Iron sharpens iron: QHS’s Newbold, QND’s Darnell, Pittsfield’s Cook benefit from head-to-head competition

Quincy High School's Bryor Newbold, right, controls the leg of Quincy Notre Dame's Ryan Darnell during Wednesday night's dual at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tucker Cook understands it may be a while before he can get a tattoo, especially one of any significant size, but he already has a plan for what he wants it to look like and say. The words “iron sharpens iron” will be prominent. “I believe in that,” the Pittsfield junior wrestler said.…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND, Pittsfield wrestlers square off at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Taylin Scott, top, puts the squeeze on Payson Seymour's Bryson Davis during Wednesday night's dual at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Wrestling took center stage Wednesday night at The Pit as the Quincy High School, Quincy Notre Dame and Pittsfield squad engaged in a series of duals. The Blue Devils beat the Raiders 67-0 and the Saukees 54-6, while Pittsfield scored a 35-33 victory over QND. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat matside…

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Illinois girls state basketball rankings: QHS, QND, Central-Southeastern all in respective top 10s

The Central-Southeastern girls basketball team is one of three area teams to be ranked in the Associated Press state polls. | David Adam photo

CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points, and previous rank. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Loyola (3) 18-0 62 2 2. Alton (3) 15-0 58 3 3. Maine South (1) 18-0 52 7 4. Normal Community 17-1 42 8 5. Bolingbrook…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central in top 10 to start new year

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 7 in Class 4A after finishing second at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes: Class 4A 1. Chicago Curie (4) 14-1 119 2 2. Collinsville (4) 16-0 97 10 (tie) Homewood-Flossmoor (4) 13-1 97 4 4. Normal Community (1) 12-1 82 1 5. Gurnee Warren 15-1 76 8 (tie) Lisle Benet 14-1 76…

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Brown’s 31 points help Blue Devils bounce back after late night to take third-place trophy

Freshman Jada Brown scored 31 points in Quincy High School's victory over Washington in the third-place game of the State Farm Holiday Classic on Saturday afternoon. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — It’s a shame Taylor Fohey and Jada Brown will only get to spend one season together.  In their short time together on the Quincy High School girls basketball team, Fohey and Brown have developed into quite an accomplished pair of post players. Two days after Fohey scored 26 points in a 56-40…

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Photo Gallery: First trip to State Farm Holiday Classic proves to be fruitful for QHS girls

Quincy High School's Leila Dade goes flying out of bounds after she was pushed by Washington's Aisley Redlingshafer during Saturday's third-place game in the State Farm Holiday Classic at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Ill. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls basketball team capped a successful weekend in its debut at the State Farm Holiday Classic by defeating Washington 61-53 in the third-place game in the large school girls bracket at the Shirk Center on the Illinois Wesleyan University campus. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the…

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Uppinghouse continues undefeated run through top competition, three other QHS wrestlers finish in top three at holiday tourney

GRANITE CITY, Ill. — Owen Uppinghouse’s mission is clear. Show no mercy. The Quincy High School senior wrestler won another tournament title this week, outgrappling a talented field at the 62nd Red Schmitt Holiday Tournament to earn the 165-pound championship and improve to 25-0 overall. That helped the Blue Devils finish sixth in the 27-team…

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‘Collinsville out-toughed us tonight’: Kahoks deny Blue Devils tourney title with physical play in critical stretches

Collinsville center Zach Chambers blocks a shot by Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III in the final seconds of Friday night’s championship game of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Decked out in his travel gear with his backpack slung over his shoulders, Ralph Wires emerged from the Quincy High School locker room with a basketball in hand and casually strolled onto the Vergil Fletcher Gym floor. At the opposite end of the court from where Collinsville celebrated its championship of the…

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Potential game-tying shot doesn’t fall as QHS girls lose in overtime in State Farm Holiday Classic semifinal

Quincy High School's Leila Dade splits Morton defenders Isabella Hutchinson, left, and Paige Selke during Friday night's semifinal game in the large school girls bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic at the Shirk Center. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — It was the shot they wanted. Just not the result. Leila Dade’s running one-handed jump shot from 8 feet along the baseline was short with four seconds remaining in overtime, and the Quincy High School girls basketball team suffered a 42-40 loss to Morton in the semifinals of the large school bracket…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils, Kahoks go toe-to-toe in battle of Class 4A heavyweights

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team during Friday night's championship game of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic against Collinsville at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The difference between the Quincy High School and Collinsville boys basketball teams isn’t substantial, but it is apparent. The Kahoks are tougher. At least they were Friday night. Collinsville won the championship of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic with a 44-39 victory at Vergil Fletcher Gym, improving to 16-0 in…

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Photo Gallery: Foul problems hinder Blue Devils in semifinal setback to Morton

Quincy High School's Cameran Byquist is fouled by Morton's Paige Selke during the Blue Devils' 42-40 overtime loss during Friday night's semifinal game in the large school girls bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic at the Shirk Center. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Taylor Fohey, Jada Brown and Myley Longcor all spent significant time on the bench either in foul trouble or nursing an injury during the Quincy High School girls basketball team’s 42-40 overtime loss to Morton during Friday night’s semifinal game in the large school girls bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic…

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Timeout turns tide as Blue Devils rally in third quarter, fight way into title game at Collinsville

Quincy High School guards Kamren Wires, left, and Dom Clay double-team O’Fallon guard Armon Smith during Thursday night’s semifinal game in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Andy Douglas hasn’t found a need to burn many timeouts this season. “A majority of games we’re walking away with six timeouts left,” the Quincy High School boys basketball coach said. “I just don’t call a ton.” Even in tight, tense situations, he allows the veteran lineup to navigate its own way. …

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Fohey, Brown combine to make all but two of Quincy’s field goals in victory over Peoria Richwoods

Taylor Fohey, who scored 26 points, drives to the basket during Quincy High School's girls basketball game against Peoria Richwoods during the State Farm Holiday Classic on Thursday night at Normal Community High School. | David Adam photo

NORMAL, Ill. — After one of Taylor Fohey’s seven second-quarter baskets Thursday night, the frustration among the Peoria Richwoods girls basketball players was evident.  As Fohey drove to the basket and muscled up two more points, one of the Lady Knights said, “What do you want me to do?” Fohey scored 20 first-half points to…

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Pair of undefeated titans to go head-to-head as Quincy will face Collinsville for tourney title

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas will lead the Blue Devils against Collinsville in a battle of unbeaten teams in the championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Tyler Sprick insisted the Quincy High School boys basketball players didn’t look too far ahead when checking out the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic bracket. “It was, ‘Who’s on our list and what do we have to do to beat them?’’ the senior guard said. Still, the Blue Devils knew what potentially…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils use second-half surge to power past Panthers

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas grabs for the ball as OFallon guard Rini Harris brings into the frontcourt during Thursday’s semifinal matchup in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Two minutes into the second half Thursday night, the Quincy High School boys basketball team found itself trailing O’Fallon by eight points and riding the wrong end of a seven-point scoring binge. Less than 90 seconds later, the game was tied and the tide had completely turned. The Blue Devils used an…

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Photo Gallery: Victory over Richwoods ensures QHS will play two state-ranked teams at State Farm Holiday Classic

Quincy High School's Leila Dade looks to pass while guarded by Peoria Richwoods' Kamryn Heider during Thursday night's game in the State Farm Holiday Classic at Normal Community High School. | David Adam photo

NORMAL, Ill. — Quincy High School’s 56-40 victory over Peoria Richwoods on Thursday night assures the team two more games against state-ranked teams in the large school girls bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic. The Blue Devils play Morton in the semifinals on Friday and either Washington or Normal Community on Saturday. MRN Editor…

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Schuckman: Collinsville pays fitting tribute to Hummel, who loved basketball and holiday tourney as much as his alma mater

Christy Noland, daughter of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer Rick Hummel, is flanked by Collinsville athletic director Clay Smith and former athletic director Bob Bone during a moment of silence for Hummel, who died in May at the age of 77, before Quincy High School’s game against Belleville Althoff on Thursday in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Rick Hummel’s career as a Hall of Fame baseball writer didn’t afford the Quincy native many opportunities to be nothing more than a fan. Christmas always did. That’s when Hummel spent hours upon hours at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, watching some of the Metro East’s top prep basketball talent. More…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys move into tourney semifinals by shutting down Althoff

Quincy guard Kamren Wires dribbles under the basket during Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup with Belleville Althoff in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — An eight-minute stretch spanning the final six minutes of the second quarter and the first 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter in which the Belleville Althoff boys basketball team went scoreless enabled state-ranked Quincy High School to take control of its 61-48 victory Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Collinsville…

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Blue Devils offer each other assistance in rolling to opening-round victory at Collinsville

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III drives to the baseline during Wednesday’s first-round game against Oakville (Mo.) in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — One of the unique aspects of holiday tournament play — at least at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic — is each coach is handed a sheet of halftime stats on the way to the locker room. When Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas perused how his team constructed its 30-point lead…

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Frustrated Fohey finishes with flourish, scores 1,000th career point as QHS girls win State Farm Holiday Classic opener

Taylor Fohey heads to the basket to score her 1,000th career point during Quincy High School's girls basketball game Wednesday night against Springfield during the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Taylor Fohey admitted she was counting down the points. She also admitted that might have been why she wasn’t scoring many on Wednesday night. She started the game 14 points shy of reaching 1,000 for her career. The Quincy High School girls basketball team led Springfield 48-36 midway through the fourth quarter,…

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Collinsville notebook: Brown’s slip causes no worry, while O’Fallon guard sets steals record

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown cringes in pain as his foot slips and knee buckles just before he went for a dunk during Wednesday's game against Oakville (Mo.) in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Afterward, Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas could joke about it. In the moment, it could have been cause for trepidation. With two minutes remaining in the first quarter of Wednesday’s opening-round game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic and the Blue Devils leading Oakville (Mo.) 16-5, Quincy swingman…

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Photo gallery: QHS opens tourney play at Collinsville with unselfish display offensively

Quincy High School guard Dom Clay eyes the basket as Oakville’s Tanner Anderson defends during Wednesday’s first-round game at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team perfectly played the role of one of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic favorites with Wednesday’s 76-38 steamrolling of Oakville (Mo.) in the first round at Vergil Fletcher Gym. The Blue Devils piled up 23 assists in shooting 52.6 percent from the field and knocking…

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Photo Gallery: QHS girls place three in double figures in State Farm Holiday Classic debut

Quincy High School guard Bri Lannerd pushed the ball up the court against Springfield during Wednesday's opening round of the State Farm Holiday Classic at Bloomington High School. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Jada Brown scored 16 points, Taylor Fohey scored 14 and Myley Longcor added 11 in the Quincy High School girls basketball team’s 58-38 victory over Springfield in the first round of the large school bracket at the State Farm Holiday Classic at Bloomington High School. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of…

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Are Blue Devils, Kahoks on collision course for undefeated showdown in holiday tourney championship game?

Quincy High School junior guard Bradley Longcor III has been named to the all-tournament team in both of his appearances in the Collinsville Prairire Farms Holiday Classic. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It has been a quarter century since the Quincy High School boys basketball team last won a holiday tournament championship. Is this the year the drought ends? No Quincy team has gone into the Christmas break with a better record in the 26 seasons since the Blue Devils won the championship of the…

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Longcor helps Blue Devils overcome ragged start to head into holidays with unblemished record

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, right, drives past a Springfield defender during Tuesday night's game at Willard Duey Gym in Springfield, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The fortunate thing about the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s schedule is all four of the Tuesday night games on tap the second half of the season will be played at Blue Devil Gym. The unfortunate thing is they’re still on Tuesday nights. For the second consecutive Tuesday, the Blue Devils…

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‘Get it done and get it done quick’: First-quarter blitz carries Blue Devils to runaway victory over Raiders in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, wins the tip against Quincy Notre Dame's Aden Genenbacher at the start of Saturday night's crosstown showdown at The Pit. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — The mindset was simple for the Quincy High School boys basketball team entering its annual crosstown showdown against Quincy Notre Dame. “We wanted to stomp on their throats at the beginning,” senior Camden Brown said. “Get it done and get it done quick.” The state-ranked Blue Devils did just that with deft precision.…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND go head-to-head on hardwood in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School junior forward Keshaun Thomas directs traffic during the first half of Saturday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The energy and intensity you’d expect when the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams square off was on full display Saturday night at The Pit. The Blue Devils won 77-47 in front of a raucous crowd. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and photographer Samantha Carmean were courtside and…

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QHS’s twin towers power way past Cairo Northwest during Rumble on the River victory

Quincy High School's Leah Chevalier pressures Cairo (Mo.) Northwest guard Mallori Hankins during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Taylor Fohey and Jada Brown are at opposite ends of their high school careers, one signed to play college basketball next season and the other about to finish the first semester of her freshman year. Yet, when they meet in the middle, they are as formidable as any twin towers around. Cairo (Mo.)…

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Photo gallery: Full slate of games on second day of Rumble on the River

Hannibal's C.J. Anderson attempts to avoid a trap from Illini West's Reece Shoup, top, and Colby Robertson, right, during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Rumble on the River rumbled on Saturday with eight games being played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was there for half of the slate and put together this photo gallery:

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QHS boys basketball team sits No. 3 in first Class 4A state poll

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 3 in the first Class 4A state poll following an 8-0 start. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With success comes respect, as much as the Quincy High School boys basketball program has earned in quite some time. Andy Douglas wants the Blue Devils to embrace it, but not get consumed by it. “It’s not the outcome of these games that is important,” said Douglas, who has coached Quincy to an…

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Three area girls basketball teams crack top 10 in first Illinois state rankings

Central-Southeastern coach Matt Long's team is ranked No. 8 in Class 2A in the initial Associated Press state poll. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CHICAGO — Here is a look at the Illinois Associated Press girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School                       W-L   Pts  1. Bolingbrook (4)           9-0   71   2. Loyola (2) …

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First-quarter field goal drought not enough to knock Blue Devils from unbeaten ranks

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas drives to the basket during the second half of Tuesday night's game against Webster Groves at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The field goal drought lasted more than eight minutes, but it wasn’t long enough to make the Quincy High School boys basketball players fret. “Nah,” junior forward Keshaun Thomas said. “We just had to fight our way back.” They had done so before, albeit on a bigger stage facing more dire circumstances. So…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils rally from first-quarter deficit to beat Statesmen by 10

The Quincy High School basketball players react to Tyler Sprick, center, making a 3-pointer that forced Webster Groves to burn a timeout in the second quarter Tuesday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team can’t be kept down. The Blue Devils erased a 10-point first-quarter deficit Tuesday night and led the entire second half in a 61-51 victory over Webster Groves (Mo.) at Blue Devil Gym. Quincy is 8-0 following its final home game of the 2023 portion of its…

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Blue is the better Devil: Quincy’s defense turns tide in victory over Chaminade in Norm Stewart Classic

Quincy High School junior guard Bradley Longcor III goes back up for a shot after grabbing an offensive rebound during Saturday night's game against Chaminade in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy J Thomas Taylor

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The environment, with the cavernous shooting backgrounds and the legendary coach for whom the Mizzou Arena court is named sitting nearby, did little to impact the Quincy High School boys basketball team. Chaminade’s physicality took care of that on its own. “The toughness level was at a level we hadn’t seen this…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team faces Chaminade in Norm Stewart Classic

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team during a timeout Saturday night during a game against Chaminade in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy J Thomas Taylor

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team passed its first major test of the season, beating St. Louis Chaminade 62-54 late Saturday night in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena. Freelance photographer J Thomas Taylor captured these images of the Blue Devils for a photo gallery from the game:

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Blue Devils’ Uppinghouse reaches century mark with championship, Newbold tops talented field

Quincy High School senior wrestler Owen Uppinghouse won the 165-pound bracket at the Baltzley Invitational in Johnston, Iowa, on Saturday, earning his 100th career victory in the process. | Matt Schuckman photo

JOHNSTON, Iowa — A career milestone came with a championship and a statement. Owen Uppinghouse refuses to be beaten. The Quincy High School senior wrestler earned his 100th career victory Saturday during the Baltzley Invitational, beating two of the top three ranked Class 3A wrestlers in Iowa in the process and winning the 165-pound championship.…

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Blue Devils capitalize on Austin’s absence by overpowering Golden Warriors for WB6 victory

Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas, left, attempts to get a shot off while being defended by Sterling's Kaedon Phillips during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The gameplan didn’t change, even if the opposing lineup did. The Sterling boys basketball team arrived at Blue Devil Gym for Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference clash without 6-foot-7, 265-pound senior forward Lucas Austin, an all-state offensive tackle who is taking an official football recruiting visit this weekend to West Virginia. “I…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils improve to 3-0 in WB6 by outrunning Golden Warriors

The energy of the student cheering section gave the Quincy High School boys basketball team a boost during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Sterling at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team is always in attack mode. Leading by 10 points at halftime of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Sterling, the Blue Devils were relentless in the second half and ran away with a 66-41 victory at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Silver Streaks’ perimeter game leads to critical WB6 victory over Blue Devils

Quincy High School's Bri Lannerd, right, drives to the basket during Thursday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Galesburg at John Thiel Gym in Galesburg, Ill. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

GALESBURG, Ill. — It didn’t matter what defense the Quincy High School  girls basketball team employed. Galesburg found a way to beat it. The Silver Streaks were able to get into gaps and knock down perimeter jumpers, burying nine 3-pointers while securing the top spot in the Western Big 6 Conference with a 55-41 victory…

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Ramage’s victory in season debut pushes Pirates past Blue Devils in competitive dual

Hannibal's Koen Ramage, left, grabs the leg of Quincy High School's Eli Roberts during their 150-pound match Tuesday night at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The shoulder brace Hannibal wrestling coach Jake Borgmeyer helped senior Koen Ramage strap into and adjust prior to Tuesday night’s dual looks cumbersome and uncomfortable. Ramage shrugs off the inconvenience. “I’m getting used to it,” he said. “I’ll get comfortable and I’ll get there.” His first step was clearly a step in that…

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Blue Devils focus on task at hand, pummel Silver Streaks for another WB6 road victory

Quincy High School's Mark Louthan puts a reverse layup during Tuesday night's game against Galesburg at John Thiel Gym in Galesburg, Ill. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

GALESBURG, Ill. — Remaining ever-present can be a challenge when you know what lies ahead. The Quincy High School boys basketball players are meeting that challenge head on. Fully aware a pivotal Western Big 6 Conference showdown looms Friday night against Sterling at Blue Devil Gym, the Blue Devils didn’t overlook having to take care…

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Photo gallery: QHS, Hannibal wrestlers battle in front of large crowd

Quincy High School's Jerzy Knaff, left, and Hannibal's Ryan Ross shake hands prior to the start of their 285-pound match during Tuesday night's dual at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The strengths showed. The Quincy High School wrestling team is blessed with an abundance of talented grapplers at the heavier weights, while Hannibal is loaded with technical, aggressive wrestlers at the lower weights. Put those two head-to-head and you’re left with an entertaining dual. Hannibal edged Quincy 35-33 in front a packed house…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils power past Silver Streaks with crisp, clean effort

Quincy High School's Isiah Talton gets around Galesburg's Jaxon Wyatt for a layup during the Blue Devils' 86-34 win over the Silver Streaks at John Thiel Gym on Tuesday night in Galesburg, Ill. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

GALESBURG, Ill. — Andy Douglas couldn’t find fault with the Quincy High School boys basketball’s effort, focus or finish. The coach liked pretty much everything about Tuesday night’s 86-34 victory over Galesburg at John Thiel Gym. Freelance photographer Steve Davis was courtside at Thiel Gym and put together this photo gallery:

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Blue Devils’ defensive dominance continues in another WB6 whitewashing

Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey pressures a Sterling player during Saturday's Western Big 6 Conference game at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — There is no quantitative goal the Quincy High School girls basketball players set for what they hope to accomplish defensively each game. However, there is an emotional response they look to achieve. “I guess the goal would be to kind of embarrass the opponent in a sense,” senior point guard Leila Dade said.…

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Photo gallery: QHS girls basketball team overwhelms another WB6 foe with defense

Quincy High School freshman forward Jada Brown, left, gains position on the block during the first half of Saturday's game against Sterling at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls basketball team limited Sterling to five points in the first quarter and 11 overall in the first half, rolling to a 21-point lead by halftime and cruising to a 52-29 victory in Western Big 6 Conference action Saturday at the QHS gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Three individual titles, third-place team finish make for solid opening tourney for QHS wrestlers

ANTIOCH, Ill. — The Quincy High School wrestling team made a strong statement during its first tournament of the season. The Blue Devils finished third in the 24-team Ted DeRousse Invitational on Saturday, capturing three individual championships. QHS racked up 356.5 points to finish behind Elmhurst IC Catholic and Marmion Academy. IC Catholic has produced…

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Tourney title showcases Blue Devils’ ability to share basketball, credit and trust

Springfield Lanphier's Shaunessey Hatchett Jr., left, and Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas battle for possession during the first half of Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Playing with an edge isn’t the same as playing with an ego. The Quincy High School boys basketball players are discovering the difference. The Blue Devils’ edge is their aggressive approach defensively, which creates turnovers and opportunities to score in transition, and their belief they can score on any opponent at any time.…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils win QHS Thanksgiving Tournament championship for 37th time

Quincy High School's Tyler Sprick, left, pressures Springfield Lanphier's Shaunessey Hatchett Jr. during Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Led by a strong start from Camden Brown and a strong finish from Keshaun Thomas, the Quincy High School boys basketball team beat Springfield Lanphier 64-51 on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym to win the championship of the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. It is the Blue Devils’ fourth consecutive tournament title and…

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Blue Devils’ defense ensures lead is quite safe in dispatching Titans

Quincy High School's Camden Brown wins the opening tip of Friday night's game against Tinley Park in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy Samantha Carmean

QUINCY — There was no letting a big lead slip away this time. One night after nearly squandering a seemingly insurmountable 24-point cushion in the second half, the Quincy High School boys basketball team limited Tinley Park to just five field goals over the final three quarters to cruise to a 69-29 victory Friday in…

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2023 Quincy High School Hall of Fame inductee: Tony Carnivale

Tony Carnivale was a three-time state medalist for the Quincy High School boys golf team. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Editor’s Note: Quincy High School will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games of the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. Below is the biography used by the QHS Hall of Fame committee to honor one of this year’s inductees. QUINCY — Tony Carnivale is in select…

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Reality check: Blue Devils react to Wildcats’ second-half run with strong closing kick

Quincy High School point guard Ralph Wires looks to pass during the first half of Thursday night's 69=58 victory over Chicago Phillips in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A quick glance at the scoreboard told the Quincy High School boys basketball players all they needed to know. A boat race had become a dogfight. “It woke us up to reality,” junior forward Keshaun Thomas said. The Blue Devils had nearly doubled up Chicago Phillips three minutes into the second half Thursday…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils open season by beating Wildcats in QHS Thanksgiving Tournament

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, attacks the lane during the first half of Thursday's game against Chicago Phillips in the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A strong start and a strong finish and a victory. That made for an enjoyable Thanksgiving for the Quincy High School boys basketball team. The Blue Devils opened their season with a 69-58 victory over Chicago Phillips on Thursday night at Blue Devil Gym as they finished with a 12-4 run after the…

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2023 Quincy High School Hall of Fame inductee: Chris Adams

Chris Adams was a two-sport standout at Quincy High School and a track standout at Western Illinois University. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Editor’s Note: Quincy High School will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games of the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. Below is the biography used by the QHS Hall of Fame committee to honor one of this year’s inductees. QUINCY — Speed set Chris Adams apart.…

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Pace of play, quality backcourts of tourney teams will test Blue Devils’ maturity and growth

The Quincy High School boys basketball players listen to final instructions from Andy Douglas at the end of the final practice before the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Andy Douglas is looking for a test. Pass or fail, it’s what the Quincy High School boys basketball team needs. The Blue Devils return five starters, the first two players off the bench and a wealth of talent and experience. It was a fruitful offseason as they embraced the need to be more…

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2023 Quincy High School Hall of Fame inductee: Chris O’Connell

Chris O'Connell was a senior on the 1990 Quincy High School boys golf team that won the Class AA state championship and a two-time Western Big 6 Conference individual champion. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Editor’s Note: Quincy High School will hold its Hall of Fame induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games of the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. Below is the biography used by the QHS Hall of Fame committee to honor one of this year’s inductees. QUINCY — The last name alone makes…

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Defense takes center stage for Blue Devils as curtain rises on home opener

Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey looks to score in the first quarter of Wednesday night's game against Pleasant Plains at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The curtain splitting the Quincy High School gym into two distinct segments slowly started to rise when Wednesday night’s junior varsity girls basketball game ended. Behind it sat the QHS pep band, ready to belt out the school fight song, among other tunes. “I love our band,” QHS senior forward Taylor Fohey said.…

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Four Illinois prep football standouts receive first-team all-state honors from coaches association

Quincy High School quarterback Bradyn Little received first-team all-state honors in Class 7A from the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association after throwing for 3,422 yards and 45 touchdowns this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A quarterback who helped his team make history, a linebacker who tackled everything in sight and a pair of all-purpose performers who have pushed their team into the state semifinals share one thing in common. They have been named first-team all-staters. The Illinois High School Football Coaches Association released its all-state teams Tuesday…

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Schuckman: Blue Devils change perception, expectations of football program

The Quincy High School football team won a single-season school record 11 games while reaching the state quarterfinals for the first time ever. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fans arrived early to tailgate, stayed late to commiserate and created a sea of blue that filled Flinn Stadium. The final score of Saturday’s Class 7A state quarterfinal game against top-ranked Chicago Mount Carmel didn’t change the community-wide support for the Quincy High School football program or deter the overflowing crowd from…

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‘That’s what my eyes tell me’: QHS’s magical season ends with loss to best team Blue Devils have ever faced

Chicago Mount Carmel running back Alonzo Manning Jr. eludes the Quincy High School defense to score on a 11-yard run in the second quarter of Saturday's Class 7A state quarterfinal at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It took the best team the Quincy High School football program has ever faced to end the best season the Blue Devils have ever enjoyed. “And hopefully they go win the state title,” Quincy senior defensive lineman Ryan Mast said. The odds favor Chicago Mount Carmel doing just that. The Caravan shackled the…

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‘Every week is a business trip’: Caravan stay focused on title pursuit in dismantling Blue Devils

Chicago Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott prepares to take a snap during the first half of Saturday's Class 7A state quarterfinal matchup with Quincy High School at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Traveling to Quincy to play a quarterfinal-round playoff football game was just another business trip for Chicago Mount Carmel quarterback Jack Elliott. It was just longer than most. “Every week is a business trip, whether we’re home or away,” the 6-foot junior said. “This one was five hours. It’s a long way, but…

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Photo gallery: First state quarterfinal game in QHS football history draws huge crowd

Quincy High School senior offensive lineman Owen Zanger, left, and Cole Wagy pump each other up during pregame warmups Saturday ahead of the Class 7A state quarterfinal against Chicago Mount Carmel at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School football program brought out the best in its fanbase. Quincy fans packed the Flinn Stadium grandstand — shoulder to shoulder is how QHS defensive lineman Ryan Mast described it — for Saturday’s Class 7A state quarterfinal matchup with Chicago Mount Carmel. It was the first state quarterfinal appearance for…

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Schuck on a Truck: Phil Neally discusses QHS’s historic football season, carrying energy into wrestling season

QUINCY — Phil Neally saw the Quincy High School football team when it struggled as much as it ever has. Three decades later, he’s witnessing the greatest season in program history. As a junior offensive lineman during the 1991 season, Neally and the Blue Devils endured a winless season. The next season, Neally started at…

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Playoff primer: Blue Devils welcome one of Illinois’ most legendary programs to Flinn Stadium

From left, Quincy High School captains Chris Flachs, Adon Byquist, Drennan Carver and Bradyn Little lead the team out of the locker room for the first-round playoff game against West Chicago at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A historic season continues with a historic opponent. That should make for an entertaining and lively Saturday at Flinn Stadium. The Quincy High School football team reached the Class 7A state quarterfinals with last Saturday’s 33-14 victory at Wheaton North — the first time the Blue Devils have ever won a second-round playoff…

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Schuckman: Best seat in house is alongside longtime coaches who delight in QHS’s success

From left, Randy Dickens, Jose Quintero and Jim Wosman watch the Quincy High School football team take on West Chicago in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs from the west end zone at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The best seat in the house doesn’t always provide the best view. Let me explain. Throughout this historic season the Quincy High School football team has engineered, I have sat in the west end zone during every home game. The spot was chosen strategically so the setting sun on Friday nights or the…

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‘Mentally tough’ Blue Devils overcome early deficit to reach state quarterfinals for first time ever

Quincy High School junior defensive back Rico Clay, left, and junior wide receiver Tykell Hammers celebrate after the Blue Devils' 33-14 victory over Wheaton North on Saturday in the second round of the Class 7A playoffs in Wheaton, Ill. | Submitted photo

WHEATON, Ill. — Twelve minutes into Saturday’s Class 7A second-round playoff game, the chances of Quincy High School extending its best-ever football season looked bleak. The undefeated Blue Devils trailed Wheaton North 14-0. Their vaunted offense was stuck in neutra,l and their stout defense was having trouble slowing the Falcons’ attack. Yet, there was no…

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Playoff primer: Undefeated teams hit road for second-round games, QND comes home with momentum

Quincy High School senior offensive lineman Chris Flachs and the Blue Devils travel to Wheaton North for a Class 7A second-round playoff game. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The second round of the Illinois football playoffs means a five-hour road trip for Quincy High School, a rematch for Camp Point Central and the return to Advance Physical Therapy Field for Quincy Notre Dame. Here’s a look at what Saturday’s slate looks like: Quincy High School (10-0) at Wheaton North (7-3), 2…

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Something truly special: Blue Devils use kicking game, special teams to their advantage

Quincy High School kicker Justin Beaver watches one of his kicks sail through the uprights during warmups prior to last Saturday's playoff game against West Chicago at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Justin Beaver understands what matters most. Although the Quincy High School football team’s senior placekicker remains ready to kick a field goal if need be, he hasn’t been called on to do so once this season. When your offense averages more than six touchdowns per game, field goals aren’t really necessary. “I like…

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Raiders’ Cann gives QND boys soccer program 10 straight seasons with all-state honoree

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Leo Cann became the Raiders' 10th all-state selection in the last 10 seasons and finished his career with 69 career goals. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Leo Cann makes it a perfect 10. The senior forward on the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team received all-state honors from the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, marking the 10th straight season a QND player has earned all-state plaudits. “That’s a pretty good run,” QND coach Greg Reis said. Cann led…

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Crim: High school football postseason games offering intriguing storylines

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

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

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Taking care of business: Blue Devils open Class 7A playoffs with resounding victory over Wildcats

Quincy High School cornerback Rico Clay, second from left, and his teammates react to his hit on West Chicago's Louis Zeitler during the first half of the Blue Devils' 44-14 victory in the Class 7A playoffs Saturday at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The one thing the Quincy High School football team couldn’t do was get caught expecting to win instead of playing to win. “Monday, when we watched film, we talked about that,” senior offensive lineman Chris Flachs said. “We knew we were better than (West Chicago). You can say that as much as you…

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Photo gallery: QHS football team invokes running clock in Class 7A first-round playoff game

Quincy High School wide receiver Caeden Johannessen flips the ball back to the official after making a catch at the 1-yard line during Saturday's 44-14 victory over West Chicago in the Class 7A playoffs at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team’s first home playoff victory ever featured a little of everything that has made the Blue Devils so successful this season — the Bradyn Little-to-Tykell Hammers connection, dominance of the offensive line and a hard-hitting defense. The end result was a 44-14 victory over West Chicago in the…

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Check another historic mark off QHS football team’s list of accomplishments

Quincy High School offensive lineman Chris Flachs reacts to the Blue Devils scoring their final touchdown in a 44-14 victory over West Chicago in the first round of the Class 7A playoffs at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Making history wasn’t the goal. Playing better football was. During the 2021 spring season — the 2020 fall prep season was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic — Quincy High School went 1-5. A 3-6 campaign followed that fall, but the returnees truly believed better days lie ahead. “Last year, we kind of…

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Standalone: QHS defenders react to Clay leveling West Chicago running back

From left, Quincy High School linebacker Ty Douglas, cornerback Rico Clay, safety Adon Byquist and defensive tackle Kamryn Flachs-Hill react to the hit Clay put on West Chicago's Louis Zeitler during the Class 7A first-round playoff game Saturday at Flinn Stadium. The Blue Devils won 44-14 for the first home playoff victory in program history. | Matt Schuckman photo
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WB6 coaches select QHS quarterback as MVP, nine Blue Devils make first-team all-conference

Quincy High School quarterback Bradyn Little threw for 2,562 yards and 37 touchdowns during the regular season, earning Western Big 6 Conference MVP along the way. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Bradyn Little’s success quarterbacking the Quincy High School football team is more than just a passing fancy. It’s a full orchestra of talent. The junior quarterback led the Blue Devils to a 6-0 record in the Western Big 6 Conference and a 9-0 overall regular-season mark, earning first-team all-conference honors and league MVP.…

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Schuck on a Truck: QHS football coach Rick Little takes control of segment, becomes interviewer

QUINCY — The latest episode of “Schuck on a Truck” comes with a twist. Quincy High School football coach Rick Little turned the tables on Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and took over the interview, dubbing it “Schuck held hostage on his truck.” Movie lines, cinderella stories, influential coaches became the topics of conversation.…

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Second-set fight not enough for Blue Devils to knock off top-seeded Tigers in regional opener

Quincy High School's Kaley Summers, right, attempts to block a shot by Edwardsville's Addie Reader during Tuesday night's regional semifinal at Alton High School. | Photo courtesy Billy Woods, Edwardsville Intelligencer

GODFREY, Ill. —  Shelby Lee’s second block of the night came at the right time for the Edwardsville volleyball team.  The junior hitter rose high for a block to break a tie between top-seeded Edwardsville and seventh-seeded Quincy late in the second set Tuesday. On the next point, the Tigers wrapped up a 25-17, 25-23…

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Schuckman: WB6 showcase event would help league deal with potential scheduling void

Quincy High School football coach Rick Little would like to help point the Western Big 6 Conference in the direction of a scheduling agreement that will help fill any potential voids in future seasons. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy High School football coach Rick Little’s biggest chore and most constant worry isn’t prepping the Blue Devils for the playoffs. It’s filling a potential open week on the 2024 schedule. Last January, Rock Island Alleman informed Western Big 6 Conference principals and officials it would not field a varsity football team during…

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QND receives final spot in Illinois football playoff field, while QHS, Central, Unity-Payson also learn postseason paths

The Quincy Notre Dame football team made the field for the Class 2A playoffs as the last team to qualify, getting in with a 4-5 record. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An answered prayer, a unique draw and a top spot on the bracket. The revealing of the Illinois High School Association’s football playoff pairings had some of the intrigue teams crave and an intriguing twist with the final team to qualify for the 256-team field spread over eight classes. Quincy Notre Dame, which…

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Schuck on a Truck: Mettemeyer discusses QHS football team’s historic regular season following Blue Devils’ ninth victory

QUINCY — Jack Mettemeyer found the end zone in his final regular-season game at Flinn Stadium, helping the Quincy High School football team put a stamp on a dominant fourth quarter and a 56-33 victory over Mahomet-Seymour on Friday night. The victory pushed QHS’s record to 9-0, marking just the second undefeated regular season in…

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Zeroed in on history: Blue Devils cap first perfect regular season in 88 years with dominant fourth-quarter finish

Quincy High School's Adon Byquist reacts to scoring on a punt return in the third quarter of Frdiay night's 56-33 victory over Mahomet-Seymour at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A season’s worth of build-up and an unblemished record carried the Quincy High School football team to the doorstep of history Friday night. All that remained was one final step. It may have been the most arduous and gratifying step these Blue Devils have taken. Leading state-ranked Mahomet-Seymour by just two points at…

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Photo gallery: QHS caps undefeated regular season by beating Mahomet-Seymour

The Quincy High School senior football players lined their helmets up in the end zone during the Senior Night festivities prior to Friday night's game against Mahomet-Seymour at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the first time since 1935, the Quincy High School football team finished the regular season undefeated, capping a 9-0 run with Friday night’s 56-33 victory over Mahomet-Seymour at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the images of the victory for this photo gallery:

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Illinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils climb to No. 5, Panthers hold steady at No. 2

The Quincy High School football team moved up to No. 5 in the Class 7A state poll this week ahead of its Week 9 matchup against Mahomet-Seymour at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Loyola (10) (8-0) 109 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (8-0) 100 2 3. Barrington (8-0) 88 3 4. Maine South (7-1) 74 4 5.…

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Schuckman: Rule keeping Illinois prep soccer team from playing in postseason needs to change

The Quincy High School boys soccer team received 15 yellow cards in its first 10 games, but didn't approach the threshold of 25 yellow cards that would have led to a postseason ban.

QUINCY — A 3-0 loss to Collinsville in the Class 3A regional semifinals Tuesday night brought the Quincy High School boys soccer team’s season to an end one game into the postseason. If only Mundelein Carmel could have been so lucky. The Corsairs are watching the postseason unfold instead of playing in it. Had things…

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Emotional end to home slate comes with Raiders finishing off perfect season at The Pit

The Quincy Notre Dame defense blocks a shot by Quincy High School outside hitter Kaley Summers during Monday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Pit provided the perfect atmosphere to goodbye, even if it had Emma Hoing shedding tears. “I was so emotional tonight,” Hoing said. “I cried.” She also delivered. A senior outside hitter on the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team, Hoing threw down a team-leading eight kills to power the Raiders to a 25-19,…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND volleyball teams square off in front of raucous crowd at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame middle blocker Eva Breckenkamp, left, hammers a kills past the block of Quincy High School's defense during Monday night's match at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Two rambunctious student sections, splashes of pink throughout the gym and lively play on both sides of the net made for an entertaining crosstown showdown Monday night at The Pit. The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team capped an undefeated regular season at home with a 25-19, 25-15 victory over Quincy High School on…

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QHS, QND each sending doubles team to state tennis tournament

The Quincy High School doubles team of Phoebe and Lily Hayes finished fourth at the Class 2A Belleville West Sectional and will play in the state tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A pair of doubles teams will represent Quincy at the girls state tennis tournaments this weekend in the Chicago suburbs. In Class 2A, the Quincy High School senior tandem of Lily and Phoebe Hayes finished fourth at the Belleville West Sectional, while the Quincy Notre Dame duo of Morgan Zanger and Kaitlyn Brown…

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Crowning glory: Blue Devils cap undefeated run through WB6 with league championship

The Quincy High School football team's defense stacks up Geneseo's Jackson Reade during the first quarter of Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The crown fits perfectly. Favored to win the Western Big 6 Conference championship and never shying away from those expectations, the Quincy High School football players finished off an undefeated run to a league title Friday night, beating Geneseo 35-7 at Flinn Stadium. It is the Blue Devils’ first WB6 championship since 2016,…

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Splish, splash: Little avoids full bath of ice water, but Blue Devils improvise to celebrate WB6 title

Quincy High School football coach Rick Little, right, does his best to avoid getting doused by his players at the end of Friday night's 35-7 victory over Geneseo at Flinn Stadium. The victory wrapped up the Western Big 6 Conference title for the Blue Devils. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School football players proved they can be resourceful. Late in the fourth quarter Friday night at Flinn Stadium and the starters on the sidelines with a 35-7 lead over Geneseo, a plan was hatched to dump a cooler of water on Blue Devils coach Rick Little at game’s end to…

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Schuckman: Pursuit of perfection helps Blue Devils develop trust, respect in each other

Quincy High School linebacker Ty Douglas (10) and the Blue Devils have been perfect since they stepped on the field to start the season, largely because they bring the right mindset and camaraderie to the game. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — From a movie made before any of the Quincy High School football players were born comes a line that resonates with what the Blue Devils are trying to achieve. They are chasing perfection, the same way the T.C. Williams Titans were. In the closing sequence of “Remember the Titans,” a movie released in…

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QHS sophomore is Reddy to tackle sectional tennis field, fight for spot in state tournament

Quincy High School sophomore Anika Reddy is seeded third in the singles bracket at the Class 2A Belleville West Sectional. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Anika Reddy talks about her game in the same manner she handles forehands and backhands. Steady and straight. “If you get overconfident, you start missing shots and hitting shots out that could have been winners,” said Reddy, the No. 1 singles player in the Quincy High School girls tennis team’s lineup. “If you…

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Illinois state football rankings: Camp Point Central moves to No. 2 in Class 1A

The Camp Point Central football team is No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Class 1A state poll. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CHICAGO — Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Loyola (11) (7-0) 119 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (7-0) 109 2 3. Barrington (7-0) 94 4 4. Maine South (6-1) 81 5 5.…

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Six area teams still in Illinois prep football playoff picture with two games remaining

Quincy High School coach Rick Little, right, has offensive lineman Cole Wagy and the Blue Devils pointed in the right direction heading into the playoffs. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois prep football playoff picture is starting to gain some clarity. Six teams in our area have qualified, should qualify or could qualify depending on what happens over the final two weeks of the regular season. Around the state, some coaches and other prognosticators are updating and changing brackets, opinions and thoughts…

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