Posts Tagged ‘Quincy High School’
Illinois state football rankings: Camp Point Central moves to No. 2 in Class 1A
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.…
Read MoreSix area teams still in Illinois prep football playoff picture with two games remaining
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…
Read MoreYo, Adrian: Sommers’ goal, stronger second-half play helps Blue Devils win home finale
QUINCY — At every turn Tuesday night, the Quincy High School boys soccer players caught a glimpse of the program’s storied past. From Dev Reeves, arguably the most significant player in program history, to Donivan Bradshaw, one of the Blue Devils’ greatest scorers, to Jay Ray and his son, J.D., the first father-son combo to…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys soccer team beats Geneseo in final home game of regular season
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer team ran its win streak to four consecutive games in its final home game of the regular season, beating Geneseo 3-1 in Western Big 6 Conference action Tuesday night at Flinn Stadium. The Blue Devils (8-10-1) wrap up their season on the road Thursday against Springfield. Muddy…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Jumping around, getting dirty enables Bridal to be Blue Devils’ stonewall
This is the 11th and final installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Ron Bridal, Goalkeeper, Class of 1995 QUINCY — The opportunity to coach not only the Quincy…
Read MoreQHS’s Reddy wins WB6 singles championship, Hayes twins take second in doubles
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team gave the rest of the teams in the Class 2A Belleville West Sectional something to be leery about. That’s top-flight competitors coming into the postseason event riding high. QHS sophomore Anika Reddy knocked off the Nos. 1 and 2 seeds as she won the…
Read MoreBlue Devils outlast Golden Warriors to remain undefeated, improve to 7-0 for first time since 1935
STERLING, Ill. — Inevitably, it happens. A clunker. A stinker. A misstep. Being able to endure one of those and still find a way to succeed separates good teams from championship teams. Friday night, the state-ranked Quincy High School football team found a way to navigate past its mistakes and beat Sterling 35-33 in a…
Read MoreQHS-QND highlights: Watch video of memorable moments from Thursday’s city soccer clash
QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams engaged in another intense chapter of the city rivalry Thursday night at Advance Physical Therapy Field with the Blue Devils winning 3-2 for their first victory over the Raiders since 2019. Videographer Frank Cann put together this highlight video from the Gem…
Read MoreNo cramping his style: Dede scores game-winner as Blue Devils fend off Raiders in city rivalry game
QUINCY — Nolan Dede wanted to join the celebration, but that required getting to his feet and ignoring his cramping right calf. “It was such a conflict of emotions,” he said. “There was the pain and there was the excitement.” And there was the magnitude of the moment. Dede’s header off an Evan Sohn restart…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND boys soccer teams split city series
QUINCY — The seniors on the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams had different goals in mind Thursday night. The Blue Devils sought their first victory in the city series during the seniors’ four-year careers, while the Raiders’ Class of 2024 was looking to stay undefeated. Nolan Dede’s second-half goal tipped…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Buying in early put Forbes on path to becoming dynamite defender
This is the 10th installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Zach Forbes, Defender, Class of 2010 QUINCY — Three years before Zach Forbes reached high school, the evolution…
Read MoreIn their own words: QHS wide receivers break down best parts of their record-setting unit
QUINCY — Four weeks into the Western Big 6 Conference football slate and nothing has changed. The Quincy High School wide receivers still top the statistical charts. Adon Byquist, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior, leads the WB6 in receptions (20), receiving yards (407) and receiving touchdowns (5) in conference games. Tykell Hammers, a 6-foot, 185-pound junior,…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 6 in Class 7A, Panthers hold at No. 3 in Class 1A
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) (6-0) 128 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (2) (6-0) 119 2 3. York (6-0) 104 3 4. Barrington (6-0) 84 4 5. Maine…
Read MoreQHS softball program to hold ‘A Night Under the Lights’ fundraiser this Friday
QUINCY — The Quincy High School softball team is going to put on a show once the sun sets. The Blue Devils are holding a fundraiser from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday at the QHS softball field. The event, dubbed “A Night Under the Lights,” will benefit the QHS and QJHS softball programs with proceeds going to…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ Gold fights into playoff, narrowly misses chance to make state tourney field
PEKIN, Ill. — A tough three-hole stretch on his closing nine holes Monday put Quincy High School senior golfer Gabriel Gold in a precarious position. He was one of eight golfers who tied for 14th in Monday’s Class 3A Pekin Sectional at Lick Creek Golf Course, and only one was advancing to the state tournament…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Doubles victories give QHS girls tennis team head-to-head edge against QND
QUINCY — A week after sweeping its crosstown rival in a dual match, the Quincy High School girls tennis team had to fight for a pair of doubles victories to finish off a victory against Quincy Notre Dame on Monday at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park. The No. 1 doubles team of Lily…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Absorbing coaching enables Evans to elevate himself, teammates
This is the ninth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jerrod Evans, Defender, Class of 1991 QUINCY — Matt Longo sensed there was something unique about Jerrod Evans’…
Read MoreHave mercy: Blue Devils bury Silver Streaks with first-half onslaught, Little throws seven TD passes
QUINCY — The halftime instructions were simple and succinct. Don’t be lollygaggers. Having built a 56-5 lead over Galesburg by intermission Friday night, the Quincy High School football team’s starters were told they wouldn’t be taking a snap in the second half. Although this was the fourth time in six games the Blue Devils have…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team improves to 6-0 with homecoming whalloping of Galesburg
QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team piled up 56 points in the first half Friday night and rolled to a 56-19 victory over Galesburg in Western Big 6 Conference play at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the evening at Flinn Stadium and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreStrong response to bogey-filled start carries Blue Devils’ Gold to top-three finish, sectional berth
WOOD RIVER, Ill. — With things trending the wrong direction six holes into Wednesday’s Class 3A regional at Belk Park Golf Course, Gabriel Gold used a birdie to slingshot himself back into contention. The Quincy High School senior golfer birdied the 555-yard, par-5 16th hole — the Blue Devils started on Belk Park’s back nine…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central remain area’s ranked teams
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 (14) (5-0) 149 1 2. Lincoln-Way East (1) (5-0) 136 2 3. York (5-0) 120 3 4. Barrington (5-0) 97 4 5. Maine…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Ability to communicate, control back line led to Higgins’ historic career
This is the eighth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Curtis Higgins, Defender, Class of 1993 QUINCY — You might say Curtis Higgins’ pride had doubled. Truthfully, it…
Read MorePostseason primer: Tournament success preps area golfers for pursuit of state tourney bids
QUINCY — The postseason is nigh, and it could be an eventful one on the links. Here are five things to keep in mind as regional play for Illinois boys begins Wednesday and girls Thursday and district play for Missouri girls tees off next week: Minor success, major results for Pirates The growth of the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS volleyball team fends off Hannibal for four-set victory at Korf Gym
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy High School volleyball team began its week by showing some resiliency it normally doesn’t have to provide. Hannibal rallied after losing the first two sets Monday night at Korf Gym by winning the third set and pushing the Blue Devils to the brink in the fourth set. Ultimately, Quincy won…
Read MoreBlue Devils capitalize on tide-turning moments, beat Panthers yet again with offensive onslaught
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Three plays changed everything for the Quincy High School football team. Sure the final score ended up 63-27 with the final 14 minutes played with a running clock, but the Blue Devils needed the tide-turning moments to shoot down United Township in Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup at the…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Sohn’s control of pace and play leads to magical state run by Blue Devils
This is the seventh installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. J.D. Sohn, Midfielder, Class of 2017 QUINCY — J.D. Sohn looked around and saw elation through his tear-filled…
Read MoreIllinois state football rankings: QHS, Central each rise one spot in respective classes
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 (8) (4-0) 125 2 2. Lincoln-Way East (5) (4-0) 122 1 3. York (4-0) 104 3 4. Barrington (4-0) 81 5 5. Maine…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Berry becomes maestro at midfield in leading Blue Devils to state tourney
This is the sixth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Steve Berry, Midfielder, Class of 1988 QUINCY — The summer before his first season as Quincy High School…
Read MoreCrim: QHS defense answers when tested, continues to make plays in winning fashion
QUINCY — There’s no questioning the offensive firepower the Quincy High School football team possesses. Coming off a record-setting sophomore season, quarterback Bradyn Little already has thrown for 1,105 yards and 12 touchdowns while completing nearly 73 percent of his passes through four games. Tykell Hammers is averaging 16.3 yards per catch and has scored…
Read MoreBlue Devils pick right time to make defensive stand, intercept Maroons’ plan for last-minute rally
QUINCY — Rico Clay heeded the warnings the Quincy High School football coaches blared. Moline quarterback Drew Phelps needed a warning not to throw Clay’s way. With the Maroons facing third and 15 from the Blue Devils’ 25-yard line and trailing by seven points with 39.7 seconds remaining in regulation Friday night, Phelps threw a…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team improves to 4-0 with WB6 victory against Moline
QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team is 4-0 for the first time since 2007 after holding off Moline 34-27 for a Western Big 6 Conference victory Friday night at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River Sports editor Matt Schuckman spent the evening at the venerable facility and put together this photo gallery:
Read MorePirates’ resolve leads to right answer in erasing deficit against Blue Devils
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal boys soccer team continues to prove it has the resolve to answer any setback. Thursday night at Veterans Field, the Pirates answered with a pair of goals. After allowing Quincy High School to score on a penalty kick and a corner kick to take a 2-1 lead midway through the…
Read MoreBlue Devils turn tide with flourish at end of first set, roll from there in WB6 victory over Pioneers
QUINCY — Madison Loos could sense it. So could Ayanna Douglas. Loos could feel a momentum swing coming together late in the first set Thursday evening. That’s when the emotional ebb and flow of that opening round began trending toward the Quincy High School volleyball team. Eventually, that ebb and flow morphed into a bona…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS offensive linemen discuss life in trenches for WB6 title contender
QUINCY — Want to know which of the five starting offensive linemen for the Quincy High School football team is the strongest? What about the cleanest? Or maybe you’re curious where they like to eat as a group, considering their camaraderie extends beyond the gridiron? They’ll tell you. They’ll smile and laugh while doing it,…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Playing up paves way for Sandercock’s Hall of Fame career
This is the fifth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jim Sandercock, Midfielder, Class of 1983 QUINCY — There was an opening on an older youth soccer team…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Camp Point Central, QHS hold strong in respective classes
CHICAGO — Here are the Illinois Associated Press state football rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from across the state: Class 8A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (8) (3-0) 125 1 2. Loyola (5) (3-0) 122 2 3. York (3-0) 103 3 4. Maine South (2-1) 83 4…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Schuering, Blue Devils run to titles at Running Raider Classic
QUINCY — Olivia Schuering set the pace and her teammates followed suit. The Quincy High School senior cross country runner won the individual title Tuesday at the Running Raider Classic at South Park, posting a time of 19 minutes, 55 seconds to catapult the Blue Devils to the team title with 30 points. Quincy Notre…
Read MoreBlue Devils suffer third straight loss, fall to Maroons in key WB6 matchup
QUINCY — So often in the wake of a loss, it becomes easy to play a game of “what if.” For example, what if Josh Stupavsky’s shot 36 seconds into Tuesday night’s Western Big 6 Conference boys soccer game had hit the inside of the left post and kicked into the goal? Instead, it hit…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS soccer team battles Moline for top spot in Western Big 6
QUINCY — Three games into the Western Big 6 Conference season, the Quincy High School boys soccer team finds itself needing a little help to retain the conference crown. The Blue Devils suffered a 2-1 loss to Moline on Tuesday night at Flinn Stadium, leaving the Maroons and United Township tied for the WB6 lead…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Deft touch, high IQ turn Reeves into one of Blue Devils’ greatest players
This is the fourth installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Dev Reeves, Midfielder, Class of 1985 QUINCY — The debate over the best boys soccer player Quincy High…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team opens WB6 play by crushing Rock Island
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Quincy High School football team set the appropriate tone for its pursuit of a Western Big 6 Conference championship, opening league play last Friday night with a 41-7 victory over Rock Island at Almquist Field. Bridgett Zanger put together this photo gallery from the Blue Devils’ victory and shared it…
Read MoreFriday Night Lights rewind: Mustangs make defensive stand, Cardinals keep rolling, Blue Devils crumble rival
QUINCY — A defensive stand could be the difference between making the playoffs and putting the gear away early. That depends on how the Unity-Payson football team seizes the momentum of last week’s victory. Brown County drove to the Mustangs’ 6-yard line and faced third and four with two minutes remaining in regulation. A fumbled…
Read MorePrep soccer roundup: QHS falls at home, QND loses twice in tourney, Hannibal finishes second in Pirate Shootout
QUINCY — For 60 minutes, the Quincy High School boys soccer team played with the poise and passion that could make it a regional contender. The final 20 minutes, however, included miscues that resulted in another loss. O’Fallon scored twice in the closing stretch Saturday, pulling away for a 3-1 victory at Flinn Stadium. The…
Read MoreRock and roll: Blue Devils invoke running clock with overwhelming effort at Rocky in WB6 opener
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A good high school football team is usually driven by a handful of standouts. When you have a bushel of stars, great things come. Quincy High School is one of those kinds of teams. It is hard to find a place where there is a hole on this Quincy team and…
Read MoreAnything you can do, Leo Cann do better: Senior forward’s hat trick lifts Raiders to victory over Blue Devils
QUINCY — Leo Cann has played at Flinn Stadium only once each season throughout his high school soccer career. Yet, two of his most memorable moments happened on his rival’s home turf. As a sophomore, Cann scored the lone goal in the second half of the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s 1-0 victory against…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND boys soccer teams collide at Flinn Stadium
QUINCY — The rivalry continues to be as strong as ever, and the passionate play proved that. The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams met for the 103rd time in their intra-city rivalry on Thursday night at Flinn Stadium, with the Raiders scoring three second-half goals to earn a 4-2 victory.…
Read MoreVideo highlights: QND beats QHS 4-2 at Flinn Stadium as boys soccer rivalry continues
QUINCY — Freelance videographer Frank Cann captured the intensity and passion of the Quincy High School vs. Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer rivalry during Thursday night’s series renewal at Flinn Stadium. The Raiders won 4-2 and are 9-1-2 against the Blue Devils in the last 12 meetings. QHS leads the all-time series 50-48-5.
Read MoreFormidable front: Blue Devils’ defensive line putting clamps on opposing rushing attacks
QUINCY — In the middle of watching Jeraius Rice run wild and the Quincy High School football team put on another offensive showcase, it was easy to overlook just how dominant the Blue Devils’ defensive front had been. That was until you took a glance at the stat sheet. In last Friday’s 40-6 victory at…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Finding footing as freshman helps Smith become part of tradition
This is the third installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Jaeden Smith, Forward, Class of 2019 QUINCY — Matt Longo had seen enough. Seven minutes into a game…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Quincy cracks Class 7A top 10 heading into Western Big 6 play
Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters. Class 8ASchool W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (9) (2-0) 117 12. Loyola (3) (2-0) 111 23. York (2-0) 96 34. Maine South (1-1) 62 55. Barrington (2-0) 60 T76. Glenbard West (1-1)…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Work ethic enables Bradshaw to seize opportunity to be great
This is the second installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Donivan Bradshaw, Forward, Class of 1996 QUINCY — Donivan Bradshaw took a moment to pinpoint the right word…
Read MoreRunnin’ with the Devil: QHS’s Rice dices up Alton’s defense with four TDs as Blue Devils move to 2-0
ALTON, Ill. — The Alton football team knew what was coming when it came down to stopping the high-octane Quincy High School offense. The question that loomed was could the Redbirds’ defense stop the slick and slippery Jeraius Rice. The answer was an emphatic no. The Blue Devils tailback sliced and diced his way to…
Read MoreGame Night Guide: Week 2 of prep football features QHS, QND on road, state-ranked teams at home
QUINCY — Week 2 of the high school football team kicks off Friday night. Here is the slate for area teams, including where you can find the games on the radio or via livestream: Quincy High School (1-0) at Alton (0-1), 7 p.m. • WTAD 930 AM • WGEM streaming app Did you know?: The…
Read MoreOne thing leads to another: Douglas takes charge, guides Blue Devils to WB6 victory
QUINCY — Quincy High School volleyball coach Kate Brown had just watched her team get hit with a haymaker at the onset of Thursday’s Western Big 6 Conference match against Geneseo. “I wondered what was going on,” Brown admitted. With her club down 10-0, Brown turned to Ayanna Douglas and informed the junior hitter, “You’ve…
Read MoreQHS All-Time Starting XI: Speed, skill allow Abbey to develop into dynamic scoring machine
This is the first installment in a series highlighting the Quincy High School boys soccer players the Muddy River Sports staff has named to the program’s all-time starting 11 in conjunction with the Blue Devils’ 50th season. Everette Abbey, Forward, Class of 1996 QUINCY — The curiosity of a coach led to Everette Abbey finally…
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: QHS on verge of cracking top 10 in Class 7A
Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters: Class 8ASchool W-L Pts Prv 1. Lincoln-Way East (7) (1-0) 97 12. Loyola (3) (1-0) 93 23. York (1-0) 79 34. Glenbard West (1-0) 58 75. Maine South (0-1) 42 46. Naperville North…
Read MoreVictory in WB6 opener is progress Blue Devils want to see, but they know more is needed
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer team is playing a game of progression. The rules are quite simple. Improve with every practice. “When you practice, you get a little better each time,” senior defender Nolan Dede said. By doing that, the Blue Devils believe they will hoist a trophy or plaque — maybe…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Two first-half goals carry QHS boys soccer team to victory in home opener
QUINCY — First-half goals by Evan Sohn and Trace Routh less than five minutes apart in the first half Tuesday night allowed the Quincy High School boys soccer team to earn a 2-1 victory over Rock Island Alleman in the home opener at Flinn Stadium. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Sschuckman put together this photo…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls tennis team sweeps Galesburg in home-opening dual
QUINCY — Anika Reddy and Lily Hayes each lost only one game in their top two singles matches as the Quincy High School girls tennis team overwhelmed Galesburg with a 9-0 victory Tuesday at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park. Reddy, a sophomore playing No. 1, beat the Silver Streaks’ Addy McLaughlin 6-0, 6-1,…
Read MoreSchuckman: Process of selecting QHS boys soccer program’s all-time starting lineup should lead to interesting debates
QUINCY — A soft estimate suggests there have been at least 400 players represent the Quincy High School boys soccer program since its inception in 1974. So how do you whittle such a diverse group down to a starting 11? That’s the conversation that took place during the summer when the idea of selecting the…
Read MoreCrosstown showdown for tourney title gives Raiders, Blue Devils both boost moving forward
QUINCY — Courtney Kvitle missed an effort that echoed what she preaches. Put the pressure on the opponent. Meanwhile, the Quincy High School volleyball team put forth an effort that echoed everything the Blue Devils are trying to be. Tough, scrappy and unrelenting. It made for an entertaining tournament with a crossdown showdown for the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND volleyball teams reach championship match of Early Bird Tournament
QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame volleyball teams swept through pool play and won their semifinal matches in the QHS Early Bird Tournament on Saturday to set up a crossdown showdown for the title. The Raiders won 25-10, 25-19, but both walked away with confidence. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreLindbergh dispatches QND, QHS to win Quincy Recycle/QND Tournament title
QUINCY — First, the heat. Then, the rain. Finally, Lindbergh. Those three proved unbeatable during the Quincy Recycle/QND Tournament at Advance Physical Therapy Field. The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team’s early-season event was scheduled to begin Thursday night and continue Friday afternoon, but the soaring heat forced the schedule to be altered and condensed.…
Read MoreRico Suave: QHS junior cornerback emerges as playmaker in crosstown victory against QND
QUINCY — Eventually, Rico Clay will remember how everything transpired. In the aftermath of the Quincy High School football team’s season-opening 55-12 victory Friday night over Quincy Notre Dame, the details of Clay’s first career interception and the return that took him to the end zone for his first career touchdown seemed fuzzy. “It sort…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS beats QND in crosstown showdown to open football season
QUINCY — It turned out to be a season opener unlike any other in recent memory, complete with fans waving fans, heat sending an official to the locker room and a pair of Quincy High School juniors showcasing their burgeoning talents Friday night at Flinn Stadium. Tykell Hammers scored three touchdowns, Rico Clay intercepted two…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS’s Tykell Hammers discusses season opener, heat adjustments, catchable passes
QUINCY — Tykell Hammers is one of the many offensive weapons Quincy High School quarterback Bradyn Little has in his arsenal, but Hammers’ skills aren’t limited to the gridiron alone. The QHS junior started in the outfield for the baseball team last spring after emerging as a high-quality wide receiver and defensive back during last…
Read MoreQHS volleyball team battles in second set, falls to Chatham Glenwood in season opener
QUINCY — The finished product looked much better than the starting act. Even though Quincy High School dropped its season-opening volleyball match Thursday evening to Chatham Glenwood 25-13, 25-23, there appears to be reason for legitimate optimism on the not-too-distant horizon. The Blue Devils were overwhelmed and appeared overmatched in the one-sided first set, but…
Read MoreIllinois prep football polls: Central opens at No. 2 in Class 1A, QHS and QND both receiving votes
Here are the latest rankings of Illinois high school football teams in each class, according to an Associated Press panel of sportswriters and released Wednesday: Class 8A School Pts 1. Lincoln-Way East (8) 116 2. Loyola (4) 111 3. York 78 4. Maine South 73 5. Gurnee Warren 60 6. Palatine 53…
Read MoreAthletic directors, coaches preaching caution when dealing with opening-week heat wave
QUINCY — Experience has taught Matt McClelland to always err on the side of caution. That explains why the Quincy High School boys soccer team’s season opener Tuesday night against Jacksonville was postponed. No makeup date has been set yet, but the Blue Devils and Crimsons intend to play the game once this heat wave…
Read MoreBlue Devils ready to go on attack to pursue another WB6 crown and postseason success
QUINCY — The loss of an all-state goal scorer could hinder or help the Quincy High School boys soccer team. It all depends on perspective. The way the Blue Devils view things, the graduation of midfielder Carter Venvertloh opens things up. Now playing at Quincy University, Venvertloh finished last season with 32 goals and tied…
Read MoreQHS graduate Brock voluntarily leaves Iowa State football program, still faces gambling charges
AMES, Iowa — Jirehl Brock’s career with the Iowa State football program is over, and with it, his time playing at the NCAA Division I level likely is as well. According to a story published by the Des Moines Register on Monday afternoon, Brock voluntarily left the Cyclones football program. The Register said the information…
Read MoreKey pieces to the puzzle: Check out five football players who will have significant impacts
QUINCY — The discussion of the best football player in the area starts and stops with Aneyas Williams. An argument could be made that the Hannibal senior running back, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame, is the top offensive talent in the state of Missouri. If you talk quarterbacks, one name tops…
Read MoreGood as Gold: QHS senior golfer shoots even par, helps Blue Devils finish third in own invitational
QUINCY — The moment nearly turned out to be as good as Gold. It still could be transformative. Quincy High School senior golfer Gabriel Gold posted the score to beat at the 74th annual Quincy Invitational on Saturday at Westview Golf Course, birdieing his final two holes to shoot an even-par 71 and walking off…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys golfers’ third-place finish helps highlight 74th annual Quincy Invitational
QUINCY — Gabriel Gold’s birdie-birdie finish, Konnor Craven’s quality ball-striking, Ty Novosel’s debut and the Quincy High School boys golf team’s third-place finish highlighted the 74th annual Quincy Invitational, played Saturday at Westview Golf Course. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the day on the fairways and in the rough collecting images for this…
Read MoreQHS tennis team opens with solid play at Ottawa Night Light Invitational
OTTAWA, Ill. — The Quincy High School girls tennis team’s annual season opener under the lights produced three medalists and a fourth-place team finish at the Ottawa Night Light Invitational. Sophomore Anika Reddy finished second at No. 1 singles, while senior Amelia Willing won the consolation title at No. 1 singles. The Hayes sisters —…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS volleyball players discuss upcoming season, pursuit of WB6 championship
QUINCY — A year ago, the Quincy High School volleyball finished tied for second in the Western Big 6 Conference. The Blue Devils would like nothing more than to regain the league crown, which they have worn more than any other team in league history. QHS has won 25 WB6 volleyball championships, but the last…
Read MoreHealthy Byquist gives Blue Devils’ dynamic offense another gear in pursuit of deep playoff run
QUINCY — At first, Adon Byquist didn’t worry much about the severity of his injury. In fact, no one seemed overly concerned. The Quincy High School football team’s starting wingback went to the sideline during the season opener against Quincy Notre Dame last August with pain in his right knee. He said, at the time,…
Read MoreSchuckman: Brock’s black eye brought on by gambling probe will fade and his true character will show
QUINCY — A number of questions have been tossed around since the news broke Thursday that former Quincy High School football standout Jirehl Brock faces charges related to the gambling probe centered on Iowa State University and University of Iowa student-athletes. The most common query has been this: Did you ever have an error in…
Read MoreBlue Devils to find themselves front and center in WB6 football title talks
QUINCY — Rick Little better pack a zinger or two in his back pocket. A few are bound to be thrown his way. The Quincy High School football coach will join the other seven Western Big 6 Conference coaches as guest speakers at the WB6 Coaches Kickoff banquet, taking place next Wednesday at the Quad…
Read MoreQHS graduate Brock charged with tampering with records, betting on Iowa State football games
AMES, Iowa — A week ago, during the Iowa State football program’s media day, Cyclones coach Matt Campbell acknowledged Quincy High School graduate Jirehl Brock had been the only running back on the roster to not participate in practice. Campbell did not provide an explanation for Brock’s absence. Asked to elaborate, Campbell simply said, “We…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Chargers’ Bruns takes medalist honors, QND boys win Weibring Invitational
QUINCY — The lid-lifter on the high school boys golf season took place Thursday at Westview Golf Course with a mix of what area coaches expected — quality shots, wayward bounces and the ups and downs associated with any round on the prep scene. Illini West senior Nick Bruns took medalist honors, shooting a 2-over…
Read MoreMix of experience, talented newcomers sets QHS golfers on path back to regional success
QUINCY — As the Quincy High School boys golfers prepared Monday morning for their initial round of qualifying, Blue Devils coach Randy Mettemeyer reminded them they are no longer new kids on the block. “Especially for the seniors, I joked with them and told them, ‘Remember how nervous you were on your first tee shot…
Read MoreSchuckman: Truckin’ around covering area’s best athletes and teams is life worth living
QUINCY — Something unusual took place Saturday morning. I woke up with nothing to do. Well, that’s not entirely true. There’s a list of household chores I’ve ignored far too long, and Buster, my still rambunctious 13-year-old cheagle, was going to get a bulk of my attention. Plus, I’ve decided to replace my grill, so…
Read MoreChargers’ Deitrich in high jump finals at Illinois boys state track, Eagles’ Gimm to throw in discus
CHARLESTON, Ill. — Three Quincy High School runners were unable to advance to the finals in the Class 3A boys state track and field championships during Friday’s preliminaries at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus. Boen Brockmiller placed 27th in the 200-meter dash, finishing in 22.90 seconds, while Eric McClelland was 34th in…
Read MoreTigers rally from three-run deficit to end Blue Devils’ season in regional semifinals
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — The Edwardsville baseball team started this postseason how it ended last season. Winning in comeback fashion. The defending Class 4A state champion faced a 3-0 deficit to Quincy High School before coming from behind for a 6-4 victory in the Class 4A Edwardsville Regional semifinals on Wednesday at Tom Pile Field. “Everyone’s…
Read MoreSchuckman: Quincy native Hummel set standard all baseball writers should strive to achieve
QUINCY — Things go awry even with the best-laid plans. Rick Hummel and I laughed about that a couple of times. Last December, with the weather unseasonably warm on the second day of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, Hummel and I planned to record an episode of “Schuck on a Truck” following one of…
Read MoreEdwardsville’s goal in final minute results in heart-breaking loss for QHS girls soccer team
QUINCY — Travis Dinkheller offered all he could. A hug. A pat on the back. An “I love you” to his players. Those things matter in due time. In the moment, it’s difficult to see past the tears of a season-ending loss, especially one that happened in such heart-breaking fashion. The Quincy High School girls…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls soccer team’s season ends with loss to Edwardsville
QUINCY — The effort was commendable, especially the manner in which the Quincy High School girls soccer team locked down defensively on Edwardsville in the second half of Friday night’s Class 3A regional championship at Flinn Stadium. However, the Tigers scored with 29.5 seconds remaining in regulation to earn a 2-1 victory and end the…
Read More‘Go left no matter what’: Fohey’s save on final PK attempt lifts Blue Devils to regional semifinal win
QUINCY — With a choice to make — left or right — Taylor Fohey kept hearing what Quincy High School assistant girls soccer coach Chad Struck had to say. “He said, ‘Go left no matter what,’” Fohey said. “I trusted him.” So left she went. The QHS junior goalkeeper looked at how Granite City’s Peyton…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls soccer team outlasts Granite City in PK shootout
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls soccer team refused to falter, and the reward for that is the opportunity to play for a regional championship. The Blue Devils played Granite City to a 1-1 tie through regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods Tuesday night before winning a penalty-kick shootout 2-1 at Flinn Stadium. The…
Read MoreBunch punctuates Blue Devils’ rally with walk-off single in victory over Hornets
QUINCY — The Quincy High School baseball team was the one putting together a late-inning rally this time. Blake Bunch singled with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh Thursday as Blue Devils walked off with a 3-2 victory over Brown County at the QHS field. The Blue Devils lost twice earlier in…
Read MoreMustang rally: Unity scores final three runs, Allen hits home run in victory over QHS
MENDON, Ill. — With postseason play beginning next week, the Unity baseball team sent a message to those in the Class 1A Brown County Sectional complex on Wednesday. Don’t count the Mustangs out. Quincy High School learned that lesson. Unity scored twice in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the lead and Sawyer…
Read MoreBlue Devils outduel Raiders, while QND’s Cucuk overcomes ankle injury to win final home match
QUINCY — The manner in which Marko Cucuk tripped and fell, hitting the hard-court surface on Court No. 1 at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park with a thud, created immediate and obvious concern. “I knew I fell really hard,” said Cucuk, the No. 1 singles player for the Quincy Notre Dame boys tennis…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND boys tennis teams go head-to-head in final regular-season dual
QUINCY — In the final dual match of the regular season for both teams, the Quincy High School boys tennis squad beat Quincy Notre Dame 7-2 Tuesday in the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park. The Blue Devils swept the season series, beating the Raiders 5-4 on April 24. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreTucked away: Heroics in both ends of seventh inning allow QND baseball team to survive, sweep season series from QHS
QUINCY — For Tucker Tollerton, the choice was an easy one. When asked which was more rewarding Monday evening — his game-winning hit in the top of the seventh inning or a game-saving relief performance in the bottom of the frame — Tollerton’s response was immediate. Well, almost immediate. First, there was a huge smile.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team rallies in seventh inning to earn sweep of QHS
QUINCY — Trailing by two runs heading to the seventh inning, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team scored three times with two outs to rally for a 4-3 victory over Quincy High School at the QHS field and sweep in this season’s city series. Photographer Samantha Carmean captured some of the action for this photo…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS girls soccer team reacts to sweeping QND for first time ever
QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer programs played their first seasons in the spring of 1990 and have been scheduled to meet twice every spring since. Not once in the first 32 seasons of head-to-head competition — they didn’t play in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic — had…
Read MoreHow sweep it is: For first time since girls soccer rivalry began 33 years ago, QHS sweeps QND
QUINCY — In nearly a quarter century as part of the Quincy High School girls soccer program — the first eight as an assistant coach and the past 15 as the head coach — Travis Dinkheller had never witnessed the Blue Devils sweep the season series from their crosstown rivals. Not a single person had.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls soccer team shuts out QND to sweep season series
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls soccer team limited Quincy Notre Dame’s opportunities Thursday night and took advantage of Taylor Routh’s goal with 17 minutes remaining in regulation to earn a 1-0 victory at Advance Physical Therapy Field and sweep the season series for the first time ever. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Douglas’ career night against Rocky lands Blue Devils WB6 crown
Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 26, 2000 — Quincy 76, Rock Island 66 QUINCY…
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