance to do the same Saturday. Novel, a junior, finished fourth in the Class 4 high jump at the Missouri state track and field championships Friday at Adkins Stadium. Novel cleared 1.60 meters or 5 feet, 3…
Read MoreBirdie on final hole gives Hannibal’s Thomas his second Class 4 state championship
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The swing, the contact and the carry were absolutely perfect. “I felt like it was something out of a movie,” Quinn Thomas said. An ending straight out of Hollywood came with it. Heading to the final hole of the Class 4 boys state golf championships at Dalhousie Golf Club on Tuesday…
Read MoreHannibal’s Thomas gives himself chance for bookend state golf titles with steady play
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Quinn Thomas’ day could have gone sideways from the start. The Hannibal senior golfer began Monday’s first round of the Class 4 state championships at Dalhousie Golf Club on the back nine and promptly took a double bogey on the par-4 10th hole. “I blocked one right into the water,” Thomas…
Read MoreMissed opportunities cost Pirates in extra-inning loss to Hawks
HANNIBAL, Mo. — No baseball team in Hannibal High School history has ever won 20 games in a season. That will remain the case for at least one more day. The Pirates had a chance to become the first team to reach the 20-victory plateau Friday, but Hillsboro edged out them 2-1 in eight innings…
Read MoreMartin’s golden goal caps Pirates’ comeback victory over Kewpies in regular season finale
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Abbie Martin never panicked. Two and a half minutes into overtime of the Hannibal girls soccer team’s regular season finale against Hickman on Monday, Kewpies defender Hattie Hayes’ turnover in the middle of the pitch came right to Martin about 20 yards from the Hickman goal. Martin gathered, turned and rifled a…
Read MoreHannibal’s Thomas shoots even par at districts, qualifies for Class 4 state tournament
WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Quinn Thomas is bookending his high school golf career with trips to the Class 4 state tournament. Could he begin and end with state titles as well? The Hannibal senior qualified for the state tournament by finishing tied for third Thursday at the Class 4 District 2 tournament at the Golf Club…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Area’s top tracksters compete in Mark Twain/Becky Thatcher Relays
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Waiting a couple of extra days to be able to run, jump and throw under sunny skies brought out the best in many of the area’s top track and field athletes. The Mark Twain/Becky Thatcher Relays were moved to Tuesday at Porter Stadium after last Friday’s deluge made it impossible to compete.…
Read MoreThomas, Pirates capture NCMC golf crowns and take good vibes into district tourney
FULTON, Mo. — The Hannibal boys golf team tangled with Tanglewood and won. The Pirates had five golfers finish in the top 10 individually and posted a 322 team score to win the North Central Missouri Conference championship Tuesday at Tanglewood Golf Course. It marks back-to-back NCMC crowns for the Pirates. Senior Quinn Thomas won…
Read MorePitching, defense shine as Pirates clinch North Central Missouri Conference title
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kane Wilson’s diving stop in the fifth inning of the Hannibal baseball team’s 3-0 victory over Mexico at the Veterans Sports Complex on Monday did not result in an out, but the Pirates shortstop made arguably the most important play of the game. With a runner on second, no outs and the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Dryden’s effort, insurance runs secure another NCMC crown for Pirates
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal baseball team is at the top of the heap once again, having defeated Mexico 3-0 on Monday at the Veterans Sports Complex to win the North Central Missouri Conference title. It is the Pirates’ second NCMC crown in the past three seasons. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent Monday…
Read MoreAround the area: Pirates win sixth straight, Lowe tosses another shutout, Mustangs score early
FULTON, Mo. — Alaina Power and Maggie Routh each scored their first career goal as the Hannibal girls soccer team defeated Fulton 8-0 in a North Central Missouri Conference game. This is the Pirates’ sixth straight win and fourth consecutive shutout. Goalkeeper Ava Turner has notched 12 shutouts this season. Ashley Davis netted a hat…
Read MoreHannibal girls soccer team posts two shutouts in winning Laker Shootout
CAMDENTON, Mo. — Mother Nature won Friday. The Hannibal girls soccer team owned Saturday. The Pirates’ opening game of the Laker Shootout against Warrensburg was washed out by Friday’s barrage of thunderstorms. It didn’t them from winning the title. Hannibal beat Carl Junction 3-0 and Waynesville 4-0 to win both the gold division and the…
Read MoreAround the area: Dance, Trail Blazers sweep twinbill; Pirates, Eagles split doubleheader
VINCENNES, Ind. — Tyler Dance found his footing. The John Wood Community College freshman right-hander threw six scoreless innings Saturday, striking out eight and walking one as the Trail Blazers opened a four-game Mid-West Athletic Conference series with an 8-0 victory over Vincennes University. JWCC also won the nightcap of the doubleheader 14-4. Dance, a…
Read MoreRight on cue: Pirates score flurry of goals in Pink Night victory over Bulldogs
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal girls soccer coach Eric Hill did not write a script for Thursday’s North Central Missouri Conference game against Mexico, but if he would have, it would have looked something like the Pirates’ 8-0 victory at the Veterans Sports Complex. “We put on a show,” Hill said. It lasted only 51 minutes.…
Read MoreShow Me Spotlight: Stolte’s return to pitch is welcome addition for Hannibal girls soccer squad
HANNIBAL, Mo. — For two years, Malia Stolte watched from the stands as her friends played a game she loved. The entire time she wondered what it would feel like to step on the soccer pitch again. “I just saw everybody playing and having fun, and I was just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I miss that,’”…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Twice is nice for Pirates as baseball, girls soccer teams pick up NCMC victories
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal fans who made it to the Veterans Sports Complex on Wednesday afternoon were treated to a two-for-two. Two Pirates teams playing and two victories. The Hannibal girls soccer team continued its dominance of the North Central Missouri Conference, picking up an 8-0 victory over Kirksville. Malia Stolte scored four goals, Ashley…
Read MoreHannibal, QND girls soccer squads light up scoreboard, each wins twice in invitational
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team fought a war of attrition this weekend, and coach Eric Hill believes they won that war. After fighting back from down three goals to earn a draw with Parkway Central on Friday night, the Pirates returned to their winning ways on Saturday, defeating Southern Boone 8-0 and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND sweeps weekend slate at Lady Pirate Invitational, Hannibal goes 2-0-1
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team pushed its winning streak to five consecutive games after sweeping the weekend at the Lady Pirate Invitational at the Veterans Sports Complex. The Raiders beat St. Charles West 6-1 and Perryville 4-1 on Saturday to improve to 7-4. Hannibal, which played to a 3-3 draw…
Read MorePirates erase three-goal deficit in second half, earn tie with Parkway Central
Then the Pirates found their stride. They rallied for three goals in the second half to earn a 3-3 tie.
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, QND take momentum into second day of Lady Pirate Invitational
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer teams opened play Friday night in the Lady Pirate Invitational at the Veterans Sports Complex with the Pirates rallying for a 3-3 tie with Parkway Central, while QND blasted Southern Boone 7-2. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent the evening in America’s hometown…
Read MoreInjection of life: Blue Devils build confidence ahead of WB6 showdown by ending Pirates’ seven-game win streak
QUINCY — Rejuvenation became the name of the game. One team found it, the other now needs it — for decidedly different reasons. Back-to-back losses to begin the week, including an 11-run setback against Rock Island in Western Big 6 Conference play, made Wednesday’s 8-1 victory over Hannibal crucial for the Quincy High School baseball…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, Hannibal baseball teams square off in middle of busy week
QUINCY — With no rain in sight, it’s time to play ball. And the Quincy High School and Hannibal baseball teams are playing as much as possible. Wednesday marked the third consecutive day with at least one game for both squads as the Blue Devils picked up an 8-1 victory at the QHS field. Muddy…
Read MorePerfection personified: Pirates’ Wilson retires all 18 Raiders he faces in 10-run victory
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kane Wilson didn’t need to be perfect. Yet, he was. The Quincy Notre Dame brought 18 batters to the plate Thursday afternoon and the Hannibal senior right-hander sat all 18 down, tossing a six-inning perfect game in the Pirates’ 10-0 victory at the Veterans Field complex. Wilson struck out only four, but…
Read MorePirates overwhelm another NCMC opponent with goal-scoring onslaught
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team showcased its dynamic ability to put an opponent on its heels Thursday night. There isn’t much the rest of the North Central Missouri Conference can do about it. The Pirates overwhelmed Fulton in an 8-0 victory Thursday night at Veterans Field. The Pirates improved to 4-0 in…
Read MoreMartin, Pirates make history as late goal secures first-ever victory against Raiders
QUINCY — A goal with four minutes remaining in regulation Tuesday night gave the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team a glimmer of hope. Abbie Martin snuffed that out in a blink. Roughly a minute after the Raiders trimmed their two-goal deficit in half, Martin burst free on a counterattack and finished with a deft…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, QND girls soccer teams battle in cold, windy conditions
QUINCY — The temperature dipped below 40 degrees and the wind blew across the field with gusts up to 25 mph, creating challenges for both the Hannibal and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer teams to maintain possession and control. Ultimately, the Pirates used the wind to their advantage and scored a 3-1 victory at Advance…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Stolte’s quick goal sparks Hannibal’s attack in NCMC victory over Moberly
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team earned a North Central Missouri Conference victory Thursday at Veterans Field, beating Moberly 5-1 as Malia Stolte tied a school record for the quickest goal scored as she netted the first goal just 11 seconds into the game. Aly Falconer scored two goals for the Pirates (5-1-1,…
Read MoreAround the diamond: Saukees stay perfect, Raiders back sophomore righty, Shaffer mows down Tigers
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Three Pittsfield pitchers limited the Brown County baseball team to two hits and the Saukees used a four-run third inning to catapult themselves to a 7-1 victory to improve to 5-0 and highlight Wednesday’s action across the area. Pittsfield’s Draven Puterbaugh allowed one unearned run and two hits over the first four…
Read MoreSchuckman: Cancer will not curtail Kirby’s passion with community there to battle with him
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Mathew Kirby’s caring, compassionate and friendly disposition can only be rivaled by his passion for his hometown and his hobby. Yet, to call his photography a hobby might be a disservice. The time, effort and detail he puts into capturing the moments that highlight Hannibal High School athletics and community events is…
Read MoreQHS, Hannibal fit to be tied, while QND overwhelms West Plains on tourney’s first night
QUINCY — Friday night felt more like November football weather than the spring soccer season at Flinn Stadium with temperatures dipping close to the freezing mark and wind chills falling below 30 degrees. It didn’t put a chill on the fervor of a cross-river rivalry. The Quincy High School girls soccer team built a one-goal…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, Hannibal, QND kick off weekend girls soccer tournament
QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Hannibal girls soccer teams played to a 2-2 draw Friday night at Flinn Stadium, while Quincy Notre Dame beat West Plains (Mo.) 6-0 on the opening night of the QHS Kickoff Showcase. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent time at Flinn Stadium and put together this photo…
Read MorePickett ready to lead program close to his heart as he takes over as Hannibal boys basketball coach
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Josh Pickett has never forgotten what it felt like to represent Hannibal on the hardwood. “Every time I go into Korf Gym, it brings back memories,” he said. The time has come for Pickett to help the Pirates recreate those moments. Thursday, Pickett was introduced as the new Hannibal boys basketball coach,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Stolte’s first goal, Wilson’s complete game help Hannibal enjoy banner day
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Malia Stolte didn’t settle for scoring her first varsity goal in the Hannibal girls soccer team’s 8-0 victory over Warrenton on Tuesday night at Veterans Field. She went ahead and recorded her first career hat trick as well. Kane Wilson didn’t settle for his first victory of the season for the Hannibal…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal, Palmyra, Bowling Green participate in baseball jamboree
HANNIBAL, Mo. — A week before the high school baseball season officially begins, Hannibal hosted a jamboree at the Veterans Field complex with Palmyra and Bowling Green taking part. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent time at the field Saturday and put together this photo gallery:
Read More‘I’m overcome with happiness and joy’: Hannibal wrestlers win Class 3 state championship
COLUMBIA, Mo. — A perfect day with a perfect ending. A perfect place in history accompanied it, too. That’s what the Hannibal wrestling team earned Saturday. The Pirates had eight grapplers earn individual medals — three won championships — at the Class 3 state tournament at Mizzou Arena, enabling them to pile up an insurmountable…
Read MoreBeing calm, committed and collected enables Pirates’ Culp to finish state title season undefeated
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Cody Culp wasn’t making the same mistake twice. A year after finishing as the Class 3 state runner-up at 138 pounds, the Hannibal senior wrestler didn’t allow his emotions to alter his approach before wrestling for the title at 144 pounds Saturday night at Mizzou Arena. “Last year, I was super nervous…
Read MorePirates’ Essig puts knowledge to good use, dominates third period of state title match
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tristen Essig’s familiarity with his opponent in Saturday night’s 132-pound championship match at the Class 3 state wrestling tournament gave him a blueprint for succes. “He knew I was going to be coming at him in neutral and pressuring forward,” Essig said of North Point’s Kaden Purler, who he had beaten twice…
Read MoreLessons learned in wrestling room help Hannibal’s Brown capture state championship
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The experience of battling with seniors daily in the wrestling room continues to pay off for Austin Brown. Now a state champion, he’ll be the one setting the tone in the future. Brown changed the momentum of the 113-pound title match against Carl Junction’s Carter Foglesong by getting a reversal with 18…
Read MoreDepth of Hannibal lineup shows as Pirates navigate wrestlebacks to win state medals
COLUMBIA, Mo. — To win the Class 3 state championship, the Hannibal wrestling team needed more than its three individual titleists to separate itself from the field. That’s where the depth in the Pirates’ lineup paid off. Senior Koen Ramage finished second at 157 pounds and four others navigated the wrestlebacks to reach the podium…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal wrestling team wins Class 3 state championship
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Hannibal wrestling team made history Saturday night, winning the Class 3 state championship to become just the second boys team in school history to hoist a crown. The Pirates join the 1930 boys indoor track team as state champions. The Pirates had three individual champions — sophomore Austin Brown at 113…
Read MorePirates’ pursuit of state wrestling championship off to solid start with eight grapplers still alive
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The title pursuit is in full swing. The Hannibal wrestling team had six grapplers each win twice Thursday and reach the semifinal round of the Class 3 state tournament, while two others rebounded from losses to remain alive in the wrestlebacks to give the Pirates a shot at the team title. Hannibal…
Read MoreFive Pirates win district wrestling titles as Hannibal sends 10 grapplers to state tourney
WENTZVILLE, Mo. — The Hannibal boys wrestling team is taking a strong contingent of grapplers, a district championship and the hope for more to the Class 3 state tournament. The Pirates had five grapplers win district titles Saturday, while five others finished in the top four as they all qualified for the Class 3 state…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Palmyra sweeps doubleheader from Hannibal at Korf Gym
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams, both ranked in Class 3 in the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association polls, continued to show Tuesday night why they are considered among the state’s elite. The Palmyra girls used a fourth-quarter surge to put away Hannibal 51-36 at Korf Gym. The Panthers, ranked seventh, limited…
Read MoreHannibal’s Williams named Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The best player in the area has been named the best player in the state. Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams recently was named the Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year, becoming the first player in school history to receive the nationwide recognition. The Gatorade Player of the Year award was established in…
Read MoreNootbaar, Liberatore to be part of Cardinals Caravan making stop in Hannibal next week
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Cardinals are coming. The St. Louis Cardinals Caravan is headed to America’s hometown with an event planned for Jan. 12 at Hannibal-LaGrange’s Mabee Sports Complex. The Caravan will be in Hannibal from noon-2 p.m. with autographs, vendors and a presentation featuring current and former players. The players expected to appear are…
Read MoreFour Pirates go undefeated as Hannibal wrestling team wins NCMC dual tournament
MOBERLY, Mo. — Dominant performances from its top grapplers allowed the Hannibal wrestling team to win five duals and capture the championship of the North Central Missouri Conference tournament held Tuesday night at Moberly Area Community College. The Pirates had four wrestlers go 5-0 and two others finish 4-1. In dual action, the Pirates beat…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Full slate of games on second day of Rumble on the River
QUINCY — The Rumble on the River rumbled on Saturday with eight games being played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was there for half of the slate and put together this photo gallery:
Read More‘We put defense first’: Raiders put clamps on Pirates’ attack to run away with Rumble victory
QUINCY — Sage Stratton’s assessment of the nearly 12-minute stretch in which the Hannibal girls basketball team went without a field goal Friday night should attract as much attention as the effort itself. “We put defense first and we work hard on defense,” the Quincy Notre Dame junior guard said. “It doesn’t matter what court…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Hannibal girls kick off Rumble on the River
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s defensive dominance led to a 59-21 victory over Hannibal on Friday night in the opening game of the 16th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreHannibal’s Williams caps career with fourth all-state honor, four other Pirates receive recognition
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Missouri Football Coaches Association recognized what anyone who squared off against Hannibal during the past four seasons came to know. Aneyas Williams is the most dynamic player on the field. The senior all-purpose back was named the Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-state selection by the…
Read MoreSubtle reminder: Words written on Genenbacher’s wrist inspire strong shooting effort as QND beats Hannibal
QUINCY — Aden Genenbacher pulled back the sleeve of his hoodie to reveal some white athletic tape wrapped around his left wrist and two words written on it. “Don’t suck,” it read. There’s a cross underneath it, too. “I have to think, ‘I need to be aggressive tonight,’” said Genenbacher, a senior shooting guard for…
Read MoreRamage’s victory in season debut pushes Pirates past Blue Devils in competitive dual
QUINCY — The shoulder brace Hannibal wrestling coach Jake Borgmeyer helped senior Koen Ramage strap into and adjust prior to Tuesday night’s dual looks cumbersome and uncomfortable. Ramage shrugs off the inconvenience. “I’m getting used to it,” he said. “I’ll get comfortable and I’ll get there.” His first step was clearly a step in that…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, Hannibal wrestlers battle in front of large crowd
QUINCY — The strengths showed. The Quincy High School wrestling team is blessed with an abundance of talented grapplers at the heavier weights, while Hannibal is loaded with technical, aggressive wrestlers at the lower weights. Put those two head-to-head and you’re left with an entertaining dual. Hannibal edged Quincy 35-33 in front a packed house…
Read MoreCrim: Comeback against Florida shows Mizzou football team not destined to continue trend of disappointing finishes
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…
Read MoreNever say never: Pirates trim four-touchdown deficit to one score, unable to finish comeback
ST. LOUIS — The lead seemed insurmountable. It nearly wasn’t. Trailing Lutheran North 62-33 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter of Friday night’s Class 4 state quarterfinal, the Hannibal football team refused to lay down. Three touchdowns in a nine-minute span pulled the Pirates within 62-55 with 3:55 to play in regulation. However,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal football team’s season ends with loss to Lutheran North
ST. LOUIS — Two explosive offenses put together a fireworks show Friday night. The big bangs belonged to the Lutheran North football team. The Crusaders built a 29-point lead in the third quarter and held off Hannibal’s comeback, winning the Class 4 state quarterfinal 70-61. Hannibal ends its season with an 11-2 record. Freelance photographer…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Hannibal heads to Gateway City for state quarterfinal matchup
HANNIBAL, Mo. — For the fourth consecutive season, the Hannibal football team has reached the Class 4 state quarterfinals. Only once in those three previous postseason trips have the Pirates advanced to the state semifinals. That was in 2021 when Hannibal went undefeated until the state championship game against Smithville. A vast number of players…
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