Benton girls capture district after two-year drought
SMITHVILLE, Mo. — Sydney Wilkinson basked in the post-game celebration, soaking in the atmosphere. It was hard to blame the Benton sophomore. After all, this was her first opportunity to help the Cardinals hoist the district championship plaque.
Lafayette's Bohnsack battles back from deficit to earn trip to state championships
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — With his head still spinning, Derek Bohnsack collected his thoughts and focused on what he came to do — defend his district title. The Lafayette senior battled from behind minutes after a nasty collision left him spitting blood and won his second district championship Saturday during the Class 2 District 4 meet. His 9-7 victory against Oak Grove’s Brandon Morgason at 119 pounds sends him into next week’s Missouri State Wrestling Championships as a two-time district winner.
Benton girls get crucial MEC win against Smithville
SMITHVILLE, Mo. — A little consistency went a long, long way for Benton’s Shelbee Cox. The 5-foot-9 senior delivered on her tremendous potential Saturday night during a crucial, 48-32 victory against Smithville, the defending Midland Empire Conference champions. With 14 points and 11 rebounds, Cox was the only player to tally a double-double and scored in all four quarters with her diverse playing style. Her steady effort carried the No. 2-ranked Cardinals (19-2, 3-0 MEC) through a brief, second-half lull and on to victory.
Cameron wins first MEC wrestling title
MARYVILLE, Mo. — By now, Lanny Wake has grown accustomed to receiving the bad breaks. During his decade-long tenure, Cameron’s wrestling coach has played the bridesmaid more often than not in the highly competitive Midland Empire Conference race. Despite a mountain of medals and state plaques, one elusive distinction escaped his grasp — an MEC championship.
Central chooses Wallace as new football coach
After leading Central on the football field during his playing days, Jeff Wallace will do the same as the Indians' next head coach. On Monday, school officials announced Wallace as the successor to Tony Dudik, who stepped down this season after leading Central's program for nearly three decades. Wallace boasts 16 years of head coaching experience, which took him from South Harrison to Kirksville to Boonville.
Central chooses Wallace as head football coach
After leading Central on the football field during his playing days, Jeff Wallace will do the same as the Indians' next head coach. School officials announced Wallace as the successor to Tony Dudik, who stepped down this season after leading Central's program for nearly three decades.
Lineman sets tone for Maryville
Clint Thompson sat in the locker room at Jerry Litton Stadium three years ago, trying desperately to quell his nerves. An apprehensive, 15-year-old sophomore, the Maryville offensive lineman mentally prepared himself for his first varsity start against bitter conference rival Chillicothe. Even now, that singular memory seems crystal clear. "I was just in the locker room, and I was super nervous," Thompson said. "I was kind of shocked and had the deer-in-the-headlights look."
Chillicothe's Young takes dominant role on defensive too
When defenses handcuffed him on offense, Bryce Young found a different way to dominate on Friday nights. Already one of the area's top talents, the explosive Chillicothe senior stepped up his game from his defensive back position and evolved into a feared, shutdown cornerback. Even with limited play-making opportunities, Young still recorded five takeaways and tied the school record for career interceptions. "He's always been a great cover guy, and I think he just took his cover skills to a new level this year," Chillicothe coach Phil Willard said. "He's a complete player, really, on both sides."
Northwest tabs new volleyball coach
A decade and a half ago, Jessica Rinehart journeyed to Maryville as a prized volleyball recruit. After navigating a winding road, she returns to Northwest Missouri State as much more than a talented outside hitter.
Savannah bruises past Excelsior
SAVANNAH, Mo. - Just three weeks removed from football season, Chandler Hanna put his gridiron instincts to good use. The Savannah senior looked more like a defensive back than a shooting forward when he picked off a pass at half court and drew a foul at the other end in the semifinals of the Savannah Invitational. His two free throws gave the Savages a double-digit lead once again on the way to a 51-40 victory Wednesday against Excelsior Springs. "I guess I just read it and made a break on the play," Hanna said.
Northwest defense ready to prove itself
Sean Paddock knows all about Central Washington's stellar defense by now. He's listened to facts and figures about the Wildcats' ferocity all week. But the Northwest Missouri State standout defensive end is eager for today's Division II quarterfinal contest in Ellensburg, Wash. As much as anyone else, he's excited to see how his Bearcats stack up against Central Washington's vaunted defensive unit.
Christian, Mound City ready for rematch in 8-man title game
Considering his team's recent track record, you'd think St. Joseph Christian's David Welchert would just as soon avoid another rematch with Mound City's powerhouse program. Quite the opposite, as it turns out. The Lions' senior linebacker suffered through three straight losses to the mighty Panthers during the past two seasons but is glad to square off against them once again during today's 8-man Show-Me Bowl contest at Edward Jones Dome.
Maryville looks to 'finish' in title game
Even a year later, the bitter memories seem painfully strong to Derek DeMott. The Maryville senior vividly recalls the stinging loss in the Edward Jones Dome last November - how his Spoofhounds came up three points short in the Class 2 Show-Me Bowl. At the time, the devastating loss seemed excruciating and impossible to recover from. As he sees it now, DeMott believes the defeat contained a valuable lesson he failed to grasp at the time. After channeling their frustration, the Spoofhounds find themselves back in the Show-Me Bowl for the second consecutive season - preparing for Friday's clash with Brentwood.
Maryville hangs on against Hogan Prep, makes Class 2 semifinal
MARYVILLE, Mo. - As his team took a knee with 1 second remaining, Maryville coach Chris Holt finally allowed himself to exhale. Breathlessly, he watched his Spoofhounds build a sizable lead before giving up a series of big plays that threatened to end their season on their home turf. Thanks to some last-minute heroics, Maryville staved off a challenge from a feisty Hogan Prep squad and claimed a 35-32 victory in their Class 2 quarterfinal clash. Seconds after Maryville quarterback Marcus Grudzinski took a knee to end the game, Holt led the parade of players, coaches and fans onto the field to celebrate the win.
Mound City tops Stanberry to return to 8-man title game
MOUND CITY, Mo. - A little selective amnesia went a long way for Mound City quarterback Lucas Schawang on Friday night. Following a slow start, the Panthers' sophomore signal-caller never stopped running and gunning and led his team to a 32-7 victory against Stanberry at Ceglenski Field in an 8-man semifinal clash. Schawang tossed a career-high four touchdowns passes - three of them in the second half - to help his team pull away down the stretch.
Zieger leads Central's state swimming contingent
Two-tenths of a second held Matt Zieger back from swimming alongside the best athletes in the state last year.
Savages can't stop O'Hara rally
KANSAS CITY - Ten seconds from a trip to quarterfinals, Savannah had its playoff hopes ripped away in one of the cruelest ways imaginable. Savannah's stunned supporters watched in horror as O'Hara receiver Aaron Stubblefield hauled in a 20-yard touchdown strike with 2.9 seconds remaining that gave the Celtics a shocking, 21-16 victory in Class 3 sectional play at Paul Monteil Stadium.
PICK 'EM BLOG: 11-man sectionals
This is what I'm talking about.
Olson turns in top 10 showing
Another year, another state medal for Hannah Olson. St. Joseph Christian's standout sophomore raked in her second top-10 finish in as many years when she finished 10th during the Class 1 race during Saturday's Missouri Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City, Mo.
Hornets haul in cross country title No. 6
A full half-hour of number crunching still wouldn't put Mark Vollmer's mind at ease. His Hamilton girls' team had just turned in yet another incredible performance at the state meet in Jefferson City but had to wait for the official results to learn their fate. Rarely had the wait been more excruciating. "We had people counting and counting, and it was still up in the air," Vollmer said. "No one really knew until they put it on the board."
Stanberry runs past Nodaway-Holt
STANBERRY, Mo. - Even after a plodding first half, Stanberry running back Conner Rosier had a feeling his Bulldogs were due for a big play or two. His premonition proved correct shortly after the intermission, as Stanberry quickly ran away from Nodaway Holt - 40-18 - during Friday night's 8-man quarterfinal contest in Stanberry. It took the Bulldogs only one kickoff and two offensive plays from scrimmage to put two scores on the board and establish an all-but insurmountable lead. Stanberry then used a dominant rushing attack to chew up much of the clock and earn a second-straight trip to the semifinals.
Local runners head to state cross country championships
Not that long ago, Benton's John Beamon provided plenty of potential as a freshman phenom. Now a junior, Beamon is playing the mentor role to the Cardinals' next rising star. Benton freshman Kain Ellis makes his first state appearance during today's Missouri Cross Country Championships in Jefferson City, Mo. The Cardinals' heralded rookie distance runner hopes to make an impact in his first trip to the rolling hills of Oak Hills Golf Course. Despite his immense, natural talent, Ellis likely wouldn't be the runner he is today without Beamon's guidance.
PICK 'EM BLOG: 8-man quarterfinals
Sometimes parity can be a good thing. Early in the season, the possible 8-man outcome appeared pretty cut-and-dry. Mound City looked incredible during beatdowns against St. Joseph Christian and Stanberry and appeared likely to extend its win streak into next season. Then Worth County changed everything.
Spoofhounds prepare for state semifinals
When she took the job four years ago, Maryville coach Lori Klaus saw the vast potential in her bumper crop of freshmen. From outside hitter to the back row, she envisioned the complex puzzle of players shaping up into something special. But not even Klaus could foresee this for her Spoofhounds.
Savannah's defense gets the job done
SAVANNAH, Mo. - With his team off to a sluggish start, Mark Cole had no reason for concern. Not with his predatory defense roaming the field. The second-year Savannah coach watched with joy as his Savages throttled St. Pius X 47-0 on Friday night at Savage Field in front of an overflow crowd at Savage Field. Savannah forced seven turnovers, returned two of them for touchdowns and reveled in a dominant Class 3 regional victory. In the playoffs for the just the second time, the Savages hope to continue their postseason run Monday when they travel to O'Hara.
Lafayette knows turnovers will be critical in playoff tonight
Tired of the torrent of turnovers, Lafayette coach Paul Woolard placed all his focus on sure-handed play in the waning weeks of the regular season. The Fighting Irish must have received the message loud and clear. Lafayette ripped off narrow victories in the final two weeks against Excelsior Springs and Benton to earn a playoff position. In both games, a previously porous offense did not record a single turnover and avoided the crippling mistakes during a mid-season losing streak.
Cardinals cross country squad makes run at state
KEARNEY, Mo. - As she approached the signature hill at Jesse James Park, Taylor Woodruff knew it was time to flip the script on her own hilly history. Benton's star senior overcame her personal struggles on uneven terrain on the way to a third-place finish Saturday at the Class 3 District 8 meet in Kearney. The rolling hills on this same course gave her problems last year and cracked her confidence heading into state. She was determined not to repeat her performance during her senior campaign.
Central loses in Dudik's farewell
KANSAS CITY Tony Dudik slowly removed his headset and stepped onto the field. His final game at Central was finished, but his night was far from over. Central's coach of 29 years watched his Indians lose a physical 27-13 struggle to Park Hill at Preston Field, but the post-game hugs, handshakes and heart-felt conversations transcended the game. Every player wearing a uniform - including every member of Park Hill - paid tribute to the longtime coach who forged a legacy that extended beyond the lights and the grandstands. An hour after the final whistle, Dudik remained on the field - still connecting with colleagues and players from both the past and the present.
Savannah claims district title despite loss
SAVANNAH, Mo. - Faced with an impossible conundrum, Savannah coach Mark Cole turned the hardest decision of the season over to his exhausted players. Trailing by two points, the Savages took a knee on the final two plays during Thursday's 8-6 loss to Cameron at Savage Field. The bitter loss was hard to swallow but handed Savannah its second district title in program history on point differential in a three-way tiebreaker. "Coach asked us the question. He asked us if we wanted to win the district or if we wanted to win the game," Savannah senior lineman Derek Yost said. "We said we wanted to win the district so we took a knee.
PICK 'EM BLOG: Week 10
Now, I'm not one to make excuses. When Ross outpaced me in 'Pick Em last year, I graciously relented before the state title games. When Ross beats me down in the video-game realm, especially in soccer games, I bow to his superiority with the dual-shock controller. The same cannot be said for Mr. Martin apparently.
Benton, Lafayette clash with playoff spot on the line
Standing on a soggy Sparks Field, Matt Tabor grasps at the gravity a single game can hold. Benton's second-year coach leads his Cardinals into tonight's Class 4 District 16 clash against Lafayette - understanding the contest means more than just a tally in the season standings and a trip to the postseason.
Bearcat quarterback finds his passing touch
MARYVILLE, Mo. - As he stepped back onto the field, Blake Bolles had the perfect stage to showcase his signal-calling evolution. Once a scramble-happy backup, Northwest Missouri State's junior quarterback let his arm do the talking and led the Bearcats' go-ahead drive against Washburn during Saturday's come-from-behind win. Though the Ichabods forced overtime, Bolles' clutch performance allowed the Bearcats to keep their lengthy MIAA win streak intact thanks to a flawless showing on the final drive of regulation.
Bearcats' defense comes up big
Northwest Missouri State's repeated defensive stands against Washburn drew heavy praise from coach Mel Tjeerdsma - even if he didn't know exactly whom to thank. Missing four regular starters by the end of the game, the Bearcats limited the high-octane Ichabods' offense to its lowest point total of the season during Saturday's overtime victory at Bearcat Stadium. More importantly, Northwest kept the nation's No. 16-ranked team out of end zone in the second half and opened the door for a come-from-behind win.
Fighting Irish send a message against Excelsior Springs
As he screamed around the left end, Adam Keeney wanted more than a sack. He wanted to send a message. Lafayette's senior linebacker accomplished his goal with a vicious hit that rattled Excelsior Springs quarterback Preston Lewis and allowed the Fighting Irish to breathe easy Friday night during a 13-7 victory at Alumni Stadium. With his second sack of the game, Keeney was just one cog in a ruthless Lafayette defensive unit that forced three turnovers and opened the door for another run to the postseason.
Jefferson cruises back into softball championship game
Jefferson cruised back into the Class 1 state championship game thanks to yet another dominant performance from Kendle Schieber. The sophomore pitcher struck out 11 batters and allowed only four hits during the Eagles' 5-1 victory against Naylor on Friday evening at Heritage Park. Using her devastating rise ball, Schieber mowed down Naylor's aggressive batting order time and again for the defending state champions.
Jefferson's tradition highlights local state softball qualifiers
Jefferson's proud softball history isn't lost on Deanna Bottorff. After all, she helped author a few chapters. The first-year Eagles coach - who went by Deanna McQueen during her prep playing days - lifted her team to a state title in 2001 and three semifinal appearances during her four years with the team. Although the role changed, Bottorff finds herself in familiar territory as this weekend approaches.
PICK 'EM BLOG: Week 8
With districts upon us, everyone's record goes back to 0-0 - a fact nearly every coach in the game is more than eager to tell anyone at this time of year.
Playoff berths on the line as district football starts
After a seven-week prelude, the second season starts tonight. District football swings into full gear around the area, as every team - no matter the record - gets a second chance. But some local squads have no reason to forget about the accomplishments to this point in the year. Take Cameron, for example.
LeBlond tennis secures come-from-behind victory
Loree Hazelrigg isn't used to this kind of down-to-the-wire pressure. For the past three years, the Bishop LeBlond junior most often waltzes to victory with her devastating serve and powerful ground strokes. She sure had to work for her 100th win, though. Hazelrigg staged a remarkable come-from-behind win Wednesday during the Golden Eagles' 5-1 victory in their Class 1 regional match against Platte County. After facing three match points against Platte County's Lisa Wyrwinski, Hazelrigg reeled of the final five points of the match for a thrilling, 1-6, 6-4, 11-9 triumph in the No. 1 singles match.
LeBlond secured 3rd straight district tennis crown
Bishop LeBlond secured its third straight district title Saturday at Noyes Tennis Complex with the help of a few unheralded heroines.
Mid-Buchanan holds on, finds way back into playoffs
So much for the pitchers' duel. In a matchup of two of the area's top hurlers, incendiary offense ruled the day Saturday as Mid-Buchanan claimed its fourth-straight Class 2 District 16 title at Heritage Park. The Dragons used a hit-parade performance to bounce KCI Conference rival East Buchanan, 9-7, and advance to the postseason for the sixth time this decade
Maryville defense smothers Savannah
MARYVILLE, Mo. - After digging its heels in all night long, Maryville's defense simply had to muster the strength for one final stop. On the last meaningful play of the evening, the Spoofhounds did much more than that. Three Maryville defenders put an exclamation point on a dominant night by gang-sacking Savannah quarterback Justin Roach and letting the on-field celebration commence. The Spoofounds earned at least a share of their second Midland Empire Conference title in three seasons with a hard-fought, 13-7 victory against the Savages on Friday night at the Hound Pound.
Savannah, Maryville contest to factor big into MEC race
More than an undefeated Midland Empire Conference record will be on the line when Savannah heads north to take on Maryville tonight. For the second year, the longtime rivals will clash in the "71 Showdown" and play for a traveling trophy - a refurbished U.S. Highway 71 road sign decorated with logos from both teams. Following Maryville's 21-0 win last year, the trophy currently resides in coach Chris Holt's office. And that's exactly where he hopes to keep it.
Cameron rallies from behind
CAMERON, Mo. - Staring up at a troubling deficit after his costly interception, Zach Way never wavered in his belief. After picking himself up from the turf, the Cameron quarterback lifted his team and helped engineer a remarkable comeback effort Friday night at Dave Goodwin Field. Down by three scores, the Dragons slowly rediscovered their groove and blew past Lafayette in a thrilling, come-from-behind victory, 24-21. Cameron (5-1, 2-1 Midland Empire Conference) scored the final 24 points of the game - all in the final 14 minutes.
PICK 'EM BLOG: Week 5
Stats don't lie, goes the saying. Well, they don't always tell the truth, either.
Central swim team makes splash
This is one routine Central's swim team could get used to. Once a remarkable accomplishment, the Indians made state-qualifying cuts in both the 400-yard freestyle and 400-yard medley relays a week and a half ago at the Park Hill Invitational. It marks the third consecutive year Central will send all three of its relays to St. Peter's, Mo. for the state meet. "It helps a lot because making state is not so much the focus," Central senior Joe Smith said. "It's a huge relief because now we can focus on how many individuals we can get down there."
Lions fall in 11-man debut
TARKIO, Mo. - Shocked to have the football in his hands, Ryan Burke had no choice but to rely on instinct. While the play was a blur to him, the Tarkio junior provided dramatic punctuation Friday night during the Indians' thrilling, double-overtime victory against St. Joseph Christian, 12-6, at M. David Palmeiro Field. On a busted, fourth-down play, the frizzy-haired running back caught the ball between the hashes, turned upfield and sprinted 18 yards to the far pylon - ending the game and bringing the home crowd to its feet.
City Capsules, Sept. 25
Capsule looks at games involving city teams tonight
Working 8 to 11: Christian readies for challenges of 11-man football
Mark Juhl doesn't like straying from his routine. Since he arrived at St. Joseph Christian, the longtime Kansas prep coach has concentrated on forging a successful regimen - focusing on discipline and a winning attitude - that would produce a perennially productive program. Prepare. Succeed. Repeat.
Central grads back on the track
After controversy ended his burgeoning prep running career, Akech Aye is making the most of his second chance. The Sudan native and 2009 Central graduate - along with his half-brother, Yout Aye - has excelled at the collegiate level as a member of the cross country team at Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa. Thus far, Aye has led the Spartans in all but one race and routinely has finished in the top quarter of the field. Last fall, Aye was disallowed from competition by the Missouri State High School Activities Association because of an age dispute that robbed him of his senior season.
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