Posts Tagged ‘Prep football’
Schuck on a Truck: QHS quarterback Bradyn Little discusses record-setting season earning him Player of the Year
QUINCY — Bradyn Little’s name is littered all over the record books. The Quincy High School senior quarterback established new single-season records in every passing category this fall, throwing for 4,130 yards with 263 completions and 47 touchdowns. Each one of those marks ranks among the top 10 single-season performances in Illinois High School Association…
Read MoreSchuckman: ‘Broken’ IHSA system needs fixing, but finding right solution remains hardest part
QUINCY — The final word of a social media post made last Friday by Chicago Sun-Times high school sports reporter Michael O’Brien sparked debate and had a number of people conjuring up solutions. O’Brien called the Illinois High School Association football playoff system “broken.” The results of the eight state championship games seems to suggest…
Read MoreTurnovers prove costly as Cardinals fall to top-ranked Eagles in Class 2 state semifinals
SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team’s toughest opponent during Saturday’s Class 2 state semifinal was not the sub-freezing temperatures. Nor was not the coating of snow that covered the turf at Charles Rash Memorial Field. In Cardinals coach Adam Gunterman’s evaluation, it was not even their opponent Fair Grove, the No. 1-ranked team…
Read MorePhoto gallery: South Shelby, Fair Grove play state semifinal in cold, snowy conditions
SHELBINA, Mo. — The snow that fell overnight added an element of joy Saturday’s Class 2 state semifinal football game between South Shelby and Fair Grove because if gave both teams the opportunity to play in conditions most teams never see. Fair Grove won 55-21, ending South Shelby’s run one step shy of playing in…
Read MorePlayoff primer: South Shelby faces No. 1-ranked Fair Grove in Class 2 state semifinal
SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team is one step away from playing for a state championship for the first time since finishing as the state runner-up in 2011. The Cardinals have played in five state title games in program history. Getting there will take some resolve as Fair Grove is the No. 1-ranked…
Read MoreToo steep a Hill to climb: Althoff running back ends Central’s season with monster effort in state semifinals
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team got in the path of a freight train, and it was wearing blue and gold. Belleville Althoff cranked out 533 rushing yards — 319 of which came courtesy of University of Oregon commit Dierre Hill Jr. — and steamrolled its way to a 58-19 victory in…
Read MoreTimely recovery: Elsen gobbling up onside kick allows South Shelby to finish off state quarterfinal victory
FAUCETT, Mo. — Had the Mid-Buchanan football team recovered an onside kick for the second time in the final two minutes of Saturday’s Class 2 state quarterfinal, South Shelby’s Cooper Elsen knows the Cardinals would have looked quite foolish. He didn’t let that happen. The All-Clarence Cannon Conference senior lineman corralled and smothered Raife Smith’s…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Althoff’s arsenal of Division I talent too much for Central to overcome
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The Belleville Althoff football team has three players committed to NCAA Division I schools, including top-ranked Oregon, and two others receiving recruiting interest from Power 5 programs. It’s a significant reason the Crusaders are rolling through the Class 1A playoffs. Althoff pulled away from Camp Point Central in Saturday’s state semifinals, scoring…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: South Shelby’s Adam Gunterman discusses state quarterfinal victory
SHELBINA, Mo. — Six hours on a school bus was well worth it. The South Shelby football team traveled to Faucett, Mo., on Saturday for a Class 2 state quarterfinal matchup with Mid-Buchanan, and after scoring the game’s first 20 points, the Cardinals were able to hold onto the lead in what became a 28-26…
Read MoreArea scoreboard for Saturday, November 23
QUINCY — Here is a look at the area scores from Saturday, November 23: Girls basketball Southern Illinois Shootout Edwardsville 42, Quincy High School 29 Pana Turkey Tournament Central-Southeastern 61, Mattoon 22 Central-Southeastern 76, Pana 35 Brown County Lady Hornet Classic West Hancock 40, Rushville-Industry 37 Brown County 61, Payson Seymour 23 Beardstown 54, Mendon…
Read MorePanthers’ offensive line finds consistency, stability to become driving force in playoff push
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Jase Wallace accepted what awaited the Camp Point Central football team’s offensive line when the season began. A little bit of Inconsistency and uncertainty. “There was a lot to learn and improve on,” said Wallace, the senior right guard who was one of four new full-time starters for the defending Class…
Read MoreSchuckman: Cardinals put faith in family and rally around toughness displayed by coach’s mom
SHELBINA, Mo. — Adam Gunterman needed a moment. In the wake of the South Shelby football team’s 6-0 victory over Monroe City in last Friday’s Class 2 District 7 championship game, Gunterman was headed to fulfill some postgame interview obligations when the Cardinals’ Owen Stueve stopped the head coach. Stueve wanted the district championship trophy…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Camp Point Central faces Althoff in Class 1A postseason rematch
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team finds itself in the state semifinals for a third consecutive season with arguably its toughest test as it heads to Belleville Althoff on Saturday. Here’s a closer look at the matchup: What: Class 1A state semifinal When: 2 p.m. Saturday Where: Althoff Catholic High School,…
Read MorePlayoff primer: South Shelby heads to Mid-Buchanan for state quarterfinals
SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team has reached the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2015 and is looking for its first state semifinal appearance since 2011 when it travels to Mid-Buchanan on Saturday. Here’s a closer look at what you need to know about the matchup: What: Class 2 state quarterfinal…
Read MoreStout effort gives Central upperhand against Calhoun, leads to return to state semifinals
HARDIN, Ill. — Nathan Post held on to the ball as if his life depended on it. “I was not letting that thing go,” Post said. The Camp Point Central senior defensive lineman’s fumble recovery with 2:45 left helped seal the Panthers’ 16-7 win over Hardin Calhoun in Saturday’s Class 1A quarterfinals. As the Warriors…
Read MoreTide turns in third quarter as Mustangs end Blue Devils’ historic run in Class 7A state quarterfinals
CHICAGO — Arguably the most anticipated season in Quincy High School football history lasted more than 14 weeks and surpassed 500 minutes of game time before coming to an abrupt halt in a matter of 12 minutes Saturday afternoon. With all of that in mind, Rick Little knew a five-minute postgame huddle wasn’t going to…
Read MoreMaroa-Forsyth’s legend-making final scoring drive ends QND’s season in state quarterfinals
MAROA, Ill. — As soon as Josh Jostes saw his defense force a late game turnover on downs the Maroa-Forsyth football coach went to find his quarterback. “I pulled (Ryne Sheppard) over and said, ‘This is what legends are made of,’” Jostes said. Sheppard led the Trojans on an 11-play, 94-yard scoring drive capped off…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Camp Point Central punches ticket to state semifinals by bouncing Calhoun
HARDIN, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team is making a spot in the state semifinals a yearly occurrence. Saturday, the Panthers found their way back to the Class 1A semifinals for the third straight season with a 16-7 victory over Hardin Calhoun. Freelance photographer Mike Pritchard spent time in Calhoun County and put…
Read More‘It was pure happiness’: South Shelby’s defense stands tall in winning first district title since 2015
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…
Read MoreDropping the Hammers: QHS wide receiver puts ‘second talent’ to use in record-setting fashion
QUINCY — The God-given talents are clear to see. Speed, strength, shiftiness and power give Tykell Hammers an edge against any defensive back who lines up opposite Quincy High School’s most celebrated wide receiver. Yet, it’s what Hammers refers to as his “second talent” that makes him elite. He catches the ball with his hands,…
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: QHS takes on Chicago Catholic League power St. Rita
QUINCY — Here is a closer look at the Quincy High School football team’s matchup with Chicago St. Rita: When: 3 p.m. Saturday What: Class 7A state quarterfinal Where: Doyle Stadium, Chicago Records: Quincy High School — 11-0 (6-0, first in the Western Big 6 Conference). St. Rita — 9-2 (2-1, tied for first in…
Read MorePlayoff primer: QND travels to Maroa-Forsyth for Class 2A state quarterfinal
QUINCY — Here is a closer look at the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s matchup with Maroa-Forsyth: When: 2 p.m. Saturday What: Class 2A state quarterfinal Where: Walter Boyd Field, Maroa-Forsyth High School Records: Quincy Notre Dame — 10-1 (5-0, first in Central State Eight Conference West Division). Maroa-Forsyth — 10-1 (7-1, second in Sangamo…
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 MorePanthers believe their improvements in execution since Week 2 loss to Warriors will change outcome
CAMP POINT, Ill. — This isn’t about revenge. It’s about redemption. While tipping their cap to the way Calhoun played in its 14-13 victory in Week 2 — the Camp Point Central football players universally will tell you the Warriors were physical, tenacious and opportunistic — the Panthers felt they executed at a sub-par level,…
Read MoreRecord-setting efforts of QHS’s Little, QND’s Scott earn IHSFCA all-state honors
QUINCY — The most prolific passer in the history of the Quincy High School football program and the most prolific tackler Quincy Notre Dame has ever produced share common ground. One of Camp Point Central’s most acclaimed two-way players shares it, too. They are back-to-back first-team all-state selections. QHS senior quarterback Bradyn Little received all-state…
Read MoreCrim: Intriguing matchups await area football teams still alive in postseason play
QUINCY — It’s getting down to nitty-gritty time in the high school football postseason. Now that preliminary playoff rounds are out of the way, three area teams have advanced to the quarterfinals in Illinois and three Missouri teams will play for district championships this week. Reigning Illinois Class 1A champion Camp Point Central has been…
Read MoreGreat Scott! Linebacker’s critical stop helps Raiders put away second-round playoff victory
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame defensive tackle Kellen Mangan has a front row seat to the weekly exploits of teammate Taylin Scott. So, it came as no surprise for Mangan to see the Raiders middle linebacker make a momentum-swinging stop on defense. “Taylin is all-state for a reason,” Mangan said. “He makes those plays.” Scott’s…
Read MorePanthers earn another shot at Warriors after posting shutout in Class 1A playoff game
CAMP POINT, Ill. — The defending Class 1A state football champion remains alive and has a little revenge in mind. Camp Point Central was dominant in all phases in rainy, windswept conditions Saturday afternoon, scoring all five of its touchdowns on as many possessions in the first half to roll to a 40-0 victory over…
Read MoreHornets see season end when Warriors score twice in two-minute span of fourth quarter
MT. STERLING, Ill. — Two minutes decided the outcome, but it doesn’t change what two and a half months revealed. That’s the character of the Brown County football players. And that’s why Tom Little had to pause, fight back tears and collect himself before talking about the postgame huddle with the Hornets following Saturday’s 16-0…
Read More‘Every drive is a touchdown’: Blue Devils bury Maroons with offensive onslaught late in first half
QUINCY — All Bradyn Little and the Quincy High School football team’s offense could do was wait. Five minutes into the second quarter of Friday night’s Class 7A second-round playoff game, 15th-seeded Moline had chewed up more than 13 minutes of possession and limited second-seeded Quincy to one possession in a game tied at 7…
Read MoreSchelp, Smith team up to create tide-turning fumble as Blue Devils seize momentum
QUINCY — As Ben Schelp sized up the situation, he realized every Moline offensive lineman was preoccupied. “They were taking all of our defensive linemen, which left me free off the edge,” said Schelp, the Quincy High School junior linebacker. “It gave me a really easy shot at him.” That’s the last thing Moline quarterback…
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 MoreMayfield, Panthers prime themselves for district title showdown by walloping Indians
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…
Read MoreCardinals’ offense churns out touchdowns in setting up district title showdown with Panthers
SHELBINA, Mo. — When your offense does nothing but score touchdowns, you know you’re in good shape. South Shelby football coach Adam Gunterman and the Cardinals found themselves there Friday night. The top-seeded Cardinals’ starting offense scored on all seven possessions in a 48-19 victory over fifth-seeded Macon in the semifinals of the Class 2…
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 MoreImprovements along offensive, defensive lines continue giving Monroe City its edge
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,”…
Read MoreWB6 champion Blue Devils load up with all-conference football selections
QUINCY — The Western Big 6 Conference football coaches didn’t go as far as to say Quincy High School’s high-scoring offense deserved every starter on the all-conference team, but they certainly came close. The Blue Devils snared six of the 11 first-team All-WB6 spots offensively and had eight members of the offense honored overall. Meanwhile,…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 10
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman breaks down the first round of the Illinois prep football playoffs and the Missouri district tournaments for the final episode in the debut season of Muddy Night Lights powered by Farm & Home Supply.
Read MoreBlue Devils lock down Argonauts, roll into second round of Class 7A playoffs with matchup against WB6 foe Moline looming
QUINCY — In what proved to be another record-setting day for the Quincy High School football team’s offense, it was the defense that stood tall. Summit Argo was able to muster only one first down and was held to a minus-15 yards of total offense against the Blue Devils’ swarming and smothering defense through the…
Read MoreQuick Kick: Triplett’s return propels QND to easy first-round victory and another home playoff game
QUINCY — It didn’t take long for Quincy Notre Dame to make a statement in its first-round Class 2A playoff football game. Only 12 seconds, in fact. Oliver Triplett returned the opening kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead. “The whole plan was to jump on them early,” Triplett…
Read MoreFullerton hauls in Little’s TD pass to complete game-winning drive as Hornets pull off upset
GREENFIELD, Ill. — There was no way Tyce Fullerton was dropping this pass, not with what was at stake. Fullerton hauled in what turned out to be the game-winning 14-yard touchdown pass from Brown County quarterback Vince Little with three minutes left in the Hornets’ 18-16 upset of fifth-seeded Greenfield-Northwestern in the first round of…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS stays undefeated with first-round whitewashing of Summit Argo
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team improved to 10-0 with Saturday’s 49-7 victory over Summit Argo in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs at Flinn Stadium. The Blue Devils will play host to Western…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: QND defense holds Flora to 121 yards of offense in playoff rout
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame football team continued its defensive dominance on Saturday afternoon in a 49-6 victory over Flora in a first-round game in the IHSA Class 2A playoffs. QND’s defense has surrendered 78 points in its last nine games. Taylin Scott spearheaded the effort with 19 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and…
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 MoreClark County swings momentum back in its favor, ends Palmyra’s season in district quarterfinals
PALMYRA, Mo. — Laden Simmons thought the Palmyra football team had snatched the game away from Clark County. The Indians snatched it right back and put the dagger in the Panthers’ season shortly thereafter to close out a 26-22 victory in Friday’s Class 2 District 7 quarterfinal. Simmons’ second touchdown of the night tied the…
Read MoreMonroe City quickly puts stamp on district victory, sets up semifinal matchup with Clark County
MONROE CITY, Mo. — The proverbial cloud of dust has been replaced in most instances by a spray of rubber pellets, but regardless of the metaphor being used, it was apropos to the way the Monroe City football team began Friday night. One Quincy Mayfield burst 25 seconds into the Class 2 District 7 quarterfinal…
Read MoreMacon rolls past Mark Twain in district opener to earn rematch with South Shelby
CENTER, Mo. — The chilly night got a little cooler for Macon football coach Van Vanatta after his team’s 37-0 victory over Mark Twain Friday night. The long-time coach received a cooler of water poured over his head in the middle of Mark Twain’s field as the Class 2 District 4 opening victory was also…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Taking inside look at first-round matchups for Illinois prep football teams
QUINCY — The first round of the Illinois High School Association football playoffs provides lengthy road trips, rematches and the start of title defenses. Six area teams qualified for the postseason with four earning first-round home games. Here is a look at each of the six games on top for Muddy River Sports area schools.…
Read MoreDefinition of determination: Wires overcomes pair of ACL surgeries to become factor at heart of Blue Devils’ defense
QUINCY — Every step Max Wires takes is one closer to leaving the past behind. Saturday may be his final stride. That’s when, for the first time in his prep football career, Wires will walk onto the Flinn Stadium turf for a playoff game. Injuries to both knees — the senior linebacker suffered a torn…
Read More‘It’s one big position’: QND leaning on offensive linemen to pave way deep into postseason
QUINCY — Each member of the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s offensive line has unique individual strengths, but the individuality ends there. “It’s not five different positions,” senior left guard Ryan Darnell said. “It’s one big position.” With one big goal in mind. The Raiders want to plow the road. Heading into the Class 2A…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Central’s Elijah Genenbacher discusses title defense and move to quarterback
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Elijah Genenbacher has always been a do-whatever-it-takes type of teammate. This year, his willingness to play anywhere, anytime, against anyone led to Genenbacher shifting from running back to quarterback, and with is has come a seven-game win streak for the Camp Point Central football team. The Panthers won the WIVC North…
Read MoreCrim: Putting family first enables QND’s Hun to find success on and off football field
QUINCY — Family first. Raul and Barb Hun have made that a priority with their eight children. It means nurturing relationships, remaining close and being there for each other through the good times and the challenging ones. “These are your first friends,” Barb explained. “These are the ones that will be your friends your whole…
Read MoreCrim: Warsaw’s Althide leaves legacy as one of state of Illinois’ most dominant running backs
WARSAW, Ill. — A recent obituary caught my attention. Darrell Althide of Basco died Oct. 17 at age 78. His funeral was last Tuesday. The obituary details a lovely family legacy. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Debeera, for 56 years and together they had four daughters who blessed them with six grandchildren.…
Read MoreOpportunity to play at home gives Adams County football programs edge in postseason
QUINCY — The road to Normal runs through Adams County. The football teams from three schools within the county borders learned Saturday night their postseason paths begin with first-round home games, and since all three are seeded second or third in their respective brackets, home games deeper in the playoffs are a legitimate possibility. Overall,…
Read MoreInside the IHSA playoffs: Brackets for all eight classes of Illinois prep football
Muddy Night Lights, Episode 9
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and area football coaches wrap up the regular season and take a look at the upcoming playoffs for this episode of Muddy Night Lights powered by Farm & Home Supply.
Read MoreTicket punched: Hornets fight way back to playoffs as running game chews up victory over Wolves
MT. STERLING, Ill. — Tyce Fullerton couldn’t stomach missing the playoffs again. In 2023, it was out of his control. A torn ACL kept the Brown County running back and linebacker out for the final seven games of the season. The Hornets finished the campaign 3-6 and failed to reach the postseason for the first…
Read MoreBlue Devils face adversity with tough chin in finishing back-to-back undefeated regular seasons
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Quincy High School football team had faced little adversity in breezing past its first eight opponents by an average of nearly 37 points per game. The Blue Devils showed Friday night they could take a punch and answer with a counterpunch of their own. Three times Quincy, which had never…
Read MoreRaiders put cap on undefeated run through Central State 8 in debut season in league
DECATUR, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame football team made quite a splash. Now it’s time to make an even bigger one. Friday night’s 28-7 victory at Decatur MacArthur left the Raiders as the only undefeated team in the Central State 8 Conference as QND won the West Division championship and both crossover games in…
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 MoreMuddy Night Lights Week 9 prep football scoreboard
QUINCY — Here are the scores from teams and conferences throughout West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri from Week 9 of the prep football season: Western Big 6 Conference Quincy High School 42, Capital City 31 Moline 45, Sterling 31 United Township 40, Galesburg 14 Geneseo 34, Rock Island 13 Central State 8 Conference Quincy Notre…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 9: Wrapping up prep football’s regular season
QUINCY — It’s time to fully invest in talking playoff football after Week 9 of the regular season wrapped up with Quincy High School going undefeated, South Shelby winning back-to-back Clarence Cannon Conference championship for the first time since 1971 and Brown County becoming the sixth area team to earn an Illinois playoff berth. Muddy…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 9 prep football matchups and livestream links
QUINCY — Week 9 of the prep football season is upon us and with it comes opportunities to make history, punch playoff tickets and gain needed momentum heading into the postseason. And we will discuss all of that on Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply, when we go live from 10 p.m.…
Read MoreIllinois state football rankings: QND is new No. 1 in Class 2A, while QHS sits at No. 2 in Class 7A
CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press state rankings for Illinois high school football as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (14) 8-0 140 1 2. Naperville Central 8-0 112 2 3. Lyons 8-0 103 4 4.…
Read MoreCrim: Playoff positioning, record-setting efforts add intrigue to final week of regular season
QUINCY — The final week of the high school football regular season has arrived. Quincy High School, Quincy Notre Dame and Camp Point Central have all clinched league championships in Illinois and are on the cusp of securing home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Clarence Cannon Conference title is still…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ second straight undefeated run through WB6 is ‘something we’re very proud of’
GENESEO, Ill. — Rick Little had a surprise awaiting the Quincy High School football players during their postgame huddle Friday night. The head coach unfurled a 2024 Western Big 6 Conference champions banner. “It’s something we’re very proud of,” Little said. The Blue Devils punctuated back-to-back undefeated WB6 crowns with a 55-18 victory over Geneseo.…
Read MoreRaiders snuff out any hope for rally from Railsplitters, cap home slate with another victory
QUINCY — Charsten Williams has discovered the knack of making a big play when it matters most. The Quincy Notre Dame defensive end has done it two weeks in a row. “In the moment, I kind of realize what’s really on the line,” Williams said. Williams’ key second-half sack, and subsequent forced punt, thwarted any…
Read MorePeters’ five-TD performance emulates high-stakes manner of Panthers’ late-season approach
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Nate Peters assures he is healthy again, and his Friday night performance confirmed it. The senior running back scored five touchdowns — three by rushing, two via reception — to headline the state-ranked Camp Point Central football team’s sixth straight victory, a 41-28 win over Carrollton before a Senior Night crowd…
Read MoreEtched in history: Chargers fight way back to postseason play with fifth straight victory
HAMILTON, Ill. — Friday was a light day in weight training class for Illini West senior wide receiver and defensive back Tre Niederman, but his thoughts weighed heavily on him. As Niederman walked the track at Fuzz Berges Field during that class — Illini West football assistant coach Michael Lafferty, who teaches the class, was…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: QND wraps up home slate with dominating effort against Lincoln
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame football team played its final home game of the regular season Friday night with a 54-12 victory over Lincoln at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Muddy River News Editor David Adam captured some of the plays of Friday night’s game.
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 8 offers heaping helping of games with playoff implications
QUINCY — Playoff spots remain up in the air. Playoff pairings are affected by every outcome. And for some, this is the start of where next season begins. Week 8 of the prep football season has plenty to offer. And don’t forget, Muddy Night Lights will come to you from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday…
Read MoreSchuckman: State football rankings generate debate, but have no bearing on playoff brackets
QUINCY — There are three main points of emphasis high school football fans needs to understand in regards to the state rankings, which have created considerable interest and conjecture following Wednesday afternoon’s reveal of this week’s votes. One, the polls are discussion points and conversation starters. They provide some clarity on which teams could be…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Chicago Mt. Carmel leapfrogs QHS for top spot, QND drops to No. 4 despite victory
CHICAGO — Here are this week’s Illinois Associated Press state football rankings, as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (11) 7-0 110 1 2. Naperville Central 7-0 86 2 3. Oswego 7-0 79 3 4. Lyons 7-0…
Read MoreSchuckman: Italian horseshoes and football chatter make for perfect corner market lunch
COLCHESTER, Ill. — A sense of nostalgia grabbed hold pulling up in front of the small corner market, even for those who had never been there before. For Brigham John, it hit him with full force. As he explained while sitting at a table of six waiting to eat a late lunch, he longed for…
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 MoreCrim: QHS, QND in position to capture conference crowns as football season hits home stretch
QUINCY — The high school football calendar is entering the home stretch with just three weeks remaining before postseason play begins, and both state-ranked Quincy teams are eyeing conference championships. Quincy High School will play its final home game Friday night against Sterling. The Blue Devils, ranked fifth in Class 7A, already have clinched a…
Read MorePanthers create new Routt to victory, rally past Rockets to remain unbeaten in WIVC North
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Nate Peters is as perceptive as he is talented. The two-way senior performer for Camp Point Central’s football team admitted he had been quite nervous — and with good reason — in the waning stages of the Panthers’ 22-21 victory Saturday afternoon over Jacksonville Routt. “They have a good kicker,” said Peters,…
Read MoreTwo for Two: Brenner’s interception returns for TDs start scoring avalanche for QND in home rout
QUINCY — Jack Brenner doesn’t get many chances at picking off the opposing team’s quarterback. In fact, the Quincy Notre Dame senior linebacker entered Friday’s contest without an interception in his high school career. It only took three offensive plays for Brenner to not only snag his first pick but also his second. He returned…
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 MoreMonroe City’s defense tightens up after offensive blitzkrieg, beats Palmyra to win Mayor’s Cup
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…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights Scoreboard for Week 6
QUINCY — Here is a look at the Friday night scores from prep football games impacting the conference standings for teams throughout the Muddy River Sports coverage area: Western Big 6 Conference Quincy High School 45, Galesburg 0 (Thursday game) Moline 56, Harvey Thornton 3 (Thursday game) Sterling 13, Geneseo 6 United Township 34, Rock…
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 MoreBlue Devils record first shutout since 2021, manhandle Silver Streaks to stay perfect
GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School coaching staff has never gone chasing shutouts, willingly and liberally rotating players on the defense when the score gets lopsided in the second half of recent games. That doesn’t mean the players aren’t looking for the goose egg. With Thursday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Galesburg…
Read More‘It was like a movie’: Copenhaver’s recovery from knee reconstruction is all about faith and determination
PALMYRA, Mo. — Drew Copenhaver’s faith never wavered, no matter how improbable his comeback seemed as he lied on the turf with his right knee obliterated. Facing Centralia in the Clarence Cannon Conference football opener last fall, the Palmyra wide receiver made a spectacular overe-the-shoulder catch, was dragged down from behind a yard short of…
Read MoreHornets run roughshod over Tigers, inch closer to fighting for potential playoff berth
BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — The Brown County football team has put itself in position to chase a playoff berth. Nothing will be easy about getting to five victories. Following Thursday night’s 57-0 victory over Beardstown in Western Illinois Valley Conference North Division play, the Hornets need two more victories to become playoff eligible with three games…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Crucial conference showdowns highlight Week 6
QUINCY — Week 6 got a jumpstart with a pair of lopsided Thursday night affairs with the Quincy High School football team blasting Galesburg 45-0 and Brown County flattening Beardstown 57-0. The rest of the weekend provides critical showdowns in the North Central Missouri Conference, the Clarence Cannon Conference and the Western Illinois Valley Conference…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS, QND hold steady, Macomb moves into top 10 in Class 4A
QUINCY — Here are the latest Associated Press state rankings for the eight classes of Illinois prep football teams as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (14) 5-0 140 1 2. Barrington 5-0 114 2 3. York…
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 More‘I couldn’t stop smiling’: Williams is one of three Blue Devils to score first career TD in victory over Panthers
QUINCY — A touchdown in a game separated by 35 points with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter can seem insignificant. Try telling that to Harold Williams. Williams’ 28-yard touchdown run with 1:41 to go punctuated state-ranked Quincy High School’s 49-7 Western Big 6 Conference victory over United Township on Friday night…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 5: Breaking down important wins for state-ranked teams
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman breaks down Week 5 of the prep football season with area coaches and players, Muddy River Sports scribes Steve Eighinger and Shane Hulsey, and Channel1450.com’s Derek Parris for Episode 5 of Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply.
Read MoreFinal drive results in go-ahead touchdown as Raiders stay undefeated in CS8 play
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The situation called for patience, persistence and poise. The Quincy Notre Dame football team showcased it all on one of the most critical drives of the season. Trailing Springfield 9-8 with six minutes remaining in regulation Friday night, the state-ranked Raiders took possession at their own 48-yard line and steadily moved the…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights Scoreboard for Week 5 of the prep football season
QUINCY — Here is a look at the scores from Week 5 of the prep football season from every conference involving area schools: Western Big 6 Conference Quincy High School 49, United Township 7 Moline 37, Rock Island 12 Geneseo 28, Galesburg 21 Sterling 32, Beloit (Wis.) Turner 0 Central State 8 Conference West Division…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team wins another WB6 home game by beating United Township
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team beat United Township for the 22nd consecutive time, winning 49-7 Friday night at Flinn Stadium as Jeraius Rice Jr. scored three touchdowns and Bradyn Litle threw for 332 yards and…
Read MoreNiekamp’s big runs in Central’s victory over Brown County help him make case for more carries
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — Kadin Niekamp is already thinking ahead to next season. Niekamp is admittedly salivating at the chance to move into the Camp Point Central football team’s offensive backfield on a full-time basis, but has no problem waiting his turn in a program that produces effective running backs in the same fashion Nabisco…
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 MoreGame Night Guide: Week 5 will start to separate playoff contenders from pretenders
QUINCY — Week 5 of the prep football season could be the end of the road for some team’s playoff aspirations or a renewed hope of extending their season. Here’s what to look forward to this Friday night, and remember to join us for Muddy Night Lights at 10 p.m.: Friday’s games United Township (2-2)…
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 MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QND moves to No. 3, QHS climbs to No. 5, Central stays at No. 4
QUINCY — Here are the Illinois Associated Press state football rankings as voted on by a panel of sports writers and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (14) 4-0 140 1 2. Barrington 4-0 119 3 3. Oswego 4-0 96 T 5 (tie) York 4-0…
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