Posts Tagged ‘Quincy High School’
‘Mentally tough’ Blue Devils overcome early deficit to reach state quarterfinals for first time ever
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…
Read MorePlayoff primer: Undefeated teams hit road for second-round games, QND comes home with momentum
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…
Read MoreSomething truly special: Blue Devils use kicking game, special teams to their advantage
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…
Read MoreRaiders’ Cann gives QND boys soccer program 10 straight seasons with all-state honoree
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…
Read MoreCrim: High school football postseason games offering intriguing storylines
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…
Read MoreTaking care of business: Blue Devils open Class 7A playoffs with resounding victory over Wildcats
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team invokes running clock in Class 7A first-round playoff game
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…
Read MoreCheck another historic mark off QHS football team’s list of accomplishments
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…
Read MoreStandalone: QHS defenders react to Clay leveling West Chicago running back
Playoff primer: Inside look at all Illinois postseason football games involving area teams
QUINCY — Saturday, four area football teams kickstart their pursuit of a trip to Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium on Thanksgiving weekend for the chance to play for a state championship. Here is a closer look at each of those matchups: West Chicago (5-4) at Quincy High School (9-0), 2 p.m. • Class 7A first-round…
Read MoreWB6 coaches select QHS quarterback as MVP, nine Blue Devils make first-team all-conference
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.…
Read MoreSchuck 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.…
Read MoreSecond-set fight not enough for Blue Devils to knock off top-seeded Tigers in regional opener
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…
Read MoreSchuckman: WB6 showcase event would help league deal with potential scheduling void
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…
Read MoreQND receives final spot in Illinois football playoff field, while QHS, Central, Unity-Payson also learn postseason paths
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…
Read MoreSchuck 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…
Read MoreZeroed in on history: Blue Devils cap first perfect regular season in 88 years with dominant fourth-quarter finish
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS caps undefeated regular season by beating Mahomet-Seymour
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:
Read MoreIllinois prep football rankings: Blue Devils climb to No. 5, Panthers hold steady at No. 2
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.…
Read MoreSchuckman: Rule keeping Illinois prep soccer team from playing in postseason needs to change
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…
Read MoreEmotional end to home slate comes with Raiders finishing off perfect season at The Pit
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,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND volleyball teams square off in front of raucous crowd at The Pit
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…
Read MoreVideo highlights: QHS, QND square off on volleyball court on ‘Pink Night’ at The Pit
QUINCY — Videographer Frank Cann put together a highlight package from Monday night’s crosstown showdown between the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame volleyball teams at The Pit. The Raiders won 25-19, 25-15.
Read MoreQHS, QND each sending doubles team to state tennis tournament
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…
Read MoreCrowning glory: Blue Devils cap undefeated run through WB6 with league championship
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,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS football team’s defense shuts down Geneseo in WB6 matchup
QUINCY — The defense didn’t allow a point, and the offense continued to overwhelm an opponent. That’s the right recipe for success for the Quincy High School football team. The Blue Devils finished off their undefeated run to the Western Big 6 Conference championship Friday night by beating Geneseo 35-7 at Flinn Stadium. The Maple…
Read MoreSplish, splash: Little avoids full bath of ice water, but Blue Devils improvise to celebrate WB6 title
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…
Read MoreSchuckman: Pursuit of perfection helps Blue Devils develop trust, respect in each other
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…
Read MoreQHS sophomore is Reddy to tackle sectional tennis field, fight for spot in state tournament
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…
Read MoreIllinois 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…
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