Pirates expect to improve after falling to Crusaders in season opener at Porter Stadium

Hannibal quarterback Waylon Anders hands the ball off to Michael Ferreira during Friday’s game against Jefferson City Helias at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

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…

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Success on set pieces helps QND girls soccer team ‘set the tone for the rest of the season’

Quincy Notre Dame's Makayla Patton, right, collides with Jefferson City Helias' Liza Kemna while challenging for a ball in the air during Saturday's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Perfecting set pieces became a point of emphasis during the lead-up to the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team’s season opener. “For the past three days, we’ve worked on them every day,” junior midfielder Lilly Schuette said. “Even in walk-throughs.” The reason why became obvious 12 minutes into Saturday’s game against Jefferson City…

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Photo gallery: QND girls soccer team opens its season with 3-2 victory over Helias

Quincy Notre Dame freshman defender Sierra Thomas, left, attempts to clear a ball while being pressured from behind by Jefferson City Helias forward Brooke Yanskey during Saturday's game at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Lilly Schuette’s second-half penalty kick and a stout defensive effort over the final 40 minutes enabled the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team to open its season Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the afternoon next to…

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Crusaders bury Pirates with third-quarter offensive onslaught

Jefferson City Helias’ Ben Lanigan tries to run down Hannibal’s Cody Culp during Friday night’s season opener at Ray Hentges Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Maya Bell, Jefferson City News Tribune

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A seven-point halftime deficit didn’t seem too daunting. A 35-point disadvantage by the end of the third quarter was too much to overcome. The Hannibal football team saw Jefferson City Helias score three times on just nine plays in less than five minutes to start the third quarter and never recovered,…

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QND girls take down another state-ranked foe as primer for their state championship defense

Quincy Notre Dame's Blair Eftink, left, fights through a Jefferson City Helias defender to get a look at the basket during Friday night's game at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The physical toll playing a schedule loaded with state-ranked opponents doesn’t seem to have bothered the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team one iota. Some of the Raiders even relish playing — and winning — those rough-and-tumble affairs. “I like physical games,” QND senior guard Blair Eftink said. “I think it gives everyone…

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Helias’ ability to control clock, possessions keeps Hannibal’s offense on sidelines

Hannibal defensive back Jack Parker intercepts a pass in the end zone during the Pirates’ loss to Jefferson City Helias on Friday night at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Jefferson City Helias’ systematic control of Friday night’s season-opening football game against Hannibal was no accident. And it might be a harbinger of how future opponents will try to silence the Pirates, who were beaten 31-21 in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 2,500-plus at Porter Stadium. The best chance to derail…

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Pursuit of excellence gives Pirates edge, while experience pushes them forward

Hannibal sophomore all-purpose back Aneyas Williams is one of multiple weapons the Pirates can deploy offensively. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The pieces are in place for the Hannibal football team to harbor legitimate championship dreams. A skilled quarterback with a complete grasp of the offense. An NCAA Division I talent who can play a variety of positions. A bookend left tackle. A dynamic defensive end. A bulldog middle linebacker. A make-plays-everywhere safety. …

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