‘It was pure happiness’: South Shelby’s defense stands tall in winning first district title since 2015

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering, right, fakes the handoff during a play in the first half of Friday night's Class 2 District 7 championship game against Monroe City at Charles Rash Memorial Field in Shelbina, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

SHELBINA, MO. — As he replayed how the game-saving fumble recovery came to be, all Aadon Magruder could see was a blur of bodies and overwhelming joy. “Oh, my,” he said. “It was a crazy one for sure.” A historic one, too. With the Monroe City football team facing second and 6 from the South…

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Playoff primer: District championships to be decided in Missouri on Friday night

The Hannibal football team's defense, shown here celebrating after forcing a turnover last week against Mexico, will need to be opportunistic to beat top-seeded Warrenton in Friday night's Class 4 District 5 championship in Warrenton, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

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 —…

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Mayfield, Panthers prime themselves for district title showdown by walloping Indians

Monroe City's Dylan Ross, right, eludes a Clark County defender and finds running room during Friday night's Class 2 District 7 semifinal at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Quincy Mayfield chose his words carefully. When asked how badly he wanted to avenge the Monroe City football team’s 44-22 loss to South Shelby in Week 3, the Panthers junior running back and linebacker paused for about five seconds to gather his thoughts. What he said — or did not say…

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Playoff primer: QHS tackles Moline, while Missouri squads battle for spots in district title games

Quincy High School linebacker Max Wires and the Blue Devils look to wrap up another opponent when they play host to Moline at 7 p.m. Friday in a Class 7A secound-round playoff game. | Matt Schuckman photo

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.…

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Improvements along offensive, defensive lines continue giving Monroe City its edge

Monroe City lineman Lane Willard (70) and the rest of the Panthers' offensive front five continue opening holes for Quincy Mayfield (22), Dylan Ross (11) and Trey Smyser (1). | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team’s 39-20 loss to Lawson in Week Seven goes in the books as just that — a loss. But looking below the surface, Monroe City coach David Kirby saw a glimpse of the level to which his team is capable of playing. “That was a big eye-opener,”…

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Highland’s district softball championship just as grand as Rothweiler’s slam that powered it

The Highland softball team celebrates winning the Class 2 District 5 championship following Saturday's 15-0 victory over Monroe City in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — A home run trot? Not so much. A home run sprint? That’s more like it. Keera Rothweiler wanted to get to home plate as quickly as she could to celebrate with her teammates after her grand slam in the first inning of Highland’s 15-0 victory over Monroe City in the Class 2…

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‘It was just a rush of energy’: Miller’s groundout plates Hays as Monroe City walks off with district semifinal victory

The Monroe City softball players celebrate their 5-4 walk-off victory over South Shelby in Thursday's Class 2 District 5 semifinal in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Makenna Miller had to put the ball in play. By doing so, she sent the Monroe City softball team to the Class 2 District 5 championship game in the process. The Panthers junior third baseman strode to the plate with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning of Thursday’s district…

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Photo gallery: Highland, Monroe City reach Class 2 District 5 softball championship game

Highland coach Paul Scifres, right, greets pitcher Abby Lay on her way to the dugout during Thursday's Class 2 District 5 semifinal victory over Clark County in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The top-seeded Highland softball team and second-seeded Monroe City will meet for the third time this season at 1 p.m. Saturday after earning their spots in the Class 2 District 5 championship game. Highland dispatched…

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Crist leads Cougars to district title, state berth; five Monroe City golfers qualify for state

Highland's Morgan Crist — MRN FILE PHOTO

MOBERLY, Mo. — Morgan Crist was one of two golfers to break 90 as she led the Highland girls golf team to a Class 1 District 3 championship at Heritage Hills Golf Course. This district championship earned the Cougars a spot at the Class 1 state tournament. Crist shot an 18-over 88, tied with Marceline’s…

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Monroe City’s defense tightens up after offensive blitzkrieg, beats Palmyra to win Mayor’s Cup

Monroe City coach David Kirby addresses his team following its 36-20 victory over Palmyra in the Mayor's Cup game Friday night at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Don Crim photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Monroe City and Palmyra wasted no time in throwing punches. The two Clarence Cannon Conference football rivals needed just 13 combined plays to score two touchdowns apiece in the opening 5 minutes, 58 seconds Friday night in the annual Mayor’s Cup game at Lankford Field. “It was crazy,” Monroe City coach…

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Photo gallery: Cross country runners charge through South Park during Running Raider Classic

Quincy Notre Dame's Devin Bradfield, right, and Marion County's Porter Britt head for the final stretch of the South Park course Tuesday during the Running Raider Classic in Quincy. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads of prints from this gallery,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — More than 160 high school cross country runners pounded the dusty, hard ground as they made their way through South Park on Tuesday afternoon during the Running Raider Classic. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman hung out along…

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Monroe City’s Youngblood carries on family legacy of creating havoc on softball diamonds

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood is the youngest of three siblings to have parlayed playing softball for the Panthers into a college scholarship as she has committed to the University of Kansas. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The end of an era for the Monroe City softball program is coming soon.  Panthers coach Melissa Chinn tries not to let that cross her mind. “It’s very sad to think about,” Chinn said. At the same time, she is grateful for having been able to coach each of the three…

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Harriers tackle Flower City Park’s hills head-on during 10th annual Palmyra Invitational

Monroe City freshman Anna Russell won the girls cross country race Saturday during the 10th annual Palmyra Invitational at Flower City Park in Palmyra, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Monroe City freshman Anna Russell is quick to point out what makes the Flower City Park cross country course — the site of Saturday’s 10th annual Palmyra Invitational — so challenging. “Lots of hills,” Russell said. It wasn’t just the number of hills that made it so tough, either. “The gradual incline…

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Timbrook’s interception gives Cardinals jolt, then offense takes control in CCC victory over Panthers

South Shelby's Pryce Eagan looks to get to the corner while being pursued by the Monroe City defense during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — South Shelby senior linebacker Daniel Timbrook didn’t score, but his interception turned the tide just the same. With the Cardinals leading Monroe City 12-6 and 6:35 to go in the second quarter of Friday’s Clarence Cannon Conference opener at Lankford Field, Monroe City running back Dylan Ross broke off a 54-yard…

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Photo gallery: South Shelby continues offensive onslaught, topples Monroe City

South Shelby's Tucker Elliott, right, tackles Monroe City's Quincy Mayfield during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — How good had th South Shelby football team’s offense been? The Cardinals beat Monroe City 44-22 Friday night in the Clarence Cannon Conference opener at Lankford Field and their scoring average dropped. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent his evening at Lankford Field and put together this photo gallery:

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‘It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere’: South Shelby heads to Monroe City for CCC opener

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering has led the Cardinals to 60 or more points in the first two weeks in preparation for the start of Clarence Cannon Conference play. | Photo courtesy Luke O'Laughlin

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team sees the train coming down the tracks. “The kids know what’s coming,” Panthers coach David Kirby said. And as the train that bears the name South Shelby quickly approaches, Kirby knows the kind of performance it will take to knock off the reigning Clarence Cannon Conference…

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Semifinal rally catapults Monroe City softball team to championship of Moberly Tournament

The Monroe City softball team went 3-0 Saturday and won the championship of the Moberly Tournament in Moberly, Mo. | Photo courtesy Monroe City School District

MOBERLY, Mo. — Never out of the fight. It’s a motto the Monroe City softball team may soon adopt. The Panthers trailed Owensville 7-0 after the first inning of Saturday’s semifinal matchup in the Moberly Tournament, but they responded with three runs in the top of the second inning and continued rallying for an 11-9…

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‘We’re not soft like that’: Monroe City expects to improve after facing vaunted Valle Catholic in season opener

The Monroe City defense did its best to bottle up Valle Catholic during Friday night's game at Lankford Field in Monroe CIty, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Except for the final score, Dylan Ross wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. Ross, a senior running back and linebacker for Monroe City, welcomed the challenge of facing 15-time state champion Valle Catholic in Week One. “If we play a cupcake Week One, we’re just going to be known as…

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Crim: Opportunity knocks for Monroe City as tradition-laden Valle Catholic comes calling

Monroe City coach David Kirby and the Panthers will square off against Valle Catholic in the season opener Friday night at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — At long last, the high school football season kicks off Friday night in both Illinois and Missouri. There will be the usual rivalry games — Quincy Notre Dame will host Quincy High School and Hannibal will host Jefferson City Helias. And Camp Point Central will open the defense of its state championship at…

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Cross country primer: Wealth of returnees boost expectations for Hannibal, Monroe City girls

Monroe City's Bradi Keller, left, and Liberty's Lane Obert are expected to be among the top cross country runners in the area this fall. | Muddy River Sports file photos

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…

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Missouri softball preview: Highland reloads, Monroe City rebuilds, Canton reenergizes

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood is a three-time all-state selection, an NCAA Division I recruit and one of the area's top returning players. | Mathew Kirby photo

EWING, Mo. — The memory still lingers. Sure, the Highland softball team achieved quite a bit last fall, earning a No. 1 state ranking among Class 2 schools, winning 20 games in a row at one point and fashioning a 27-3 overall record. But how it all concluded still leaves a sour taste and ……

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Countdown to kickoff: Going on deep playoff run is major part of Monroe City’s motivation

The Monroe City football team finished 8-3 last season, but the Panthers want to return to being a program with its sights set on chasing a state championship. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Being involved in lopsided playoff football games was nothing new for Monroe City. Being on the losing end was. Bowling Green scored four touchdowns on eight offensive plays in the first quarter of last season’s Class 2 District 7 semifinal game, led 44-0 at halftime to prompt a running clock for…

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Schuckman: Monroe City’s Reinberg wins battle with time to create memorable moments

Monroe City sophomore Timia Reinberg stands atop the podium after winning the Class 2 state championship in the discus last Saturday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Monroe City High School

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Time became Timia Reinberg’s adversary. That’s an unfair fight. Time always wins because you can’t slow it down and can’t you speed it up. It plays at its own pace, which is always the same pace. “It means I had all day to just sit around there and wait,” the Monroe…

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Panthers’ King, Loman finish as state runners-up on second day of track and field championships

Palmyra's Alaina Loman finished the Class 3 state runner-up in the pole vault, clearing 10 feet, 11.5 inches Saturday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Muddy River Sports file photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Candra King couldn’t quite make it back-to-back sweeps. The Palmyra track and field standout, who successfully defended her Class 3 state championship in the shot put Friday, went into Saturday’s competition looking to repeat as the discus state champion. King took the top spot on her third attempt with a toss…

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Top-10 finishes from Janes, Kroeger help Palmyra boys finish third at Class 2 state golf tourney

The Palmyra boys golf team finished third at the Class 2 state championships at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo. | Submitted photo

SMITHVILLE, Mo. — Jonas Janes and his Palmyra boys golf teammates brought home a state trophy for the fourth time in program history. It just wasn’t the biggest prize out there. Palmyra led the field at the Class 2 state championships by eight strokes following Monday’s opening round at the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, but…

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Palmyra boys vow to keep focus after knocking off arch-rival Monroe City for 15th straight victory

Palmyra's Bear Bock dribbles to the basket past Monroe City's Trey Smyser during Tuesday night's high school boys basketball game at Monroe City High School. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Palmyra took another huge step toward the Clarence Cannon Conference boys basketball championship Tuesday night. The storyline was a familiar one. “Defense,” Palmyra coach Brian Rea said. “It’s always defense.” There’s absolutely no arguing that point. The 48-25 victory over arch-rival Monroe City — which, like Palmyra, entered the game unbeaten…

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‘Unfinished business’: Palmyra girls gain revenge for earlier loss to Monroe City

Palmyra's Sydney Compton dribbles past Monroe City's Audri Youngblood during Tuesday night's high school girls basketball game at Monroe City High School. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Palmyra girls basketball coach Kelsey Stuart referred to the rather one-sided 50-28 victory over rival Monroe City as “unfinished business.” There might have been a wink in her eye when she said that. At the very least, there was the distinct hint of a wry smile. Palmyra made no secret of…

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Monroe City’s turnaround continues with victory over Canton in tourney title game

Monroe City's Maridith Gares puts up a free-throw attempt during Saturday night's championship game of the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Maridith Gares knows exactly when the Monroe City girls basketball team’s season did an about-face. “We had just lost by 20 points to Elsberry, and we all knew something had to change,” the 5-foot-7 senior guard said. And it most certainly has. More proof of that tcame Saturday night when Monroe City…

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State-ranked Palmyra girls roll in opening round of Tony Lenzini Tournament

Palmyra guard Alaina Loman handles the ball during Monday night's game against Van-Far in the opening round of the Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The target on their backs isn’t bothering the Palmyra girls basketball players. Ranked fifth in the latest Class 3 state poll and seeded No. 1 for the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament, the Panthers outscored Van-Far 24-1 in the second quarter Monday night and cruised to a 69-37 victory in the opening round…

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Palmyra boys get engaged offensively to power past Monroe City for tournament championship

The Palmyra boys basketball team won the championship of the 99th Monroe City Tournament with a 43-23 victory over Monroe City on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Not bad for a club that took seven minutes to score its first points of the game. The Palmyra boys basketball team remained unbeaten Saturday night, but the way the it went about it may have been a bit awkward. At least in the first quarter. “We were just running rampant…

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Canton, Highland, Monroe City softball players earn all-state honors

Monroe City junior shortstop Audri Youngblood was one of six area players to earn all-state honors from the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Six area softball players earned all-state recognition from the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association, including four who received first-team plaudits. In Class 1, Canton senior shortstop Macie Fisher and senior catcher Kinsey Biggerstaff were first-team selections, while in Class 2, Highland senior third baseman Emma Harshberger and Monroe City junior shortstop Audri…

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First-quarter onslaught enables Bowling Green to bury Monroe City in district semifinals

Monroe City football coach David Kirby, right, addresses his team following the Panthers' 51-6 loss to Bowling Green in the Class 2 district semifinals Friday night in Bowling Green, Mo. | Don Crim photo

BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — Eight was enough. Bowling Green produced 254 yards and four touchdowns on its eight offensive plays in the first quarter Friday night to bolt to a 30-0 lead and cruise to a 51-6 victory over Monroe City in the semifinals of the Class 2 District 7 playoffs. Behind the quick-strike capabilities…

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District football primer: Prepping for Friday night’s semifinal showdowns

Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams and the Pirates will face Wentzville Holt in Friday's Class 4 District 2 semifinals in Wentzville, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Spots in district football championship games will be claimed Friday night in Missouri, potentially stepping up a showdown between state-ranked teams in Class 2. First, though, South Shelby and Bowling Green have to navigate district semifinal matchups with talented foes. Here’s a look at what to watch for Friday night: Hannibal (9-1) at…

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Crim: High school football postseason games offering intriguing storylines

Quincy Notre Dame coach Jack Cornell gives a fiery speech to his players following their 21-14 victory over Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond in the first round of the Class 2A playoffs last Saturday. | Photo courtesy Steve Hoffman

QUINCY — High school playoff potpourri: • Quincy Notre Dame is nothing if not resilient. The Raiders easily could have played out the string after losing back-to-back winnable games against Southern Boone and Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton to fall to 1-5, seemingly extinguishing their postseason chances. Instead, they won their final three games in convincing…

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Monroe City pounds ground with dominant running game in earning district victory

Monroe City running back Quincy Mayfield, left, and Highland linebacker Alex Oenning collide during Friday night's district game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team needed a fourth-quarter rally to fend off Highland when the teams first met this season. No comeback was necessary the second time around. Sophomores Quincy Mayfield and Jayden Holland combined for 244 rushing yards and four touchdowns to enable the Panthers to post a 34-0 victory…

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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City back in top 10 in Class 2, others maintain spots

The Monroe City football team is ranked 10th in Class 2 heading into the district tournament. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parentheses. 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; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri prep notebook: Cougars extend win streak to 18, three qualify for state tennis tourney, Keller sets Monroe City record

The Highland softball team finished the regular season with a 26-2 record and heads into the playoffs as the No. 1-ranked team in Class 2. | Submitted photo

EWING, Mo. — The No. 1-ranked softball team in Missouri Class 2 is charging into the postseason with a full head of steam. Highland finished its regular season Monday night with a 15-0 victory over Scotland County, putting a stamp on a 26-2 record. The Cougars have won 18 games in a row, and their…

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Photo gallery: Monroe City, Centralia engage in CCC slugfest at Lankford Field

Monroe City quarterback Trey Smyser looks for running room during Friday night's game against Centralia at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Attempting to bounce back from a humbling loss at South Shelby a week ago, the Monroe City football team put forth a spirited comeback in the second half Friday night at Lankford field, but Centralia remained undefeated with a 27-24 victory. Monroe City quarterback Trey Smyser threw a pair of touchdown…

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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City, South Shelby in Class 2 poll ahead of showdown

The Monroe City football team is 3-0 and ranked fourth in Class 2 ahead of Friday's showdown in Shelbina, Mo., with 10th-ranked South Shelby. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Here are the Missouri statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-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; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ…

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Friday Night Lights rewind: Mustangs make defensive stand, Cardinals keep rolling, Blue Devils crumble rival

The Unity-Payson football team made a defensive stand inside the 10-yard line to cement a 22-21 victory over Brown County last week. | Photo courtesy Sarah Donley photography

QUINCY — A defensive stand could be the difference between making the playoffs and putting the gear away early. That depends on how the Unity-Payson football team seizes the momentum of last week’s victory. Brown County drove to the Mustangs’ 6-yard line and faced third and four with two minutes remaining in regulation. A fumbled…

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Fourth-quarter rally enables Panthers to survive Cougars’ upset bid in CCC opener

Monroe CIty linebacker Dylan Ross, right, brings down Highland quarterback Brayden Logsdon during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Highland football team was clinging to dreams of pulling off a monumental upset through three quarters. Monroe City dashed them in the fourth. The Panthers scored 22 unanswered points in the final 10 minutes, 10 seconds Friday night to snatch a 30-14 victory from the Cougars in the Clarence Cannon…

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Softball is in her Youngblood: Monroe City junior shortstop punctuates victory with home run

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood went 4 for 4 with two triples and a home run in Thursday's 13-0 victory over Palmyra at Flower City Park in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — Audri Youngblood is a multi-sport standout at Monroe City High School. Youngblood plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring. In the fall, her focus is on softball. “Softball’s my favorite,” the junior shortstop said. On Thursday night, it was easy to see why. Youngblood strung together an impressive…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Monroe City, South Shelby and Hannibal stay in state polls

Hannibal's Waylon Anders kicks an extra point during last Friday's 42-21 victory over Jefferson City at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. The Pirates moved up one spot to No. 6 in this week's Class 4 state poll. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-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; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B.…

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Friday Night Lights rewind: Cougars mount another rally, Pleasant Hill field vandalized, Panthers score four defensive TDs

The Highland football team is 2-0 heading into Clarence Cannon Conference play after beating Scotland County 14-6. | Photo courtesy Payton Miller

QUINCY — Call them the Comeback Cougars. Two weeks in a row, the Highland football team has needed to erase a deficit to be able to head into Clarence Cannon Conference play with an unblemished record. Both times, the Cougars have figured out a way to get into the end zone. Last Friday night, the…

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Eight-run first inning propels Monroe City to victory in third-place game against Canton

Monroe City’s Abigail Smith rounds third base during the Panthers’ game against Hannibal on Saturday morning in the 26th annual Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — An eight-run outburst in the bottom of the first inning enabled the Monroe City softball team to put Canton on its heels and secure a 15-5, five-inning victory in the third-place game of Saturday’s 26th annual Monroe City Tournament. Monroe City went 2-1 overall, beating Hannibal 17-2 in the opener and…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Hannibal, Monroe City, South Shelby find way into respective top 10

Monroe City coach David Kirby and the Panthers are ranked No. 2 in Class 2 in the first Missouri prep football rankings. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parentheses. 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; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B.…

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Crim: Sports writing pulses through your veins, even after decades have passed

Muddy River Sports Senior Columnist Don Crim covered his first high school football game since 1995 on Friday night when he wrote about Monroe City's victory over Mark Twain. | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Before Friday night, the last time I went to a high school football game for the purpose of writing about it was Nov. 11, 1995. Quincy Notre Dame was playing at Lewistown that Saturday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Class 2A playoffs. Abundant sunshine was unable to mask 20 mph winds slicing…

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Key pieces to the puzzle: Check out five football players who will have significant impacts

Hannibal offensive lineman Ryan Ross, here clearing a path during a district game against Warrenton a year ago, will continue to be a pivotal road grader for the Pirates this season. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The discussion of the best football player in the area starts and stops with Aneyas Williams. An argument could be made that the Hannibal senior running back, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame, is the top offensive talent in the state of Missouri. If you talk quarterbacks, one name tops…

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Monroe City’s DeGrave on right track to return as electrifying playmaker after knee injury

Monroe City's Waylon DeGrave rushed for 1,445 yards last season before a knee injury sidelined him in the postseason. DeGrave is nearing 100-percent healthy as his senior season draws close. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The speed is not quite what it used to be and cutting through an open hole is not as crisp as he would like, but Waylon DeGrave is confident it’s only a matter of time before the work he has put in the last nine months to rehabilitate his right knee…

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Top-seeded Palmyra ends Monroe City’s district reign, will face South Shelby for title

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The district reign is over, ended by a champion’s biggest rival. The Monroe City boys basketball team’s run of six consecutive Class 3 district championships came to a halt Wednesday night when top-seeded Palmyra eliminated Monroe City 52-30 in the Class 3 District 6 semifinals. Palmyra (21-7) outscored Monroe City 14-4…

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Rumble on the River: Mustangs sweep Panthers behind two stout defensive efforts

Monroe City's Myra Jones, left, looks to pass before getting trapped by Unity's Ashlynn Arnsman, center, and Sophia Shaffer during Tuesday night's game in the Rumble on the River at JWCC's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Nick Maynard made two free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining in regulation Tuesday night to help the Unity boys basketball team seal a 45-41 victory over Monroe City in the 15th annual Rumble on the River. It also completed a sweep for the Mustangs, as the Unity girls, ranked third in Class 1A,…

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Hannibal, Monroe City stalwarts garner all-state honors from Missouri Football Coaches Association

Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams, who will be making his college decision known Friday night, is one of several players from Northeast Missouri to earn all-state honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — One of the nation’s most coveted recruits, who is days away from revealing his college choice, received an honor fitting his impressive production. One of the best tacklers Northeast Missouri has seen in recent memory picked up another honor, too. Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams and Monroe City linebacker Ceaton Pennewell repeated…

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Monroe City Tournament opens with trio of lopsided victories

Monroe City's Mari Gares pushes the ball up the court during the 42-8 victory over Mark Twain on Monday night in the opening game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The opening night of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament featured a pair of lopsided victories in the girls bracket and only of the four games played being decided in the fourth quarter. The third-seeded Louisiana boys outlasted sixth-seeded Mark Twain 60-54 behind 15 points from Jack Logan. Josh Brothers led…

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Monroe City’s state title pursuit ends with semifinal loss to Adrian

Monroe City football coach David Kirby addresses his team following Saturday's 32-16 loss to Adrian in the Class 1 state semifinals. | Photo courtesy Zach Richardson, KHQA

ADRIAN, Mo. — Even in the wake of a hurts-down-to-your-soul kind of loss, Monroe City football coach David Kirby needed the Panthers to remember one valuable thing. “I said this all year long,” Kirby said. “We are not victims. We are victors. You make sure you hold your head high through anything.” After losing 32-16…

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Monroe City excels playing ‘old-school football,’ grinds way into Class 1 state semifinals

Monroe City’s Gabriel Creel, left, tackles Lincoln’s Ross Johnson during Saturday’s Class 1 state quarterfinal game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The bottom line? “Now we’ve got the chance to play 48 more minutes,” said Monroe City running back Ceaton Pennewell, only moments after his club had survived a grueling Class 1 quarterfinal test Saturday afternoon against Lincoln. Monroe City’s 26-12 victory at Lankford Field did not come easy.  If nothing else,…

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Neither temperatures nor Cardinals can derail Panthers’ pursuit of district championship

The Monroe City football team poses with the Class 1 District 6 championship plaque after Friday night's 52-18 victory over South Shelby at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Don O'Brien photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Monroe City senior Ceaton Pennewell channeled his inner Luke Kuechly on Friday night.  With temperatures in the high 20s and a wind chill in the teens, Pennewell wasn’t about to let South Shelby think he was cold. While some of his teammates were a little more dressed for the conditions, Pennewell,…

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Monroe City pounds ground to beat weather and Westran in Class 1 district semifinals

Monroe City football coach David Kirby and the Panthers will play for a district championship next Friday against South Shelby at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team can outrun almost anything or anyone. That includes the weather. With the start of the Class 1 District 6 semifinal against fourth-seeded Westran moved up 90 minutes in order to avoid impending storms, the top-seeded Panthers ran roughshod before the first raindrops fell, churning out 434…

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Ball-control offense, opportunistic defense carry Monroe City to undefeated run through CCC

The Monroe City football players celebrate their 50-0 victory over Clark County on Friday night that capped an undefeated run through the Clarence Cannon Conference. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — For all of the big-play capabilities Class 1’s top-ranked team possesses, the ability to grind out a drive and control the clock could be what separates the Monroe City football team from the rest of the field. It separated the Panthers from the rest of the Clarence Cannon Conference. Monroe City…

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Flash and crash: Monroe City uses lightning-and-thunder backfield to overrun Macon in CCC battle

Monroe City's Waylon DeGrave, left, and Ceaton Pennewell, right, combined to rush for more than 300 yards in a Clarence Cannon Conference victory over Macon on Friday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Muddy River Sports photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Waylon DeGrave and Ceaton Pennewell give the Monroe City football team two entirely different looks in the backfield. DeGrave, a junior, provides the flash, while Pennewell, a senior, counters as the Panthers’ punisher. Both proved to be hard to stop on Friday night at Lankford Field. DeGrave broke off two long…

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Missouri prep football state rankings: Monroe City sits atop Class 1, Hannibal at

Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 10-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, KRES radio; JC Reeves, Southeast…

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Monroe City captures another Mayor’s Cup, setting tone with touchdown on first play

The Monroe City football team retained the Mayor's Cup with Friday night's 50-0 victory over Palmyra at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Steve Eighinger photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Sure, Monroe City and Palmyra are long-standing football rivals. It’s always a game where emotions run high. Talent and execution, probably in that order, often take emotion out of any such equation. Such was the case Friday night at Lankford Field. Monroe City’s talent and execution, most certainly in that order,…

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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City tied for first in Class 1, Bowling Green climbing in Class 2

Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 11-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, KRES…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Monroe City’s Audri Youngblood

Monroe City's Audri Youngblood connects for a triple during a game against Hannibal in the Monroe City Tournament last Saturday at Lions Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood’s ability to keep the Monroe City softball team’s offense humming didn’t end with Saturday’s final game of the Monroe City Tournament at Lions Field. It carried over into Clarence Cannon Conference play. Youngblood went 2 for 3 with two doubles and two RBIs in Tuesday’s 8-2 victory over Clark…

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Monroe City fends off Canton’s seventh-inning rally to snare title of own tournament

Monroe City's Lucy Pratt delivers a pitch during the Panthers' opening game of the Monroe City Tournament against Hannibal on Saturday at Lions Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Audri Youngblood kept her composure and the Monroe City softball team made certain the championship of its own tournament didn’t leave the city limits. Leading Canton 6-0 in the seventh inning of the championship game Saturday night at Lions Field, the Panthers allowed a rally to be extended when an infield…

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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City sits at No. 2 in Class 1, Hannibal at No. 10 in Class 4

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 10-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, KRES radio;…

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Muddy River Showcase: When opportunity knocked, Monroe City’s Moss answered

Monroe City's Mackenzie Moss, who will represent Missouri in the Muddy River Showcase, is going to play softball at Moberly Area Community College next year. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Monroe City’s success to be well represented on Missouri boys roster

Monroe City guard Joshua Talton will be one of four Panthers who will participate in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase on June 18 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Monroe City girls start, finish final day of state track with medal, trophy haul

The Monroe City girls 4x400-meter relay team took second place at the Missouri Class 2 state track and field championships. Photo courtesy Cody Thorn

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The day started with a spot on the podium and ended with a trophy for the Monroe City girls track and field team. The Panthers’ quartet of Audri Youngblood, Meghan Hays, Ella Hays and Emmalee Williams took second in the 4×800-meter relay. They finished in 10:10.52, 10 seconds behind Lawson. That…

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Pirates’ Thomas unable to avoid bogey train during second round at state tournament

Hannibal sophomore Quinn Thomas tracks his shot during the second day of the Class 4 boys state golf tournament at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Mo. Photo courtesy Cody Thorn

NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Quinn Thomas’ chance to keep himself in position for a four-peat as a state golf champion faded away Tuesday. The Hannibal sophomore, who was the defending Class 4 state titleist, struggled navigating the Meadow Lake Acres Country Club course as he shot an 11-over 83 in the final round of the…

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Muddy River Showcase: Monroe City’s Edris to be at helm of Missouri all-stars

Monroe City boys basketball coach Brock Edris, who played at John Wood Community College from 2006-08, will coach the Missouri all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase, which takes place June 18 at JWCC's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon. MONROE CITY, Mo. — Brock…

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Monroe City’s Talton receives Class 3 Co-Player of the Year honor from Missouri Basketball Coaches Association

Monroe City senior guard Joshua Talton was named the Class 3 Co-Player of the Year by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association. Matt Schuckman photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Brock Edris wondered aloud if Joshua Talton is the first player in the history of the Monroe City boys basketball program to be named the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 3 Player of the Year. “It’s a pretty special honor,” the Monroe City coach said. It’s a rare one indeed. Talton,…

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‘I thought it was money’: Talton’s half-court heave narrowly misses mark as Monroe City bows out

The Duchesne boys basketball team celebrates beating Monroe City 45-44 in the Class 3 sectionals Wednesday night at Francis Howell Central High School. Shane Hulsey photo

COTTLEVILLE, Mo.  —  Oh, to be in the right place at the right time. Amongst a sea of hands, Nathan DeGuentz rebounded a wild shot and put in the game-winning layup with 1.2 seconds left to give the Duchesne boys basketball team a 45-44 victory over Monroe City in Wednesday’s Class 3 sectional at Francis…

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Perfect exit: Monroe City seniors win final home game for program’s sixth straight district crown

The Monroe City boys basketball team won its sixth straight district championship Saturday night, beating Highland 69-40. Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The last act deserved a standing ovation. The Monroe City faithful obliged. The final time a senior class that has set itself apart as one of the most successful in program history played at home resulted in an incredible accomplishment as the top-seeded Monroe City boys basketball team won its sixth…

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Top-seeded Panthers, third-seeded Cougars will meet for district championship

Monroe City’s Josiah Talton takes the ball to the basket around South Shelby’s Trey Countryman during the Class 3 District 6 semifinals Friday night in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Joshua Talton and the Monroe City boys basketball team made it crystal clear who the team to beat in the Class 3 District 6 tournament is. And it didn’t take long to deliver the message. Talton, the senior guard, scored 14 of the top-seeded Panthers’ 25 first-quarter points Friday night and…

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Liquor Booth Shot of the Game: Monroe City’s Talton beats Liberty at end of second overtime

Monroe City's Joshua Talton, right, calls for a clear out to allow him to attack the rim during last Saturday's game against Liberty in the SuperFan Shootout at The Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Time running down, game on the line and the Monroe City boys basketball team has the possession. Who gets the ball? All-state senior guard Joshua Talton of course. “We took a timeout and everyone was saying, ‘Get it to Josh and he’s going to make a play,’” Panthers senior guard Kyle Hays said.…

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Palmyra girls weather first-half storm, Monroe City boys take control early in CCC victories

Palmyra’s Alex Loman, left, looks to throw a pass around Monroe City’s Josiah Talton during Tuesday night’s game in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City girls basketball team had everyone thinking upset. The Palmyra boys never got that chance. In a Clarence Cannon Conference showcase doubleheader Tuesday, the two teams either state ranked or in that conversation walked away with victories, albeit in decidedly different manners. Outscored 16-4 in the first quarter and…

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SuperFan Shootout: Talton’s field goal gives Panthers final edge in epic state-ranked showdown with Eagles

Monroe City guard Joshua Talton calls timeout before being tied up by Liberty's Breighton Klingele during the second half of Saturday night's game in the SuperFan Shootout at The Pit. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tied up, off target, then true. Joshua Talton smiled knowing the last one was the only one that mattered. Stymied at the end of regulation when his drive to the basket resulted in a jump ball and foiled at the end of the first overtime when his elbow jumper caromed off the rim,…

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Monroe City boys, Canton girls capture titles at 79th annual Tony Lenzini Invitational

Monroe City’s Kyle Hays lays the ball in during the Panthers’ victory over Hannibal in the championship game of the 79th annual Tony Lenzini Invitational on Saturday night in Palmyra, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Hannibal boys basketball team relied on its defense to keep it within striking distance of top-seeded Monroe City at halftime of Saturday night’s championship game of the 79th annual Tony Lenzini Invitational. The Panthers didn’t allow that to happen in the second half. After being held to just nine points in…

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Area Distributors Area Athlete of the Week: Monroe City’s Joshua Talton

Monroe City's Joshua Talton throws down a dunk during a game against Palmyra in the 97 annual Monroe City Tournament last week in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Joshua Talton made sure the title stayed in Title Town. A 6-foot senior guard on the Monroe City boys basketball team, Talton scored the first nine points in last Saturday’s championship game of the 97th annual Monroe City Tournament, propelling the top-seeded Panthers to a 77-36 victory over Highland and their…

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Monroe City’s Pennewell named Class 1’s Defensive Player of the Year by MOFBCA

Monroe City linebacker Ceaton Pennewell (24), running back Joshua Talton (11) and quarterback Kyle Hays (9) received all-state honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. Photo courtesy Tom Davis

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Ceaton Pennewell was named the Class 1 Defensive Player of the Year by the Missouri Football Coaches Association and led a collection of area players receiving all-state honors at the small-school level. The Monroe City junior linebacker was a first-team all-state selection and one of five Panthers to receive plaudits. Overall,…

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Youngblood leads three Panthers receiving all-state softball honors

Monroe City senior outfielder Carly Youngblood was a first-team Class 2 all-state selection. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Three Monroe City softball players headlined the area’s haul of all-state honors from the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association. Panthers senior outfielder Carly Youngblood was a Class 2 first-team selection, while senior infielder Mackenzie Moss and freshman utility player Audri Youngblood were both second-team honorees. Highland sophomore infielder Emma Harshberger…

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Panthers bring Clarence Cannon Conference championship home

The Monroe City football team celebrates winning the Clarence Cannon Conference championship following a 54-20 victory over Highland on Friday night. Submitted photo

EWING, Mo. — The Monroe City football team is bringing another title back to titletown. The Panthers raced out to a 32-0 lead and dispatched Highland 54-20 to win the Clarence Cannon Conference championship and lock up a No. 1 district seed. For all the explosive offensive plays on display, it was a defensive stop…

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Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: Monroe City softball standout Mackenzie Moss

Monroe City's Mackenzie Moss, left, heads for home plate after hitting a go-ahead, three-run home run in a 9-8 victory against Centralia. Photo courtesy Adam Rung

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Mackenzie Moss is on a tear. So is the Monroe City softball team. The Panthers are riding a three-game winning streak, kept alive by Moss’ late-inning heroics. Trailing Centralia 8-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, Monroe City responded with four runs as Moss delivered an RBI single and scored…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Hannibal, Monroe City represent area

Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 10-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cody Thorn, The Examiner; Dave Kvidahl, STLHighschoolsports.com; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Brandon Zenner, The St. Joseph News-Press; J.B. Connoley, KRES radio; Matt King,…

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