Hannibal and other North Central Missouri Conference schools considering options as league folds

Hannibal’s Darion Washington (23) gains extra yards during the Pirates game against the Moberly Spartans, Friday in Hannibal. The two schools are looking for new conference homes following the pending demise of the North Central Missouri Conference. — Photo by Matthew Kirby

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…

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‘Landyn Essig is really fast’: Essig returns two kickoffs for touchdowns, scores four times in Pirates’ rout of Spartans

Landyn Essig had two kickoff returns for touchdown, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in Hannibal's 56-18 win over Moberly. — Photo by Shane Hulsey

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…

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North 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…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, Kirksville engage in old-fashioned slobberknocker in NCMC matchup

Hannibal defensive back Cameron Davis breaks up a pass intended for a Kirksville wide receiver during Friday night's North Central Missouri Conference game at Spainhower Field in Kirksville, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

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…

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Crim: Stage is set for NCMC title showdown when Hannibal football team heads to Kirksville

Hannibal quarterback Waylon Anders, left, and coach Jeff Gschwender lead the Pirates into this Friday's North Central Missouri Conference showdown at Kirksville with both teams undefeated in league play. | Mathew Kirby photo

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…

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Photo gallery: Hannibal, Marshall square off in NCMC battle of top teams

The Hannibal and Marshall boys soccer teams ± the top two teams in he North Central Missouri Conference — squared off Saturday at the Veterans Soorts Complex with the Pirates winning 1-0 in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

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…

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Pirates shut out Spartans as Tharp nets hat trick in NCMC victory

Hannibal's Cooper Scott moves the ball away from three Moberly players during Tuesday night's North Central Missouri Conference game at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

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…

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Rally comes too late for Pirates in NCMC loss to Hornets

Hannibal's Sydney Zimmerman slides safely into second base during Monday's game against Fulton at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

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…

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Thomas, Pirates capture NCMC golf crowns and take good vibes into district tourney

The Hannibal boys golf team won the North Central Missouri Conference championship with a 322 team score Tuesday at Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton, Mo. | Submitted photo

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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Pitching, defense shine as Pirates clinch North Central Missouri Conference title

Hannibal pitcher Colton Dryden is met by his coaches as he comes off the field following a scoreless inning against Mexico in Monday's 3-0 victory at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kane Wilson’s diving stop in the fifth inning of the Hannibal baseball team’s 3-0 victory over Mexico at the Veterans Sports Complex on Monday did not result in an out, but the Pirates shortstop made arguably the most important play of the game. With a runner on second, no outs and the…

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Photo gallery: Dryden’s effort, insurance runs secure another NCMC crown for Pirates

Hannibal's Kane Wilson, left, is congratulated by teammate Alex Arthaud after scoring on Ryan Ross' hit in the sixth inning of Monday's 3-0 victory over Mexico at the Veterans Sports Complex in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal baseball team is at the top of the heap once again, having defeated Mexico 3-0 on Monday at the Veterans Sports Complex to win the North Central Missouri Conference title. It is the Pirates’ second NCMC crown in the past three seasons. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent Monday…

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Right on cue: Pirates score flurry of goals in Pink Night victory over Bulldogs

Hannibal's Abbie Martin, left, and Aly Falconer celebrate one of Martin's three goals during Thursday night's 8-0 victory over Mexico in North Central Missouri Conference play in Hannibal, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal girls soccer coach Eric Hill did not write a script for Thursday’s North Central Missouri Conference game against Mexico, but if he would have, it would have looked something like the Pirates’ 8-0 victory at the Veterans Sports Complex. “We put on a show,” Hill said. It lasted only 51 minutes.…

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Pirates overwhelm another NCMC opponent with goal-scoring onslaught

Hannibal's Ashley Davis scored two goals in Thursday night's 8-0 victory over Fulton in North Central Missouri Conference play at Veterans Field in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team showcased its dynamic ability to put an opponent on its heels Thursday night. There isn’t much the rest of the North Central Missouri Conference can do about it. The Pirates overwhelmed Fulton in an 8-0 victory Thursday night at Veterans Field. The Pirates improved to 4-0 in…

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Photo gallery: Stolte’s quick goal sparks Hannibal’s attack in NCMC victory over Moberly

Malia Stolte, center, celebrates with teammates after scoring 11 seconds into Thursday's North Central Missouri Conference game against Moberly at Veterans Field in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls soccer team earned a North Central Missouri Conference victory Thursday at Veterans Field, beating Moberly 5-1 as Malia Stolte tied a school record for the quickest goal scored as she netted the first goal just 11 seconds into the game. Aly Falconer scored two goals for the Pirates (5-1-1,…

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Four Pirates earn all-conference football honors on both sides of ball

HANNIBAL, Mo. — To no one’s surprise, the North Central Missouri Conference’s best football team dominated the all-league selections. Hannibal, which went 5-0 and outscored its opponents 275-28 in league play, landed seven players on the first-team offense and six players on the first-team defense. The Pirates had five others earn second-team plaudits. Four players…

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Another overwhelming victory allows Pirates to put finishing touches on NCMC championship

Hannibal quarterback Waylon Anders, right, hands the ball to running back Mike Ferreira, who rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns in Friday night's victory over Marshall at Porter Stadium. | Mathew Kirby file photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The football script was quite familiar. Hannibal scored early, often and in the second half there was a running clock. The Pirates’ 56-7 North Central Missouri Conference blowout of Marshall was the latest in a lengthening line of one-sided victories. This particular win, played before a crowd of about 1,200 at Porter…

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Williams helps Pirates remain NCMC’s top team after smothering Spartans in state-ranked battle

Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender addresses his team following Friday night's 28-8 victory over Moberly in North Central Missouri Conference play in Moberly, Mo. | Ben Marth photo

MOBERLY, Mo. — Aneyas Williams enjoys the spotlight, but he’s happy to share it.  “That’s what I want to do, do anything I can to help the team win,” the Hannibal senior running back and University of Notre Dame commit said. If the Hannibal football team can replicate the balance it displayed Friday night, the…

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Pirates rumble toward showdown with Spartans by dismantling another NCMC foe

Hannibal’s Kaiser McAfee, right, pressures Kirksville’s Ryder Lyons during Friday night’s North Central Missouri Conference game at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Another Friday night, another one-sided Hannibal football victory. The Pirates’ latest win, a 53-0 shellacking of Kirksville, was Hannibal’s fifth straight and played out in front of about 1,200 fans at Porter Stadium. Hannibal has outscored its last three opponents 191-13. All three games have been finished with a running clock in…

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Williams, Pirates uses efficient approach to overwhelm Bulldogs in first half of NCMC victory

Hannibal senior running back Aneyas Williams scored three touchdowns on four offensive touches Friday night against Mexico in North Central Missouri Conference play in Mexico, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

MEXICO, Mo. — Aneyas Williams’ play gets described in a variety of ways, often with adjectives such as electric or dazzling. Friday night, a new one was added to the list. Efficient. Williams had only four touches offensively during the Hannibal football team’s 61-7 victory over Mexico in North Central Missouri Conference play, but the…

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Pirates keep improving, keep rolling through NCMC opponents with high-powered attack

Hannibal’s Noah Young (59) tackles Fulton’s Malik Douglas (34) during the Pirates’ North Central Missouri Conference victory Friday night at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal quarterback Waylon Anders shrugged off the final margin of victory, preferring to break down the bigger picture. “We know we have to stay focused, no matter who we are playing or what the score is,” Anders said.  The junior insists maintaining that kind of mindset is imperative, regardless of how easy…

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Wilson leads quartet of Hannibal baseball players who earn all-conference honors

Hannibal junior shortstop Kane Wilson set single-season program records with 44 hits and 44 RBIs. | Matt Schuckman photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — A record-setting regular season landed Hannibal junior shortstop Kane Wilson and three teammates on the All-North Central Missouri Conference baseball team. Wilson established new single-season program records for hits and RBIs and takes a .400 average into the postseason. He is joined on the All-NCMC team by freshman first baseman Cooper Scott,…

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Thomas, Pirates rise to top in NCMC tournament, set stage to attack postseason

The Hannibal boys golfers celebrate their North Central Missouri Conference championship Tuesday at Kirksville Country Club. | Submitted photo

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Quinn Thomas and the Hannibal boys golf team geared up for the postseason by claiming the first of what they hope to be consecutive championships. Thomas fired a 4-over 75 at Kirksville Country Club on Tuesday to earn medalist honors and guide the Pirates to the team title at the North Central…

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Pirates bury Hornets with overwhelming first-quarter surge in NCMC opener

Hannibal’s Owen Andrews sacks and strips the ball from Fulton quarterback Gabe DeFily during Friday night’s North Central Missouri Conference game at Fulton, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

FULTON, Mo. — An ominous start didn’t translate to an oh-no-that-just-happened finish. Actually, a fumble on the Hannibal football team’s first possession Friday night against Fulton was merely a blip during an otherwise rock-solid performance in the North Central Missouri Conference opener. The Pirates followed the lost fumble by scoring on four consecutive possessions before…

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Running roughshod through NCMC earns Pirates plethora of all-conference honors

Four members of the Hannibal football team's offensive line received All-North Central Missouri Conference honors. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — An offense that finished the regular season on a record-setting scoring pace deserves all the accolades the Hannibal football team is receiving. The Pirates had six players land on the All-North Central Missouri Conference offensive first team and four others on the second team after winning the league title with an undefeated…

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Pirates reclaim North Central Missouri Conference throne with another beatdown

Hannibal’s Jack Parker intercepts a pass during the Pirates’ 55-0 victory against Marshall on Friday night in North Central Missouri Conference play at Porter Stadium. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The North Central Missouri Conference championship is back where it belongs. For the seventh time in the past decade and after one year without the crown, the Hannibal football team rumbled its way to the NCMC title with a 55-0 victory over Marshall on Friday night at Porter Stadium. The Pirates, ranked…

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Pirates overwhelm Spartans from first play forward, stay undefeated in NCMC

Hannibal’s John Clubine, right, tackles and forces Moberly punter Dakota Courtney to fumble the ball during the Pirates’ North Central Missouri Conference victory Friday night in Moberly, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MOBERLY, Mo. — Although the Hannibal football coaching staff chose to rest some guys due to nagging injuries and illness, the Pirates didn’t miss a beat. A three-play scoring drive to open the game kickstarted a 28-point first quarter and a 48-14 rout of Moberly in Friday night’s North Central Missouri Conference victory at  Dr.…

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