Posts Tagged ‘Hannibal’
Hannibal grabs early lead, holds on to win and to move above .500 in North Central Missouri Conference play
HANNIBAL, Mo. — One day after a walk-off victory over Fulton, the Hannibal baseball team had to hang on for dear life to hold off Marshall on Friday. The Pirates nearly let a 5-0 lead slip away but escaped with a 5-4 victory in North Central Missouri Conference play at the Veterans Sports Complex. The…
Read MoreQHS boys tennis team whitewashes Hannibal to earn 10th victory
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy High School boys tennis team reached the 10-victory plateau in grand style on Thursday, winning all six singles matches and all three doubles matches in a 9-0 victory over Hannibal to improve to 10-2 this season. The closest match of the day was at No. 2 singles, in which Drake…
Read More‘It’s pretty bittersweet’: Gaines leaving Hannibal, returning to hometown to be head football coach at Battle
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Shawn Gaines’ introduction to Hannibal High School football came not as a player or coach but as a spectator. Gaines, who grew up in Columbia, Mo., graduated from Columbia Rock Bridge in 2012 and in May 2016 from Culver-Stockton College, where he played linebacker. He made the trip to Porter Stadium to…
Read MoreArthaud’s RBI double in bottom of seventh caps seventh-inning four-run rally for Pirates
HANNIBAL, Mo. — After giving up the lead by allowing four runs in the top of the seventh inning, Hannibal responded by scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to steal a 13-12 victory on Thursday afternoon over Wentzville Holt. A walk, an error and a passed ball put runners on second…
Read MoreHannibal boys make hay at Mark Twain Relays, convincingly win team championship
PALMYRA, Mo. — Landyn Essig had a sneaking suspicion Tuesday might be a special day when he and the Hannibal track and field team arrived at the Mark Twain Relays at Palmyra High School. “All we were waiting on was the weather to get better, and we knew what we had to do,” Essig said.…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Mark Twain/Becky Thatcher Relays moved to Palmyra because of work on Hannibal track
Winners for the Quincy High School girls team at the Becky Thatcher Relays were: Winners for the Quincy High School girls team at the Mark Twain Relays were: Winners for the Hannibal girls team at the Becky Thatcher Relays were: Winners for the Hannibal boys team at the Mark Twain Relays were: Sports Writer Shane…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: QHS baseball team gets standout performance from sophomore in first career start
After surrendering a run in the first inning, sophomore Nick Brown fired six consecutive scoreless innings to help the Quincy High School baseball team roll to a 10-1 victory on Saturday afternoon over Hannibal at the Veterans Sports Complex. The sophomore right-hander, making his first career start, scattered six hits, walked two, struck out four…
Read MoreJohnson, Wiewel help Raiders storm back for victory over Hannibal before storm ends game
QUINCY – The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team provided a little thunder and lightning just before Mother Nature delivered the real thing. Eli Johnson doubled off the left-field fence to drive home the go-ahead run, and Abram Wiewel followed with a two-run homer to cap a six-run fifth inning to carry the Raiders to a…
Read MoreTurner stands tall as Pirates fend off Raiders in cross-river battle
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team’s potent offense gave it the lead. Senior goalkeeper Ava Turner made sure that lead stayed in tact. Turner stopped each of the first eight shots she faced, several of which came from point blank range, as the Pirates beat Quincy Notre Dame 5-1 Tuesday at the Veterans…
Read MoreTriple threat: Arthaud’s pair of extra-base hits propel Pirates to non-conference blowout
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Konnor Asbury did not know Alex Arthaud had it in him. As Arthaud — the Hannibal baseball team’s 6-foot, 208-pound junior catcher — motored around second base and coasted into third with his second triple of Wednesday’s game against Elsberry, Asbury could not help but be impressed. “I was like, ‘OK, he’s…
Read MoreState of denial: Pirates’ Turner turns away PK attempt, stymies Blue Devils in tourney victory
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls soccer team looked poised to take the lead, but Ava Turner had other ideas. With Quincy and Hannibal deadlocked at 1 with 24:11 left in the second half of Friday’s QHS Kickoff Tournament game at Flinn Stadium, Quincy junior forward Lanee Schuette stepped to the penalty spot after…
Read MoreSisters act: Three sets of siblings provide Hannibal girls soccer team with depth, deeper connection
HANNIBAL, Mo. — From kicking the ball around on the field at halftime of their older siblings’ games to playing together on the same team on that same field, Aly and Marissa Falconer’s soccer journey has come full circle. The youngest two of five siblings, Aly and Marissa attended their fare share of Hannibal soccer…
Read MorePirates look to continue trend of spring success across all sports
HANNIBAL, Mo. — New standards for spring success were reached last year throughout the Hannibal High School athletic department with the baseball team winning the most single-season games in program history and Quinn Thomas winning his second state golf championship. What’s in store this spring? The chance for more history exists. Here’s a look at…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal baseball team hosts jamboree at Veterans Sports Complex
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Prep spring sports are ready to kick off with the first scheduled competitions coming this week. To be prepped, area Missouri baseball teams took part in jamborees Saturday with Hannibal playing host to Palmyra and Bowling Green at the Veterans Sports Complex. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent time at the diamond and put…
Read MoreSwim lesson sign up begins April 1 at Hannibal’s Ronny Ferrel Aquatic Center
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Donations are currently being accepted to fund swim lessons at the Ronny Ferrel Aquatic Center. The family of Ronny Ferrel, who worked at the pool for more than 55 years, asked that donations be made in his name to fund swim lessons, the favorite part of Ronny’s job. He passed away June…
Read MoreAwards handed out for Hannibal Area Shooter’s Education Youth BB Gun League
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Awards were handed out recently for the Hannibal Area Shooter’s Education Youth BB Gun League, and program coordinator Travis Moore said both team and individual competitions were very close this year. Approximately 40 youngsters finished the program, which teaches safe firearms handling and teamwork. Moore thanked Hannibal Parks and Recreation and Early-Bird…
Read MoreHannibal’s Brown finishes as runner-up at Missouri state wrestling championships
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Austin Brown’s championship reign ended too soon. The Hannibal junior wrestler led Platte County sophomore Justin Shute 4-2 in the third period of Saturday’s Class 3 120-pound state title match at Mizzou Arena before Shute scored a takedown to earn a 5-4 victory and the crown. Brown had won the Class 3…
Read MorePirates’ Brown, Brinkley in contention for Missouri state wrestling championships
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Austin Brown’s title pursuit remains on course, while Drake Brinkley is chartering his own championship journey as well. Two other Hannibal wrestlers are keeping their podium aspirations alive, too. On Friday’s first day of the Class 3 state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena, Brown and Brinkley each won their first two matches…
Read MorePalmyra’s Pillars finishes as state wrestling runner-up, while Hannibal’s Zimmerman medals
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Brayden Pillars was better than almost everyone in the 165-pound weight class at the Class 1A state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena. Only Rex Bryson was better. Pillars, the Palmyra senior, reached the state championship match in dominant fashion before running into Bryson yet again. The Centralia wrestler Bryson took down Pillars…
Read MorePalmyra’s Pillars reaches semifinals, three girls fighting for podium spots at state wrestling
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Palmyra wrestling team will have one wrestler chasing a state title and two others chasing podium finishes Thursday at the Class 1 state wrestling championships at Mizzou Arena. The Hannibal girls have a pair of grapplers fighting for state medals as well. Palmyra’s Brayden Pillars, a senior wrestling at 165 pounds,…
Read MorePirates’ Brown to chase second consecutive state wrestling title after winning district crown
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — Austin Brown’s road to winning another state wrestling championship has him heading back to Mizzou Arena. The Hannibal junior won the 120-pound championship at the Class 3 District 2 meet last Saturday at St. Charles High School, earning a 21-5 technical fall over St. Charles junior Derek Plaza-Smither in the title…
Read MorePanthers survive Pirates’ second-half rally, escape with one-point victory
PALMYRA, Mo. — Even though the Palmyra girls basketball team hung on for the victory, neither Sydney Compton nor Clare Williams felt much like celebrating. Palmyra’s 70-69 margin of victory over Hannibal fails to illustrate how the Panthers blew an 18-point lead in the second half. The score also fails to show Palmyra (13-10) had…
Read MoreSmith’s field goals to start fourth quarter make certain Panthers hold Pirates at bay
PALMYRA, Mo. —The Palmyra boys basketball team scored the first 21 points Tuesday night against Hannibal. Game, set, match. Right? Well, not quite. Palmyra was not able to deliver what amounted to be the ultimate knockout punch until the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. That’s when the Panthers’ 6-foot-3 Mason Smith connected on a…
Read MoreBrown reaches 1,000-point plateau as Blue Devils lead Pirates from start to finish
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy High School girls basketball team bookended its opening salvo with 3-pointers from Madelyn Hamby and Myley Longcor. After that, Jada Brown took over. The Blue Devils rattled off a 12-2 run to start Tuesday night’s game against Hannibal at Korf Gym as Hamby scored the first seven points and Longcor’s…
Read MoreCougars’ second-quarter attack proves to be too much for Pirates to handle in Lenzini title game
PALMYRA, Mo. — Addy Abell looked at the scoreboard, then her teammates. “It was time for us to go,” said Abell, the Highland girls basketball team’s high-scoring junior guard. With Abell serving as the ringleader, Highland hit Hannibal with a second-quarter blitzkrieg that paved the way for a 55-38 win Saturday night in the finals…
Read MoreSwashbuckling spot in title game: Pirates to play for Lenzini championship for first time since 1977
PALMYRA, Mo. — The last time Hannibal’s girls basketball team played in the finals of the Tony Lenzini Tournament was way back in the 1976-77 season. “I wasn’t even born yet,” current Hannibal coach Shawn Gaines was quick to point out. Hannibal’s title-game drought will end Saturday when the Pirates return to the finals for…
Read MoreMayfield, DeGrave help Panthers knock off rust from lenghty layoff, pull away from Pirates
MONROE CITY, Mo. — Quincy Mayfield took matters into his own hands, and the Monroe City boys basketball team fed off of his assertiveness. With Monroe City leading Hannibal 12-10 and 30 seconds to go in the first quarter of Tuesday’s game at the Monroe City High School gym, Mayfield turned a steal into a…
Read MoreHannibal’s Williams plays key role in helping Irish earn spot in national championship game
HANNIBAL, Mo. — University of Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock borrowed a page from Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender’s master plan. In a gut-check moment, give Aneyas Williams the ball. At the start of the second half of Thursday night’s Orange Bowl, with the Fighting Irish trailing Penn State 10-3, Williams provided the spark…
Read MoreSt. Louis Cardinals Caravan coming to HLGU’s Roland Fine Arts Center on Jan. 18
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Caravan is coming. The St. Louis Cardinals’ annual winter road trip around Missouri and surrounding states is happening again, and the Cardinals Caravan will be stopping at Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Roland Fine Arts Center on Jan. 18. The event begins at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to last two hours. Current and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Hannibal boys, girls suffer losses to Mexico at Korf Gym
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The North Central Missouri Conference doubleheader the Hannibal boys and girls basketball teams played Thursday night at Korf Gym proved to be a challenge. Mexico, which is receiving votes in the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 4 state poll, raced to a 74-40 victory in the boys game. Ben Richards led the…
Read MoreWashington, Pirates see victory over Raiders as springboard to better days ahead
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Darrion Washington wants to be a part of the team that changes the basketball culture at Hannibal. A diminutive point guard who is listed at 5-foot-8 stood the tallest Saturday night. Washington scored a game-high 25 points to lead Hannibal to a 58-55 victory over previously unbeaten Quincy Notre Dame before a…
Read More‘It’s pretty crazy’: Norm Stewart Classic provides full circle moment for Hannibal’s Gaines
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Friday started just like any other day for Hannibal girls basketball coach Shawn Gaines. “I woke up at my normal time. I typically wake up about 4:30 a.m.,” Gaines said. “I went to exercise, then I came home.” When he returned home, though, the nerves were flowing a little faster than normal.…
Read MorePritchett shows he’s ready to take center stage for Hannibal wrestling program
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Peyton Pritchett waited in the shadows. He got his chance to step into the spotlight on Tuesday, and he delivered a riveting performance. Pritchett, a Hannibal junior wrestler in his first season on the varsity squad, won both of his matches at 150 pounds — one by pin and another highlighted by…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Pirates win pair of duals as they open wrestling season at Korf Gym
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal wrestling team began its pursuit of more state glory — the Pirates are the reigning Class 3 state champions — by winning a pair of dual matches Tuesday night against Warrenton and Jefferson City Helias at Korf Gym. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey sat matside and put together this…
Read MoreCountdown to tipoff: Coaching staff links Hannibal’s past to its present to rebuild success
Coverage of the Hannibal boys basketball team is brought to you by: HANNIBAL, Mo. — In Dezi Jones’ mind, the only thing better than coaching with Josh Pickett would have been the chance to play with him. “Imagine if we played together,” Jones said. Pickett liked the thought of that, too. “I wouldn’t mind passing…
Read MoreCrim: Seeing Hannibal become passionate about soccer makes Romano, others smile with delight
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Roland Romano took a seat near the top of the south section of bleachers at the Veterans Sports Complex among a contingent of Ladue Horton Watkins fans. He was wearing a white cap featuring the name of the youth soccer teams he coached decades ago. The atmosphere of the Missouri Class 3…
Read MoreLadue’s relentless pressure disrupts Hannibal’s flow, results in loss that ends historic campaign
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal High School soccer team entered the Missouri Class 3 state quarterfinals with momentum on its side. The Pirates were riding a 21-game winning streak, including a dramatic overtime victory over long-time nemesis Fort Zumwalt South to secure their first district championship since 2013. They had shut out all three postseason…
Read MoreInability to get Warriors’ offense off field leads to district championship loss for Pirates
WARRENTON, Mo. — Fourth-down conversions can be momentum boosters or momentum zappers. Unfortunately for the Hannibal football team, the Pirates were on the wrong end of too many of those momentum-shifting plays Friday night. Warrenton tilted the scales in their favor with five fourth-down conversions that led to 21 points in its 42-28 victory in…
Read MorePlayoff primer: District championships to be decided in Missouri on Friday night
QUINCY — Northeast Missouri is guaranteed to have one prep football team playing in the state quarterfinals next week. Will there be two? Here’s a look at the district championship games taking place Friday night: Hannibal at Warrenton What: Class 4 District 5 championship When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Warrenton High School Records: Hannibal —…
Read MoreCountdown to tipoff: Reese returns to provide interior presence for short, scrappy Pirates
Coverage of the Hannibal girls basketball program brought to you by: HANNIBAL, Mo. — Zaria Reese tried to play through the pain. Now she doesn’t have to, and that is a welcomed feeling for the members of the Hannibal girls basketball team. Reese, now a senior forward for the Pirates, battled pain in her left…
Read MorePirates brace for opportunity to experience deja vu and end Warriors’ undefeated season
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Same round, same foes. For the second straight season, the Hannibal and Warrenton football teams will clash for the district championship. “We expect to be in this position every year,” Hannibal coach Jeff Gschwender said. Gschwender and the Pirates hope it’s deja vu all over again. A year ago, Hannibal took a…
Read MoreGolden Bodie: Senior forward’s overtime goal secures district championship for Pirates
ST. PETER’S, Mo. — Bodie Rollins could barely recall how the ball got to his foot, but he will never forget what happened after it left it. Six minutes, 45 seconds into the first sudden death overtime of Saturday’s Class 3 District 4 title game against Fort Zumwalt South, the Hannibal senior forward scored the…
Read MorePirates grind out game-clinching possession to advance to district championship game
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal High School football fans may hereafter refer to it as “The Drive.” Taking over at their own 12-yard-line after an interception by linebacker James Wetton with 11:49 remaining and nursing a precarious seven-point lead, the Pirates methodically bled 10 minutes, 29 seconds off the clock with 16 straight running plays. The…
Read MorePlayoff primer: QHS tackles Moline, while Missouri squads battle for spots in district title games
QUINCY — The second round of the postseason is here, which means Illinois squads are vying for spots in the state quarterfinals and Missouri teams are looking to reach district championship games. Here’s a look at what’s on tap Friday night: Moline at Quincy High School What: Class 7A second-round playoff game When: 7 p.m.…
Read MorePirates look to continue trend of being locked in both offensively and defensively against Bulldogs
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Seventh-seeded Mexico beating No. 2 seed and previously undefeated Kirksville in the Class 4 District 5 football quarterfinals may have looked like a significant upset on paper, but Hannibal coach Jeff Gschwender did not necessarily see it that way. “I can’t say that I was super shocked,” Gschwender said. “Mexico is a…
Read More‘It’s the playoffs’: Hannibal clicks on all cylinders to leave no doubt in district-opening victory
HANNIBAL, Mo. — What leaves remain on the trees around Dr. E.A. Porter Stadium are flashing a cornucopia of color. And those evening temperatures hovering across Northeast Missouri now provide more than just a hint of the cooler weather that is coming. But Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender hardly needs such reminders about how deep…
Read MoreLutheran St. Charles continues to be Hannibal volleyball team’s postseason nemesis
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — For the second straight season, Lutheran St. Charles got in the Hannibal volleyball team’s way of a district championship. The Cougars beat the Pirates 25-17, 25-22, 25-20 on Monday at Parkway Central High School to capture the Class 4 District 4 title. Lutheran St. Charles also swept Hannibal in last year’s district…
Read MoreScott’s key catch sets up Anders’ game-winning touchdown run as Pirates rally at Porter Stadium
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The anticipatory smile on Aden Scott’s postgame face indicated he knew what question was coming. Minutes earlier, the Hannibal tight end had reeled in a dramatic 48-yard reception from quarterback Waylon Anders. The catch had moved the ball to the Fort Zumwalt West 1-yard line, setting up what proved to be Anders’…
Read MoreRollins, Pirates keep right on rolling into postseason with another whitewashing
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Bodie Rollins admitted the Hannibal career assists record had been on his mind in recent games. “Everybody knows that I’ve been a little selfishly unselfish lately,” Rollins said. The senior forward entered Thursday’s regular-season finale against Warrenton two assists away from breaking Corey Allensworth’s mark of 65 assists. Rollins tied the record…
Read MoreSchuck 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…
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