Bock, Panthers put themselves in position to win third straight Monroe City Tournament title

Palmyra's Ryan McKinney scored nine points in the Panthers' 43-35 victory over South Shelby in Thursday's semifinals of the Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra boys basketball team is one victory away from winning a third straight Monroe City Tournament for the first time in more than 20 years. Palmyra, which has won more Monroe City titles than any other school in the 100-year history of the event, moved into the finals via its…

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Turnovers prove costly as Cardinals fall to top-ranked Eagles in Class 2 state semifinals

South Shelby's Gabe Bowen tries to plow through the tackle of a Fair Grove defender during Saturday's Class 2 state semifinal matchup at Charles Rash Memorial Field in Shelbina, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team’s toughest opponent during Saturday’s Class 2 state semifinal was not the sub-freezing temperatures. Nor was not the coating of snow that covered the turf at Charles Rash Memorial Field. In Cardinals coach Adam Gunterman’s evaluation, it was not even their opponent Fair Grove, the No. 1-ranked team…

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Photo gallery: South Shelby, Fair Grove play state semifinal in cold, snowy conditions

South Shelby football coach Adam Gunterman, left, embraces senior running back Gabe Bowen following Saturday's loss to Fair Grove in the Class 2 state semifinals in Shelbina, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

SHELBINA, Mo. — The snow that fell overnight added an element of joy Saturday’s Class 2 state semifinal football game between South Shelby and Fair Grove because if gave both teams the opportunity to play in conditions most teams never see. Fair Grove won 55-21, ending South Shelby’s run one step shy of playing in…

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Playoff primer: South Shelby faces No. 1-ranked Fair Grove in Class 2 state semifinal

South Shelby junior quarterback Chase Moellering, right, and Cardinals coach Adam Gunterman take on No. 1-ranked Fair Grove at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Class 2 state semifinals in Shelbina, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

SHELBINA, Mo. — The South Shelby football team is one step away from playing for a state championship for the first time since finishing as the state runner-up in 2011. The Cardinals have played in five state title games in program history. Getting there will take some resolve as Fair Grove is the No. 1-ranked…

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Timely recovery: Elsen gobbling up onside kick allows South Shelby to finish off state quarterfinal victory

FAUCETT, Mo. — Had the Mid-Buchanan football team recovered an onside kick for the second time in the final two minutes of Saturday’s Class 2 state quarterfinal, South Shelby’s Cooper Elsen knows the Cardinals would have looked quite foolish. He didn’t let that happen. The All-Clarence Cannon Conference senior lineman corralled and smothered Raife Smith’s…

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Schuckman: Cardinals put faith in family and rally around toughness displayed by coach’s mom

The South Shelby football team poses for a photo with Mindy Gunterman, the mother of Cardinals coach Adam Gunterman, following last Friday's 6-0 victory over Monroe City in the Class 2 District 7 championship game in Shelbina, Mo. | Submitted photo

SHELBINA, Mo. — Adam Gunterman needed a moment. In the wake of the South Shelby football team’s 6-0 victory over Monroe City in last Friday’s Class 2 District 7 championship game, Gunterman was headed to fulfill some postgame interview obligations when the Cardinals’ Owen Stueve stopped the head coach. Stueve wanted the district championship trophy…

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‘It was pure happiness’: South Shelby’s defense stands tall in winning first district title since 2015

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering, right, fakes the handoff during a play in the first half of Friday night's Class 2 District 7 championship game against Monroe City at Charles Rash Memorial Field in Shelbina, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

SHELBINA, MO. — As he replayed how the game-saving fumble recovery came to be, all Aadon Magruder could see was a blur of bodies and overwhelming joy. “Oh, my,” he said. “It was a crazy one for sure.” A historic one, too. With the Monroe City football team facing second and 6 from the South…

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Playoff primer: District championships to be decided in Missouri on Friday night

The Hannibal football team's defense, shown here celebrating after forcing a turnover last week against Mexico, will need to be opportunistic to beat top-seeded Warrenton in Friday night's Class 4 District 5 championship in Warrenton, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Northeast Missouri is guaranteed to have one prep football team playing in the state quarterfinals next week. Will there be two? Here’s a look at the district championship games taking place Friday night: Hannibal at Warrenton What: Class 4 District 5 championship When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Warrenton High School Records: Hannibal —…

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Cardinals’ offense churns out touchdowns in setting up district title showdown with Panthers

SHELBINA, Mo. — When your offense does nothing but score touchdowns, you know you’re in good shape. South Shelby football coach Adam Gunterman and the Cardinals found themselves there Friday night. The top-seeded Cardinals’ starting offense scored on all seven possessions in a 48-19 victory over fifth-seeded Macon in the semifinals of the Class 2…

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Playoff primer: QHS tackles Moline, while Missouri squads battle for spots in district title games

Quincy High School linebacker Max Wires and the Blue Devils look to wrap up another opponent when they play host to Moline at 7 p.m. Friday in a Class 7A secound-round playoff game. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The second round of the postseason is here, which means Illinois squads are vying for spots in the state quarterfinals and Missouri teams are looking to reach district championship games. Here’s a look at what’s on tap Friday night: Moline at Quincy High School What: Class 7A second-round playoff game When: 7 p.m.…

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‘It was just a rush of energy’: Miller’s groundout plates Hays as Monroe City walks off with district semifinal victory

The Monroe City softball players celebrate their 5-4 walk-off victory over South Shelby in Thursday's Class 2 District 5 semifinal in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Makenna Miller had to put the ball in play. By doing so, she sent the Monroe City softball team to the Class 2 District 5 championship game in the process. The Panthers junior third baseman strode to the plate with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning of Thursday’s district…

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Photo gallery: Highland, Monroe City reach Class 2 District 5 softball championship game

Highland coach Paul Scifres, right, greets pitcher Abby Lay on her way to the dugout during Thursday's Class 2 District 5 semifinal victory over Clark County in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The top-seeded Highland softball team and second-seeded Monroe City will meet for the third time this season at 1 p.m. Saturday after earning their spots in the Class 2 District 5 championship game. Highland dispatched…

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Crist leads Cougars to district title, state berth; five Monroe City golfers qualify for state

Highland's Morgan Crist — MRN FILE PHOTO

MOBERLY, Mo. — Morgan Crist was one of two golfers to break 90 as she led the Highland girls golf team to a Class 1 District 3 championship at Heritage Hills Golf Course. This district championship earned the Cougars a spot at the Class 1 state tournament. Crist shot an 18-over 88, tied with Marceline’s…

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Missouri prep football rankings: South Shelby rises to No. 6, Hannibal stays put at No. 4

The South Shelby football team moved up one spot in the Class 2 state poll this week, climbing to No. 6. | Shane Hulsey photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Hannibal holds at No. 4 in Class 4, South Shelby stays at No. 7 in Class 2

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering, left and coach Adam Gunterman have the Cardinals ranked seventh in the Class 2 state poll. | Shane Hulsey photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…

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Harriers tackle Flower City Park’s hills head-on during 10th annual Palmyra Invitational

Monroe City freshman Anna Russell won the girls cross country race Saturday during the 10th annual Palmyra Invitational at Flower City Park in Palmyra, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Monroe City freshman Anna Russell is quick to point out what makes the Flower City Park cross country course — the site of Saturday’s 10th annual Palmyra Invitational — so challenging. “Lots of hills,” Russell said. It wasn’t just the number of hills that made it so tough, either. “The gradual incline…

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Timbrook’s interception gives Cardinals jolt, then offense takes control in CCC victory over Panthers

South Shelby's Pryce Eagan looks to get to the corner while being pursued by the Monroe City defense during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — South Shelby senior linebacker Daniel Timbrook didn’t score, but his interception turned the tide just the same. With the Cardinals leading Monroe City 12-6 and 6:35 to go in the second quarter of Friday’s Clarence Cannon Conference opener at Lankford Field, Monroe City running back Dylan Ross broke off a 54-yard…

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Photo gallery: South Shelby continues offensive onslaught, topples Monroe City

South Shelby's Tucker Elliott, right, tackles Monroe City's Quincy Mayfield during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — How good had th South Shelby football team’s offense been? The Cardinals beat Monroe City 44-22 Friday night in the Clarence Cannon Conference opener at Lankford Field and their scoring average dropped. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent his evening at Lankford Field and put together this photo gallery:

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‘It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere’: South Shelby heads to Monroe City for CCC opener

South Shelby quarterback Chase Moellering has led the Cardinals to 60 or more points in the first two weeks in preparation for the start of Clarence Cannon Conference play. | Photo courtesy Luke O'Laughlin

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team sees the train coming down the tracks. “The kids know what’s coming,” Panthers coach David Kirby said. And as the train that bears the name South Shelby quickly approaches, Kirby knows the kind of performance it will take to knock off the reigning Clarence Cannon Conference…

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Missouri prep football state rankings: Pirates, Cardinals in middle of respective polls

Two weeks into the regular seaosn, the Hannibal football team finds itself ranked fourth in the Class 4 state poll. | Mathew Kirby photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star-Journal; Anthony Crane, KQ2 St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley, NEMOPressbox.com;…

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South Shelby’s Rich becomes first to play and coach in Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game

South Shelby coach Jacob Rich, right, peers out of the dugout during Saturday's Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game, while his assistant coach, North Shelby's Scott Gaines, looks on. | Shane Hulsey photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — It felt different for Jacob Rich this time around. But at the same time, it all felt familiar. The South Shelby baseball coach took the reins of the Missouri team for Saturday’s 10th annual Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Game at the Veterans Sports Complex. By doing so, he became the first person…

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South Shelby’s Bowen saves best for last in winning Class 2 javelin state championship

South Shelby junior Gabe Bowen won the Class 2 state championship in the javelin with a throw of 52.84 meters (173 feet, 4 inches) Saturday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Submitted photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Twice, Gabe Bowen found himself in an all-or-nothing situation. Twice, his all carried him to the top. The South Shelby junior scratched on his first two attempts in the javelin at Saturday’s Class 2 state track and field championships, but he landed a quality throw on this third attempt to advance…

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Lady Birds’ McWilliams ‘kind of in disbelief’ after winning Class 2 state title in triple jump

South Shelby junior Callie McWilliams won the Class 2 state championship in the triple jump Saturday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Submitted photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The reality of what Callie McWilliams accomplished Saturday hadn’t taken hold by the time she and her family returned to Shelbina. “I don’t think it’s kicked in yet,” McWilliams said. “I’m kind of in disbelief.” McWilliams became the first South Shelby girls track and field athlete to win a state championship…

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Panthers’ King, Loman finish as state runners-up on second day of track and field championships

Palmyra's Alaina Loman finished the Class 3 state runner-up in the pole vault, clearing 10 feet, 11.5 inches Saturday at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Muddy River Sports file photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Candra King couldn’t quite make it back-to-back sweeps. The Palmyra track and field standout, who successfully defended her Class 3 state championship in the shot put Friday, went into Saturday’s competition looking to repeat as the discus state champion. King took the top spot on her third attempt with a toss…

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Sharpe, Cougars chase top podium finishes after qualifying for state track and field finals

Highland's Chevie Sharpe, left, takes the handoff from Addy Abell during a relay race Friday at the Class 2 state track and field championships at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A bevy of area athletes will take their shot at finishing as high on the podium as possible Saturday during the Missouri state track and field championships. Highland sophomore Chevie Sharpe will have three cracks at that. Sharpe qualified third in the 400-meter dash with a time of 58.59 seconds. She…

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Top-10 finishes from Janes, Kroeger help Palmyra boys finish third at Class 2 state golf tourney

The Palmyra boys golf team finished third at the Class 2 state championships at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo. | Submitted photo

SMITHVILLE, Mo. — Jonas Janes and his Palmyra boys golf teammates brought home a state trophy for the fourth time in program history. It just wasn’t the biggest prize out there. Palmyra led the field at the Class 2 state championships by eight strokes following Monday’s opening round at the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, but…

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Lady Birds show depth, tenacity in second half to knock out Indians and reach state quarterfinals

South Shelby's Callie McWilliams, right, looks to attack Elsberry's defense during Monday night's Class 3 sectional game in Shelbina, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mark Requet, Shelby County Herald

SHELBINA, Mo. — Belle Roush didn’t come out of the locker room at the start of the second half Monday night. Her teammates didn’t let it faze them. The South Shelby girls basketball team’s all-conference junior forward scored 12 points in the first half to stake the Lady Birds to a 27-21 lead over Elsberry…

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Tune doesn’t change for Panthers as defense leads to success, this time in district title game

The Palmyra boys basketball team improved to 26-1 by beating South Shelby for the Class 3 District 6 championship Saturday in Palmyra, Mo. | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Different day, same approach. And more importantly, the same result. Just ask Jeremiah Edwards. “Defense is always our top priority,” Edwards said. “We know our offense will always pick up.” Edwards, a 6-foot-1 block-of-granite power forward for the Palmyra boys basketball team, was one of several Panthers extolling the virtues of their…

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Lady Birds continue postseason mastery of Panthers by winning another district crown

Palmyra's Bella McBride, right, pressures South Shelby's Callie McWilliams during Friday night's Class 3 District 6 championship game in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — While the regular season matchups belonged to Palmyra, the South Shelby girls basketball team still owns the postseason. The second-seeded Lady Birds outscored the top-seeded Panthers 21-2 during a 6 1/2-minute stretch beginning late in the third quarter Friday night to erase a six-point deficit and pull away for a 63-50 victory…

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Panthers, Lady Birds to collide in district championship game

PALMYRA, Mo. — Sydney Compton and Clare Williams each scored five first-quarter points as the Palmyra girls basketball team built a 10-point advantage and rolled to a 49-38 victory over Macon in Wednesday night’s Class 3 District 6 semifinals. The Tigerettes scored 15 second-quarter points to trim the deficit to six at halftime, but the…

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‘We just do what we do’: Palmyra boys hold 14th opponent below 40 points, improve to 19-1

Palmyra's Bear Bock uses a screen from Jonathan Edwards and drives to the basket during Friday night's boys basketball game against South Shelby in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — Brian Rea offered a hint late Friday night as to why the Palmyra boys basketball team enjoys playing defense so much. “It’s a mindset, and it’s a testament to our guys who have totally bought into it,” said Rea, the second-year coach whose club is now 19-1 following a 47-25 Clarence Cannon…

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Fast finish in fourth fuels furious Palmyra girls’ comeback in victory over South Shelby 

Palmyra's Clare Williams, who scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds goes up for a shot during Friday night's girls basketball game against South Shelby in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy of Alicia Deming

PALMYRA, Mo. — When asked if she had been worried at any point, Palmyra junior point guard Clare Williams responded matter-of-factly, “I knew we’d eventually have a run.” Palmyra did just that Friday night, rattling off 12 straight points in the fourth quarter on the way to a 50-44 Clarence Cannon Conference girls basketball victory…

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Pieper helps QND girls pull away in second half to defeat South Shelby

Tristan Pieper, shown in a game earlier this season against Highland (Ill.), scored 16 points on Thursday night against South Shelby. | MRN File photo

SHELBINA, Mo. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team held South Shelby to just 16 points in the second half in posting a 53-40 victory on Thursday night. The Raiders led 27-24 at halftime, and they made a concerted effort to get the ball inside to Tristan Pieper. She scored eight of her game-high…

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Nothing but net: Williams’ buzzer-beating 3-pointer lifts Palmyra girls to tourney championship

The Palmyra girls basketball team won the championship of the 99th Monroe City Tournament by beating South Shelby 64-61 Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — By design, Clare Williams’ first option was to pass the ball. Fortunately, that did not work out. Williams wound up unleashing a 22-foot bomb that found nothing but net as time expired Saturday night, sending the Palmyra girls basketball team to a 64-61 victory over South Shelby in the finals of…

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Bryant, Bowling Green outrun South Shelby in epic district championship shootout

Bowling Green's Bleyne Bryant, left, looks for running room against South Shelby during Friday night's Class 2 District 7 championship game at Charles Rash Memorial Field in Shelbina, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mark Requet, Shelby County Herald

SHELBINA, Mo. — It was an offensive shootout for the ages. Bowling Green and South Shelby, two of the highest-scoring high school football teams in Missouri, combined for 16 touchdowns, 116 points and 1,035 yards of offense Friday night in the Class 2 District 7 championship game at Charles Rash Memorial Field. In the end,…

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Crim: Electric offenses, stout defenses and unblemished records collide in district title game

South Shelby senior running back Kendal Hammond and the Cardinals will face Bowling Green for the Class 2 District 7 championship Friday night in Shelbina, Mo. | Photo courtesy Danielle VanDyke

SHELBINA, Mo. — It’s the game high school football fans in Northeast Missouri have been waiting for. Undefeated Bowling Green versus undefeated South Shelby. Two of the state’s most prolific scoring teams will collide Friday night at Charles Rash Memorial Field in the District 7 championship game for the right to advance in the Class…

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District football primer: Prepping for Friday night’s semifinal showdowns

Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams and the Pirates will face Wentzville Holt in Friday's Class 4 District 2 semifinals in Wentzville, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — Spots in district football championship games will be claimed Friday night in Missouri, potentially stepping up a showdown between state-ranked teams in Class 2. First, though, South Shelby and Bowling Green have to navigate district semifinal matchups with talented foes. Here’s a look at what to watch for Friday night: Hannibal (9-1) at…

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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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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City back in top 10 in Class 2, others maintain spots

The Monroe City football team is ranked 10th in Class 2 heading into the district tournament. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parentheses. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Pirates move up one spot to No. 5, Cardinals remain No. 7

Hannibal all-purpose back Aneyas Williams and the Pirates are No. 5 in the Class 4 state poll heading into the regular-season finale at Columbia (Mo.) Battle. | Mathew Kirby photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Crim: Cardinals maintain focus on big picture with chance to make history in front of them

South Shelby's Cameron Wiseman picks up yardage during the first half of Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference victory over Centralia in Shelbina, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mark Requet, Shelby County Herald

SHELBINA, Mo. — If one play could summarize the South Shelby football team’s season, it might be Kendal Hammond’s 10-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter of Friday night’s 48-14 dismantling of previously undefeated Centralia. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound senior took the handoff, veered off right tackle and cut toward the end zone with a…

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Cardinals deliver early knockout blows, pummel Panthers to move closer to CCC championship

South Shelby's Kendal Hammond looks for running room during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game against Centralia in Shelbina, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mark Requet, Shelby County Herald

SHELBINA, Mo. — It was billed as a heavyweight bout between two undefeated, state-ranked football teams for sole possession of first place in the Clarence Cannon Conference. South Shelby wasted little time in landing the knockout blows. The Cardinals scored three touchdowns during a five-minute stretch in the first quarter and Kendal Hammond continued his…

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Missouri state football rankings: Area teams hold steady heading into Week 8

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Pirates, Cardinals maintain positions in respective classes

Hannibal’s Aaron Daughtery, left, and Mike Ferreira celebrate a touchdown during last Friday’s North Central Missouri Conference victory over Kirksville at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Hannibal, South Shelby hold strong, Monroe City drops out of poll

The Hannibal football team takes the field before its game against Fulton on Sept. 16 at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri state football rankings: South Shelby moves to No. 7 in Class 2, Hannibal holds steady

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B. Connoley,…

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Missouri state football rankings: Monroe City, South Shelby in Class 2 poll ahead of showdown

The Monroe City football team is 3-0 and ranked fourth in Class 2 ahead of Friday's showdown in Shelbina, Mo., with 10th-ranked South Shelby. | Photo courtesy Paul R. Evans

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Here are the Missouri statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News-Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ…

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Friday Night Lights rewind: Mustangs make defensive stand, Cardinals keep rolling, Blue Devils crumble rival

The Unity-Payson football team made a defensive stand inside the 10-yard line to cement a 22-21 victory over Brown County last week. | Photo courtesy Sarah Donley photography

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…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Monroe City, South Shelby and Hannibal stay in state polls

Hannibal's Waylon Anders kicks an extra point during last Friday's 42-21 victory over Jefferson City at Porter Stadium in Hannibal, Mo. The Pirates moved up one spot to No. 6 in this week's Class 4 state poll. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a 9-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parenthesis. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B.…

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Missouri prep football rankings: Hannibal, Monroe City, South Shelby find way into respective top 10

Monroe City coach David Kirby and the Panthers are ranked No. 2 in Class 2 in the first Missouri prep football rankings. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Statewide high school football rankings, as compiled by a nine-member panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. First-place votes in parentheses. Panel is made up of Dion Clisso, PrepsKC; Cole Young, PrepsKC; Tom Rackers, Jefferson City News Tribune; Chris Parker, Ozone Sports; Joe Andrews, Warrensburg Star Journal; Tommy Rezac, KFEQ St. Joseph; J.B.…

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Hannibal’s Wilson, JWCC signee Schmidt receive honorable mention all-state plaudits

Hannibal junior shortstop Kane Wilson received Class 5 honorable mention all-state honors from the Missouri Baseball Coaches Association. | Matt Schuckman photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Kane Wilson’s record-setting season didn’t go unnoticed by prep baseball coaches around the state. The Hannibal junior shortstop was named as an honorable mention infielder on the Missouri Baseball Coaches Association Class 5 all-state team.  Wilson established new single-season program records for hits with 45 and and RBIs with 44 while also…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: South Shelby’s Milli Mozee-Williams

South Shelby's Milli Mozee-Williams is adept at getting herself into position to rebound no matter who she is up against, a skill she will display in the Muddy River Showcase on June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. SHELBINA, Mo. — Culver-Stockton…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: South Shelby’s Miranda Patterson

South Shelby's Miranda Patterson will represent the Missouri squad in the Muddy River Showcase being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. SHELBINA, Mo. — Miranda…

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Cardinals clamp down defensively to knock off top-seeded Panthers in district championship

The South Shelby boys basketball team upset top-seeded Palmyra to win the Class 3 District 6 championship Friday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Ron Kinscherf

MONROE CITY, Mo. — South Shelby’s Trey Countryman wasn’t giving anyone the game ball. Thirty minutes after the final buzzer, the senior guard was still cradling this piece of history. Countryman and the rest of the Cardinals upset top-seeded Palmyra 39-22 in the Class 3 District 6 championship to capture their first district title in…

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Top-seeded Palmyra ends Monroe City’s district reign, will face South Shelby for title

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The district reign is over, ended by a champion’s biggest rival. The Monroe City boys basketball team’s run of six consecutive Class 3 district championships came to a halt Wednesday night when top-seeded Palmyra eliminated Monroe City 52-30 in the Class 3 District 6 semifinals. Palmyra (21-7) outscored Monroe City 14-4…

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Hammer time: QND girls use 3-point barrage in first three minutes to put South Shelby on its heels

Quincy Notre Dame's Amber Durst, left, battles South Shelby's Hannah Wegman for rebounding position during Saturday night's game in the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball Eric Orne left Abbey Schreacke with something to think about. “He told me before the game to just drop the hammer,” Schreacke said. When the Raiders won the opening tip against South Shelby in Saturday’s marquee matchup of the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit, the…

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Palmyra boys control championship game from start to finish, win Monroe City tourney title

The Palmyra boys basketball team poses with the Palmyra girls team after they both won championships in the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Palmyra School District

MONROE CITY, Mo. — As far as Palmyra’s Bear Bock was concerned, the championship trophy for the Monroe City boys basketball tournament is back where it belongs. “It’s been a long time since we won this tournament,” he said. “We’re bringing that trophy back home.” Bock’s 14 points, including 12 in the first half when…

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Palmyra girls make statement by upending South Shelby for tourney championship

The Palmyra girls basketball team poses with the championship plaque after winning the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament with a 56-54 victory over South Shelby on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Palmyra School District

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra girls basketball team was better-equipped for such a challenge. South Shelby is still a work in progress. Palmyra, which emerged with a 56-54 victory in Saturday night’s championship round of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament, was able to maneuver through crunch time with just enough moxie to preserve…

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Palmyra boys, South Shelby girls earns spots in Monroe City Tournament title games

Palmyra's Bear Bock shoots over a Louisiana defender during Wednesday's semifinal matchup in the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Palmyra boys basketball team used a 12-point burst at the start Wednesday night to slingshot its way into the championship game of the 98th annual Monroe City Tournament. The South Shelby girls used stellar defense to do the same. The second-seeded Panthers rode their strong start to a 57-50 victory…

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Neither temperatures nor Cardinals can derail Panthers’ pursuit of district championship

The Monroe City football team poses with the Class 1 District 6 championship plaque after Friday night's 52-18 victory over South Shelby at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Don O'Brien photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Monroe City senior Ceaton Pennewell channeled his inner Luke Kuechly on Friday night.  With temperatures in the high 20s and a wind chill in the teens, Pennewell wasn’t about to let South Shelby think he was cold. While some of his teammates were a little more dressed for the conditions, Pennewell,…

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Monroe City pounds ground to beat weather and Westran in Class 1 district semifinals

Monroe City football coach David Kirby and the Panthers will play for a district championship next Friday against South Shelby at Lankford Field in Monroe City, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Monroe City football team can outrun almost anything or anyone. That includes the weather. With the start of the Class 1 District 6 semifinal against fourth-seeded Westran moved up 90 minutes in order to avoid impending storms, the top-seeded Panthers ran roughshod before the first raindrops fell, churning out 434…

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South Shelby freshman buries go-ahead 3-pointer, ruins Palmyra’s chance for district upset

South Shelby’s Belle Roush, left, drives on Palmyra’s Sydney Compton during the Class 3 District championship Saturday afternoon in Monroe City, Mo. The Lady Birds won 59-55 after Roush his the go-ahead 3-pointer with 20 seconds remaining in regulation. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — A freshman who came off the bench made the go-ahead 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the Class 3 District 6 championship game. It just didn’t happen to be one of the Palmyra girls basketball team’s talented underclassmen. South Shelby’s Belle Roush drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key…

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Palmyra girls need overtime to dispatch Highland, will face South Shelby for district championship

Palmyra's Candra King shoots over a Highland defender during Wednesday night's Class 3 District 6 semifinal in Monroe City, Mo. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

MONROE CITY, Mo. — A 13-point halftime lead evaporated, forcing the second-seeded Palmyra girls basketball team to show some serious resolve in order to keep its season on the rails. The youthful Panthers played with poise when it mattered. Highland’s Ansley Bringer hit a 3-pointer in the waning seconds of regulation to force overtime, but…

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