Posts Tagged ‘Prep football’
Missouri prep football rankings: South Shelby rises to No. 6, Hannibal stays put at No. 4
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MoreCrim: Panthers refuse to settle for just winning games, focus on climb to top of CCC
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra football team has accomplished what it needed to do during the first four weeks of the season. Win the winnable games. The Panthers ran their record to 3-1 Friday night with a 46-6 victory over winless Highland. That’s one more win than the previous two teams recorded combined. They haven’t…
Read MoreSchuckman: Little’s commitment to building right culture around QHS football program leads to another milestone moment
QUINCY — Rick Little asked the simplest question that had a surprisingly simple answer. Yet, nothing was going to be simple about the job it led him to take. In February 2007, Little was a candidate for the vacant head football coaching position at Quincy High School. The Blue Devils had endured a two-win season…
Read MoreLoud and clear: Raiders quiet Cyclones, big plays offensively lead to statement-making victory
QUINCY — A lopsided victory against a six-time state champion may open plenty of eyes around the state of Illinois. It came as no surprise to the Quincy Notre Dame football team. “(QND coach Jack Cornell) emphasized to us this whole week that we need to make a statement, and obviously we did,” junior running…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 4: Record-breaking moments and historic victories highlight night
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and a series of guests spent two hours Friday night talking high school football for this week’s episode of Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply. Several area coaches — Camp Point Central’s Brad Dixon, Macomb’s Tanner Horrell, Quincy High School’s Rick Little, South Shelby’s…
Read MoreBlue Devils bookend first half with back-breaking touchdowns in WB6 victory over Maroons
MOLINE, Ill. — Allowing a touchdown on the second play of the game had to be a little disheartening for the Moline football team. Giving one up on the final play of the first half was disheartening. That’s how cruel Quincy High School’s efficient and electric offense can be. The Blue Devils opened Friday night’s…
Read MoreExperiment works as Genenbacher guides Panthers to victory in new role as starting QB
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Elijah Genenbacher could take a serious liking to this quarterback thing. Thanks to some lineup reshuffling, due mostly to a series of nagging injuries, Camp Point Central football coach Brad Dixon installed Genenbacher as the starting quarterback Friday night for the first time in his career. Genenbacher, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound senior,…
Read MoreTwo-minute flurry enables Panthers to turn CCC matchup with Cougars into lopsided affair
PALMYRA, Mo. — In the blink of an eye, a one-score game turned into a rout. Its explosive offense held relatively in check during the opening 17 minutes Friday night, the Palmyra football team turned three Highland turnovers into 24 points in a little more than two minutes late in the first half to take…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights Scoreboard for Week 4 of prep football season
QUINCY — Here is a look at conference scores from Week 4 of the prep football season throughout West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri: Western Big 6 Conference Quincy High School 43, Moline 21 United Township 35, Geneseo 16 Sterling 40, Galesburg 3 Bradley-Bourbonnais 49, Rock Island 14 Central State 8 Conference Quincy Notre Dame 37,…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Conference showdowns and playoff implications on tap for Week 4
QUINCY — Week 4 of the prep football season brings us key conference matchups and will have playoff implications for some teams. Here’s what to look forward to this Friday night, and remember to join us for Muddy Night Lights at 10 p.m.: Quincy High School (3-0) at Moline (2-1), 7 p.m. • WGEM Streaming…
Read MoreSchuckman: Prep football teams lining up to chase playoff bids at crucial juncture of regular season
QUINCY — It takes five. To be considered for one of the 256 high school football teams to qualify for a postseason berth in Illinois, five victories are needed. Six wins guarantees a spot. Seven likely gets a favorable draw. Eight almost always results in a first-round home game. And nine means you’re perfect and…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QND up to No. 4 in Class 2A, QHS up to No. 7 in Class 7A
QUINCY — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press state football rankings as voted on by a state-wide panel of sports writers and sportscasters. First-place votes are in parentheses: Class 8A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Lincoln-Way East (13) 3-0 130 1 2. Chicago (Marist) 3-0 111 4 3. Barrington 3-0 101 5 4.…
Read MoreMissouri prep football rankings: Hannibal holds at No. 4 in Class 4, South Shelby stays at No. 7 in Class 2
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MoreCrim: Big plays from explosive offense giving QHS football team leg up in undefeated start
QUINCY — The formula for the Quincy High School football team is simple. Catch us if you can. Quincy’s explosive offense has picked up where it left off last season by scoring 40 or more points in each of its first three games. The undefeated and state-ranked Blue Devils are churning out nearly 470 yards…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 3: Talking prep football as conference play begins
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and a series of guests spent two hours Friday night talking high school football for this week’s episode of Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply. Three area coaches — Brown County’s Tom Little, Macomb’s Tanner Horrell and Palmyra’s Dalton Hill — joined us on…
Read MoreLeaving no doubt: Blue Devils start WB6 title defense by overwhelming Rocks in all facets
QUINCY — Quincy High School wanted to make a statement as it opened defense of its Western Big 6 Conference football championship. The Blue Devils delivered a powerful one. Scoring on all six offensive possessions in the first half while limiting Rock Island to just one first down, QHS opened a 41-0 halftime lead Friday…
Read MoreRaiders introduce themselves to CS8 with dominant performance against Spartans
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame football team made its intentions clear from the start. The Raiders were going to own the trenches. After receiving the opening kickoff Friday night at Advance Physical Therapy Field, the state-ranked Raiders’ first four plays were running plays that generated 54 yards with Ivan Hun scoring on a 12-yard…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights Scoreboard for Week 3 of prep football
QUINCY — Here is a look at the scores and highlights from Week 3 of the prep football season: Quincy High School 48, Rock Island 7 • The Blue Devils open Western Big 6 Conference play by scoring on every first-half possession and limiting the Rocks to one first down through the first three quarters.…
Read MoreTimbrook’s interception gives Cardinals jolt, then offense takes control in CCC victory over Panthers
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…
Read MoreReturn investment: Sefton’s TD to open second half propels Hornets to WIVC North victory
MOUNT STERLING, Ill. — About the time Brown County sophomore Jack Sefton was finishing off his touchdown return to open the second half, there was a distinct sound accompanying his 80-yard sprint to the end zone. With each step Sefton advanced toward the first kick return score of his career, the slow hiss of momentum…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Rice scores four TDs, Little throws for five TDs as Blue Devils rock out in home victory
QUINCY — Jeraius Rice scored four times, Bradyn Little completed 21 of 24 passes for 320 yards and five touchdowns and the Quincy High School defense limited Rock Island to three first downs and minus-17 yards of rushing in a 48-7 rout in a Western Big Six football game at Flinn Stadium on Friday night.…
Read MorePanthers control line of scrimmage in running roughshod past Tigers in CCC opener
PALMYRA, Mo. — The work the Palmyra football players have invested into becoming a more physical team is paying significant dividends. Friday night, it paved the way to Clarence Cannon Conference whitewashing of Macon. The Panthers churned out more than 440 yards on the ground with a dominant effort from the 1-2 punch of Landon…
Read MorePhoto gallery: South Shelby continues offensive onslaught, topples Monroe City
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:
Read MoreQuincy’s water issues will not cause delay for Friday night football games at QHS and QND
QUINCY — The games will be played. Officials from both Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame confirmed the football games scheduled to be played in the Gem City on Friday night will go on as scheduled despite the ongoing water issues caused by the break in the main at Quincy’s water treatment plant. QHS…
Read MoreSchuckman: Blue Devils adjust to role of having to protect WB6 crown as league play begins
QUINCY — The hunted, not the hunter. That’s the role the Quincy High School football program is embracing. Rarely has there been a season since the Western Big 6 Conference was formed in the early 1970s where the Blue Devils were the odds-on favorite to win the league title. As league play kicks off Friday…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Beginning of conference play raises stakes for area prep football teams
QUINCY — Week 3 of the prep football season brings the start of conference play for teams on both sides of the Mississippi River. Here’s what to look forward to this Friday night: Rock Island (0-2) at Quincy High School (2-0), 7:30 p.m. • WGEM Streaming App • QCSportsnet.com Did you know?: The Blue Devils…
Read MoreQHS, QND in state rankings at same time for first time as Illinois AP reveals first polls of season
QUINCY — History occurred Wednesday on the Gem City gridiron. The release of the Associated Press state football rankings resulted in both the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame football teams being ranked in their respective classes at the same time for the first time ever. The Blue Devils (2-0) are ranked ninth in…
Read MoreMissouri prep football state rankings: Pirates, Cardinals in middle of respective polls
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…
Read MoreCrim: Book has yet to close on Nesbitt’s coaching career as new chapter unfolds with Tigers
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — It appeared the book was closing on a career spanning more than four decades when Gregg Nesbitt announced in February he was retiring after 14 seasons as the head football coach at Truman State University. Instead, another chapter is being written. One day after Nesbitt announced he was leaving Truman State as…
Read MoreRaiders capitalize on ‘big statement game for us’ in handing Rockets rare regular-season loss
QUINCY — In Taylin Scott’s mind, the last seven days changed the Quincy Notre Dame football team. “We’re smarter,” the senior linebacker said. “We’re resilient.” The Raiders have a victory to prove that. One week after a one-point, first-half deficit ballooned into a 28-point loss to Quincy High School, the Raiders rattled off 22 consecutive…
Read MoreBlue Devils kick into high gear, pull away from Redbirds over final three quarters for another victory
QUINCY — Alton matched the Quincy High School football team big play for big play through the opening 12 minutes Friday night. The final 36 minutes, not so much. The Blue Devils clung to a slim 14-13 lead after a slog of a first quarter that took 50 minutes to play because of penalties, incomplete…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights Scoreboard for Week 2
QUINCY — Here is a rundown of the prep football scores from our area in Week 2: Quincy High School 42, Alton 13 Quincy Notre Dame 22, Richmond-Burton 10 Hannibal 57, Lutheran St. Charles 8 Calhoun 14, Camp Point Central 13 Greenfield-NW 36, Unity-Payson 12 Winchester West Central 10, Brown County 8 Elmwood-Brimfield 42, Illini…
Read MoreThe St. Clair way: Bobcats’ ground-and-pound attack overwhelms Panthers as Hall of Fame coach earns 200th victory
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — While Mark St. Clair’s 200th career head coaching victory will go on his personal resume, he was quick to pass the credit to others in his circle who have helped make that accomplishment possible. “There have been a lot of people who have contributed to every one of my wins —…
Read MoreCalhoun’s late TD and extra point snaps Central’s 24-game regular-season win streak
HARDIN, Ill. — Exactly when and where Conner Longnecker broke the plane with the football may be up for debate. The fact two Western Illinois Valley Conference heavyweights went toe-to-toe for 48 minutes Friday night and the difference between the two is a matter of inches isn’t open to conjecture. This was a slobberknocker of…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 2: Second week of the prep football season
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and a series of guests spent two hours Friday night talking high school football for this week’s episode of Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply. Three area coaches — Pittsfield’s Zach Ferguson, Quincy High School’s Rick Little and Monroe City’s David Kirby — joined…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Raiders, Rockets tussle in non-conference football action
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Richmond-Burton football program had won 49 of its previous 52 regular-season football games, spanning better than six seasons. However, there was no adding to that legacy Friday night. Quincy Notre Dame earned a 22-10 victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: St. Clair’s milestone victory comes at Palmyra’s expense
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit out SmugMug site. BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — Mark St. Clair enjoyed a milestone moment Friday night as the former Hannibal football coach, who is know at the helm of the Bowling Green program, won his 200th career game in the Bobcats’…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 2 features home openers and playoff-caliber matchups
QUINCY — Week 2 of the prep football scene should offer some insight into who is going to be a playoff contender and who has work to do to make it to the postseason. And join Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for Muddy Night Lights, airing live at 10 p.m. Friday night. Alton (0-1)…
Read MoreFriday’s trip to Calhoun will give Central football team chance to see how it handles rematch
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Hello, old friend. For the third time in a little more than a calendar year, the Camp Point Central and Hardin Calhoun football teams will clash when the Panthers make the 90-minute trek south to Hardin on Friday. “They played us as tough as anybody last year no matter who we…
Read MoreA look back, a look ahead: Prep football’s Week 1 scores and Week 2 schedule
QUINCY — The opening week of the prep football season is in the books and it’s on to Week 2, which is the precursor to conference play for many teams. Here is a recap of what transpired on the first Friday night of the season and a look ahead to this week’s schedule. And remember,…
Read MoreCrim: Clay’s emergence as offensive threat gives Blue Devils another weapon in loaded arsenal
QUINCY — Rico Clay proved he could be a defensive force for the Quincy High School football team in last season’s opener against Quincy Notre Dame when he intercepted two passes, returned the first for a touchdown and came within 5 yards of doing the same with the second. This season, he displayed his offensive…
Read More‘I’m excited to see us get better’: Blue Devils overcome miscues with ballyhooed offense attack, beat Raiders in season opener
QUINCY — Quarterback Bradyn Little admits the Quincy High School offense still has a few kinks to iron out. “Too many penalties, too many turnovers,” he said. “But we’ll clean those up. The only way to get experience is by playing games. I’m excited to see us get better.” Pardon future opponents for not sharing…
Read MoreRaiders understand success offensively is predicated on getting Hun, ground game going
QUINCY — As the days passed prior to Friday’s opening night affair with its crosstown rival, there was a clear approach in mind for Quincy Notre Dame football coach Jack Cornell. “Our goal is that on Saturday morning we all wake up and that everybody in Quincy was going to be talking about Ivan Hun,”…
Read MoreDefending state champion Panthers pick up where they left off with another dominant performance
CAMP POINT, Ill. — So far, so good. Camp Point Central opened defense of its Class 1A state football championship with a resounding exclamation point Friday night. The Panthers completely overwhelmed an overmatched North Greene team 69-0, winning their 23rd consecutive regular-season game. In a contest where a running clock was in place the entire…
Read More‘We’re not soft like that’: Monroe City expects to improve after facing vaunted Valle Catholic in season opener
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND square off in first week of high school football season
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame football programs showcased some mettle and moxie, but it was the Blue Devils’ athleticism and depth that made the difference in a season-opening 40-12 victory at Advance Physical…
Read MorePirates expect to improve after falling to Crusaders in season opener at Porter Stadium
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal football coach Jeff Gschwender and the Pirates knew Jefferson City Helias presented a tough challenge, but after a 31-20 loss at Porter Stadium in Friday night’s season opener, they know they’ll be better for having faced a Class 5 juggernaut. “We definitely dealt with some adversity,” Gschwender said. “But our kids…
Read MoreMuddy Night Lights, Episode 1
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and a series of guests spent two hours Friday night talking high school football for the debut episode of Muddy Night Lights, powered by Farm & Home Supply. Four area coaches — Camp Point Central’s Brad Dixon, Hannibal’s Jeff Gschwender, Pittsfield’s Zach Ferguson and South Shelby’s Adam…
Read MoreCrim: Mustangs’ Allen ready to turn 2024 season into stuff dreams are made of
MENDON, Ill.— It wasn’t the debut Sawyer Allen envisioned. After winning the starting quarterback job with his work over the summer and through preseason practice, the Unity-Payson sophomore approached the 2023 season opener at home against Winchester West Central with eager anticipation. “I had every opportunity to show Coach I want to be the quarterback…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Blue Devils need ‘to be starving’ for more success and to make more history
Coverage of the QHS football program is brought to you by: QUINCY — An album released 40 years ago that produced a pair of iconic rock anthems could find its way back into circulation around the Quincy High School football locker room if for no other reason than the title alone. It’s unlikely the Blue…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 1 of prep football finally arrives with full Friday night slate
QUINCY — The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. Friday on another high school football season. So here’s a look at the lid-lifting slate: Quincy High School at Quincy Notre Dame, 7 p.m. • WGEM Sports • Raider Sports Network Did you know?: This will be the fourth consecutive season the city rivals have met…
Read MoreFriday Night Lights: A comprehensive look at the 2024 prep football season
QUINCY — Check out the Muddy River Sports 48-page preview of the upcoming high school football season with a look at all 16 teams in our coverage area, including team schedules.
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS lineman Kamryn Flachs-Hill discusses building on historic 2023 season
Coverage of the QHS football program is brought to you by: QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team made history on a number of fronts during the 2023. So how to you top history? You take it to the next level. The Blue Devils realize that is their challenge for the upcoming season, and…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Backed by culture of success, Panthers seek to defend Class 1A state championship
Coverage of the Camp Point Central football program is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — There is a culture that envelops the Camp Point Central football program, a powerful intangible that was not built overnight. “We never point fingers,” said Kadin Niekamp, a junior lineman mature beyond his teenage years. “Mistakes will happen,…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Central’s Jaden Summy discusses challenge of defending state title
Coverage of the Camp Point Central football coach is brought to you by: CAMP POINT, Ill. — Graduation losses often hit hard. Some years, they hit harder than others. Yet, somehow the Camp Point Central football program reloads every year. That is what will take place as the Panthers kick off their season and defense…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Raiders show ‘some fire to them’ that stokes desire to be playoff team
Coverage of the QND football program is brought to you by: QUINCY — Ryan Darnell is quick to point out the competitiveness taking place during the Quincy Notre Dame football team’s practices isn’t limited to the players. “The coaches are getting after each other, too,” the senior lineman said. It explains why the atmosphere is…
Read MoreRaiders embrace challenges playing in Central State Eight Conference provide
Coverage of the QND football program brought to you by: QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame football team isn’t going to be intimidated. History is proof of that. The Raiders are in a conference this season for the first time since 2012, having joined the Central State Eight Conference as a football-only member and will…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QND’s Wyatt Mueller discusses season opener, playoff aspirations
Coverage of the QND football program brought to you by: QUINCY — When the Quincy High School football team heads across to town to face Quincy Notre Dame at Advance Physical Therapy Field for Friday night’s season opener, the entire Gem City community gets to celebrate the prep game. QND senior safety Wyatt Mueller knows…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Bigger roster, stout line give Wolves confidence to chase playoff dreams
Coverage of the Pleasant Hill football program brought to you by: PLEASANT HILL, Ill. — Numbers are up, and so is Mike Giles’ confidence. The Pleasant Hill/Western veteran football coach expects the Wolves to immerse themselves in the playoff hunt. “You hate to jinx it, but I think we’ll be right up there,” Giles said.…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Illini West’s Max Kinnamon breaks down Chargers’ desire to end playoff drought
Coverage of the Illini West football program brought to you by: CARTHAGE, Ill. — The desire to return to the playoffs and bring postseason action back to Fuzz Berges Field is driving the Illini West football players this fall. Chargers quarterback Max Kinnamon joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman to discuss how the Chargers…
Read MoreCrim: Opportunity knocks for Monroe City as tradition-laden Valle Catholic comes calling
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…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Cardinals to build on confidence born of success to stay atop CCC
Coverage of the South Shelby football program brought to you by: SHELBINA, Mo. — Winning is now a way of life for the South Shelby football players. Not only have they experienced success as underclassmen, but most of them haven’t witnessed the varsity squad struggle. The Cardinals won 18 games the previous two seasons combined,…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: South Shelby’s Preston Elsen breaks down chasing another CCC championship
Coverage of the South Shelby football program is brought to you by: SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team rose to the top of the Clarence Cannon Conference last season behind a high-powered offense and a stingy defense. Now that winning has become the norm, the Cardinals believe they can stay at the top.…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Panthers believe being more physical, disciplined will lead to turnaround
PALMYRA, Mo. — Physical, tough and disciplined. That is Dalton Hill’s mantra. “We don’t have to beat people based upon talent, but what we are going to do is we are going to be a physical team, we’re going to be a tough team, we’re going to be a disciplined team,” the second-year Palmyra football…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Chargers intent on ending playoff drought with tenacity and toughness
Coverage of the Illini West football program brought to you by: CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Illini West football program is stuck in the middle, and Chargers coach Jacob Calvin senses the urgency to change that. “These kids are tired of it,” Calvin said. The Chargers head into this season looking to snap a playoff drought…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Week Zero scrimmages give QHS, QND football teams dress rehearsals
To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — A change to the preseason format from Illinois High School Association member schools allowed football teams to engage in 48-play, controlled scrimmages Friday night for what were being called “Week Zero” games ahead of next Friday’s…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Area teams converge at Porter Stadium in Hannibal for football jamboree
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal football team’s Class 4 state title aspirations were in full bloom Friday night as the Pirates were able to showcase some of the talent and depth that has fans in America’s hometown excited about the upcoming season. Palmyra, Highland, Mark Twain and Bowling Green displayed their own reasons for optimism.…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Trio of Highland football players discuss how defense will breed success
Coverage of the Highland football program is brought to you by: EWING, Mo. — The current crop of Highland football players were the freshmen and junior high schoolers who bore witness to and were inspired by the 2021 team’s 8-3 record and run of success. Now, they want to pave a path into Highland history…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Highland optimistic and realistic about what it takes to compete in CCC
Coverage of the Highland football program brought to you by: EWING, Mo. — Caleb Arnsman is an enthusiastic guy. He’s realistic, too. “My fever for this game never stops,” said the third-year Highland football coach. “Even when the season ends, I usually take about a week off, then reset and get going again.” That’s Arnsman’s…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Pirates ready to ‘make a path for ourselves’ with array of talent
Coverage of the Hannibal football program brought to you by: HANNIBAL, Mo. — No Aneyas Williams, no problem. This is the prevailing attitude within the Hannibal football program. “With Aneyas or without Aneyas, we’re still going to win,” senior running back Mike Ferreira said. As Williams, who rushed for 4,255 yards and racked up 3,249…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Hannibal’s Waylon Anders discusses leading Pirates’ lethal offense, chasing state championship
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Waylon Anders has quarterbacked the Hannibal football team to 20 victories in two seasons as the starting signal-caller. His experience and understanding of the Pirates’ offense is a critical reason Hannibal is considered a viable state title contender in Class 4. Anders joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Hornets will lean on depth, returning experience to make return to playoffs
Coverage of the Brown County football program is brought to you by: MT. STERLING, Ill. — For a Brown County football program that has won 65 percent of its games over the past two decades with 16 playoff appearances and a handful of conference titles, the way the 2023 season played out can be described…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Brown County’s Dylan Reische discusses nicknames and returning to postseason
Coverage of the Brown County football program is brought to you by: MT. STERLING, Ill. — Dylan Reische gives the Brown County football team’s offensive line an experienced anchor at center and some personality. Anyone nicknamed “Chili” is bound to have character, right? Reische joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman on the tailgate of…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Mustangs ready to tackle challenging schedule, seek return to playoffs
Coverage of the Unity-Payson football team is brought to you by: MENDON, Ill. — An early-season gauntlet once again awaits the Unity-Payson football team. The Mustangs are scheduled to face three playoff teams from a year ago — Winchester West Central, Greenfield-Northwestern and Camp Point Central — during the first four weeks of the season.…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Unity-Payson’s Skylor Goudschaal discusses first night under lights and what it takes to return to playoffs
MENDON, Ill. — It has become a tradition for the Unity-Payson football team to practice at the stroke of midnight the first allowable day Illinois High School Association schools can begin working out in full pads. So Friday night, just before midnight, the Mustangs pulled up at their home field to see the lights shining…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Titans believe abundance of offensive weapons will lead to renewed success
Coverage of the West Hancock football program is brought to you by: HAMILTON, Ill. — A change in scheme yielded substantial offensive improvements for the West Hancock football team in 2023. If the Titans take a similar leap forward in 2024, it will be with a new quarterback who set a school record at wide…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: West Hancock’s Nolan Gooding discusses Titans’ continued rise
Coverage of the West Hancock football program is brought to you by: HAMILTON, Ill. — Nolan Gooding truly believes better days are ahead for the West Hancock football program. His enthusiasm and confidence are born from having learned second-year head coach Coy Dorothy’s system and a lifelong connection with a senior class ready to make…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Going on deep playoff run is major part of Monroe City’s motivation
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…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Monroe City’s Smyser, Holland discuss chasing titles, important season opener
MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football program has a tradition and a history rooted in success. Valle Catholic has a tradition and a history rooted in championships. Those forces collide in Week 1 at Lankford Field in one of the best small-school matchups in the state. The Panthers’ Trey Smyser and Jayden Holland…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Mark Twain’s familiarity on offense should lead to consistency, success
CENTER, Mo. — There’s a renewed sense of optimism brewing within the Mark Twain football team. Two years after winning 10 games and reaching the district championship game, the Tigers managed only one victory last season to finish in a three-way tie with Louisiana and North Callaway for last place in the Eastern Missouri Conference.…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Mark Twain senior Brayden Moss discusses Tigers’ pursuit of improvement
CENTER, Mo. — Brayden Moss has been a fixture along the Mark Twain football team’s line since he joined the varsity program as a freshman. Now a senior, Moss expects the leadership and maturity that comes with being a four-year starter to pay off as the Tigers look to turn things around and chase a…
Read MoreCountdown to kickoff: Saukees believe physical play, run game can lead to playoff pursuit
Coverage of the Pittsfield football program is brought to you by: PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield football program’s playoff drought is long enough that senior linebacker Draven Puterbaugh doesn’t remember seeing one. “It hasn’t happened in quite some time,” he said. Fifteen years in fact. Yet, there’s a distinct hope and strong belief this could…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Pittsfield lineman Jaron White discusses Saukees’ depth, experience
Coverage of the Pittsfield football program is brought to you by: PITTSFIELD, Ill. — With nine starters returning on defense and the biggest offensive line its enjoyed in quite some time, the Pittsfield football program has the makings of what could be a run at ending a 15-year playoff drought. Senior lineman Jaron White joined…
Read MoreRecord-setting QHS quarterback values relationship built with QU coach, commits to play for Hawks
QUINCY — Each Quincy University football practice Bradyn Little attended last spring allowed the Quincy High School quarterback to foster a stronger relationship with first-year Hawks coach Jason Killday. “I know who he is,” Little said. With that comes a level of comfortability that can’t be matched. “I trust him,” Little said. “That’s big for…
Read MoreIt’s in the game: Jackson, Illini West catch EA SPORTS College Football 25 fever
CARTHAGE, Ill. — Like millions of other football fans, Roan Jackson anxiously awaited a new college football video game. “I had a PlayStation 3 and I played NCAA Football 14 for the last five years,” Jackson said. “One of my friends had NCAA 14, and that’s how I started playing. I got it for my…
Read More‘We got lucky’: Pittsfield, Jacksonville to lock horns in Week One after both teams’ opponents cancel
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Sometimes when it feels like all hope is lost, the stars align perfectly. The Pittsfield and Jacksonville football teams can thank their lucky stars having found a Week One game after both schools’ originally scheduled opponents announced they weren’t going to play. “I wasn’t too sure we’d find a game,” Pittsfield coach…
Read MoreExpectations rising as Pirates head into fall ranked among Missouri’s top 25 football teams
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The most celebrated player in the history of the Hannibal High School football program begins his first collegiate football season in three days as the University of Notre Dame kicks off fall camp with Aneyas Williams in the backfield. So what does that mean for the Pirates? Opportunities abound. There’s an opportunity…
Read MorePittsfield may be forced to take forfeit victory in football opener with Riverton not fielding team
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Sangamo Conference football coaches are scrambling, and it could result in Pittsfield being without a season-opening game. Monday, Riverton officials announced publicly it will not field a varsity football team for the upcoming season due to low participation numbers. The statement released by the school said it will field a junior…
Read MoreAll is Normal on recruiting front: QND’s Mueller commits to Illinois State University
QUINCY — The windshield time Wyatt Mueller and his parents logged criss-crossing the Midwest as the Quincy Notre Dame senior football player was courted by college recruiters grew increasingly tiresome. “The worst part was driving everywhere,” Mueller said. “ And sitting in the car.” The miles driven and time away from home are going to…
Read MoreOffensive MVP only part of what made Shrine Game experience special for QHS’s Flachs
QUINCY — Had the week been solely about football and showcasing his talents for a state-wide audience, Chris Flachs would have walked away satisfied. The heart-felt moments that accompanied playing the game he loves sent him home humbled. The recent Quincy High School graduate and soon-to-be Quincy University freshman offensive lineman took part in the…
Read MoreCentral’s Paben, QHS’s Flachs to play in 50th Illinois High School Shrine Game
QUINCY — A pair of local prep football standouts and a couple of Quincy University recruits have been invited to play in the 50th Illinois High School Shrine Game, an all-star event taking place June 15 in Bloomington. Camp Point Central running back/defensive back Drew Paben and Quincy High School lineman Chris Flachs will represent…
Read MoreHannibal’s Williams named Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The best player in the area has been named the best player in the state. Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams recently was named the Gatorade Missouri Player of the Year, becoming the first player in school history to receive the nationwide recognition. The Gatorade Player of the Year award was established in…
Read MoreIHSA member schools vote against district football format, but scheduling talks will continue
QUINCY — Conference play and rivalry games will remain part of the Illinois high school football landscape for now. But for how long? Tuesday, the Illinois High School Association announced the results of the annual by-law referendum with a proposal for statewide district scheduling for football failing. Of the 727 votes cast, 379 member schools…
Read MoreSchuckman: Palmyra alum helping Texas team chase state football championship
QUINCY — Wilson Rigg has lived in Texas long enough his family can hear it in his voice. “I’m starting to get an accent and everything,” he said with a chuckle. He’s also been there long enough to finally live out a dream. An All-Clarence Cannon Conference lineman from Palmyra who was an Academic All-American…
Read MoreHannibal’s Williams caps career with fourth all-state honor, four other Pirates receive recognition
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Missouri Football Coaches Association recognized what anyone who squared off against Hannibal during the past four seasons came to know. Aneyas Williams is the most dynamic player on the field. The senior all-purpose back was named the Class 4 Offensive Player of the Year and a first-team all-state selection by the…
Read MoreSouth Shelby’s Hammond headlines seven area players receiving Class 2 all-state honors
SHELBINA, Mo. — One of the most powerful running backs in Class 2 led a brigade of seven area players earning all-state honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. South Shelby senior Kendal Hammond, who led the Cardinals to 10 consecutive victories before losing in a shootout with Bowling Green in the district championship game,…
Read More‘Incredible’: Camp Point Central football team captures first state championship in school history
NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football players viewed Friday’s appearance in the Class 1A state championship game as a business trip. It was more of a historic journey. “Incredible,” senior quarterback Nick Moore called it. Unforgettable, too. Behind arguably one of the most impressive defensive performances in program history and the continued postseason…
Read MoreBeyond the Boxscore: Defensive stand, Moore’s punts, Thompson’s catches play pivotal roles in Central’s state championship
NORMAL, Ill. — At times, they seem like just another play. Other times, they define a championship. Friday at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, the Camp Point Central football team made a number of plays that would be easy to overlook on a stat sheet but proved to be pivotal moments in the 14-0 victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Camp Point Central wins Class 1A state championship by beating Lena-Winslow
NORMAL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central football team brought the first state championship trophy in school history back to Adams County on Friday. Central used a stone-solid defense and two Elijah Genenbacher touchdown runs to beat three-time defending Class 1A state champion Lena-Winslow 14-0 at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium. Photographer Mike Pritchard roamed…
Read MoreState champs: Dominant defensive effort carries Camp Point Central football team to Class 1A title
NORMAL, Ill. — A historic season deserved a historic ending. The Camp Point Central football team delivered in the most historic way. By shutting out three-time defending state champion Lena-Winslow with a 14-0 victory Friday in the Class 1A state championship game at Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium, Central not only capped a 14-0 season…
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