November 07, 2009
Andy Meyer - Sports Reporter
Stanberry runs past Nodaway-Holt
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
Savannah's defense gets the job done
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
Lafayette knows turnovers will be critical in playoff tonight
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
Cardinals cross country squad makes run at state
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
Savannah claims district title despite loss
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Fighting Irish send a message against Excelsior Springs
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009
Maryville defense smothers Savannah
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Working 8 to 11: Christian readies for challenges of 11-man football
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
Mound City stops St. Joseph Christian
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
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.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
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.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
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.
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
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
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
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
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
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
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2009
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.
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
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
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
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.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
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.
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
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
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
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.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
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.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009
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 startsThursday, Oct. 15, 2009
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.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009
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.
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009
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
LeBlond secured 3rd straight district tennis crownSunday, Oct. 11, 2009
Bishop LeBlond secured its third straight district title Saturday at Noyes Tennis Complex with the help of a few unheralded heroines.
Maryville defense smothers Savannah
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
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.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
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.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009
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.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
Stats don’t lie, goes the saying. Well, they don’t always tell the truth, either.
Central swim team makes splashTuesday, Sept. 29, 2009
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.”
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
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.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Capsule looks at games involving city teams tonight
Working 8 to 11: Christian readies for challenges of 11-man football
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
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.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
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.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Clutching her football helmet at her side, Heavin Warner turns away from the post-game huddle and walks off the field.
Benton’s female kicker enjoyed a successfully productive night, booting through both of her extra-point opportunities during a tough loss to Maryville, but unlike her teammates, her night is far from over.
Warner still has to get in a lengthy cross country workout before her day is over — six miles long, to be exact. And don’t forget about the day-long softball tournament the next morning.
Although her involvement on the football team makes her undeniably unique, that’s not remotely her most remarkable achievement. The Cardinals’ junior has an audacious goal of competing in six varsity sports this school year — three of them this fall.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
I never thought I’d be so happy with seven wins.
Normally, a 7-3 record is about par for the course in this contest — not anything to brag about, per se. But last week’s brutal schedule of games held feast-or-famine potential, and I filled up.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Kate Gallagher always seems to have a decision to make.
Even choosing a college destination couldn’t be simple for the Savannah senior standout. Before picking a school, Gallagher had to decide what sport she really wanted to play.
Ultimately, Gallagher decided on golfing at the University of Missouri. She recently made her verbal commitment to Tigers golf coach Stephanie Priesmeyer.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009
As any NFL fan knows, a little parity goes a long way.
Perennial doormats can buck history for a run to the Super Bowl. Traditional powerhouses miss out on the postseason. Despite their detractors, parity and competitive balance keep more teams (and the fan bases that follow) involved much longer into the season, and in the end, nearly everyone wins. Well, maybe unless you’re an Oakland fan.
Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009
Walking off the field at Heritage Park, Lafayette wasn’t yet in the mood to celebrate another City Softball Round Robin title.
Thanks to two early victories and some help from conference rival Benton, the Fighting Irish already wrapped up their third city championship in five years when they took the field Saturday against Bishop LeBlond in the event’s final contest.
But the hard-luck Golden Eagles prevented Lafayette from making a clean sweep and stunned the champs, 7-1, by playing the spoiler role to a tee. Despite the lackluster finish, the Irish coach had plenty of positives to take away from his team’s up-and-down day.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
Bruised and exhausted, Derek DeMott somehow summoned the strength to deliver the long-awaited knockout blow.
The Maryville senior hauled in a one-handed interception in the final minutes to preserve the Spoofhounds’ nail-biting 22-20 victory against Benton at Sparks Field on Friday night.
After coming up big on both sides of the ball, his performance down the stretch went beyond conditioning and experience — as he relied on his team’s run to the state title game a year ago.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
Thanks to a six-touchdown performance from one of its hard-luck seniors, Union Star put a dubious streak to rest in emphatic fashion.
Normally an emotionally reserved player, Dillan O’Dell displayed an ear-to-ear grin last Friday after he and his teammates earned a runaway 58-6 victory against conference rival South Nodaway. The victory snapped the team’s 28-game losing streak and finally gave the Trojans something to feel good about.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
A fast scoring offense fueled two torrid starts for an undefeated Missouri Western squad.
The Griffons displayed efficient, quick-strike capabilities for the second straight week during last Saturday’s blowout victory during a road game against Mesa State. In the thin Colorado air, Western punched the ball into end zone on its first two drives and managed two more touchdowns before the end of the first half.
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009
More than 700 miles from home, Missouri Western’s volleyball squad decided to make the most of its lengthy road trip last week.
A three-pronged attack from relentless frontline led the Griffons to a 4-0 showing in the Eastern New Mexico Tournament to help the team improve to 5-3 on the season. During the quartet of victories, Western dropped only two games and often ran away with victories against its non-conference competition.
“I was a little surprised to come out with four,” Western coach Cory Frederick said. “Obviously, that was our goal going in, but it’s hard to maintain that type of success on a constant basis.”
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
After a grueling, fourth-month process, Roger Allen can finally breath a deep sigh of relief.
The former Missouri Western guard found out Saturday that he’d survived the final round of cuts and is officially a member of the St. Louis Rams.
“It’s a great day for him,” Western coach Jerry Partridge said. “He deserves it.”
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — The sleepy start didn’t worry Mark Cole.
He knew his Savannah team would come around sooner or later. He just didn’t know when.
After slumbering for a quarter and a half, the Savages sprung to life after recovering a fumbled punt in the second quarter and coasted to a 37-7 win against a turnover-prone Excelsior Springs squad.
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Six measly points. The equivalent of a couple field goals. That’s nothing, right?
Prep Notebook: Irish softball wins don't lack some anxietyThursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Two statement victories came at a cost for Lafayette softball coach Jeff Leake.
WHAT WE LEARNED — Week 1Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
Sometimes in this business, I start to think I’ve got a pretty good grasp on what’s going on. I speak with coaches and players, look at lots of numbers and get a fairly good idea of what should transpire on a week-to-week basis.
It’s always fun to figure out just how much we don’t know once the teams actually take the field.
Mound City stops St. Joseph Christian
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
Gage Rosier and company had no intentions of making a statement. Not in this fashion, anyway.
But the defending state champion Panthers sent a resounding shot across the bow to the rest of the 8-man world when they throttled St. Joseph Christian on Friday night at Ceglenski Field, 34-0.
Even with a new cast of characters filling new positions, Mound City (1-0) rolled up 380 yards of offense against a stout Lion line and ran away with the contest midway through the third quarter.
Friday, Aug. 28, 2009
Sitting in the interview room at Edward Jones Dome, David Welchert and Luke Mathes didn’t have the look of crestfallen runners-up.
The pair of St. Joseph Christian standouts grinned at times behind the microphones nine months ago while discussing the Lions’ loss to Mound City in the 8-man state championship. Despite a 48-16 loss. The pair of Christian juniors had plenty to be pleased with after avoiding the type of embarrassing blowout the team suffered during Week 1.
“On the scoreboard, it looked kind of lopsided, but we could tell we were playing with them,” Mathes said. “It’s just a couple things here and there, and we’re right there.”
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009
The next wave of St. Joseph quarterbacks showcased their diverse skill sets Friday night at the City Football Jamboree.
A few fresh faces lined up under center for each of the city’s four 11-man schools, and each starting quarterback drew mixed reviews based on his respective preseason performance.
Friday, Aug. 21, 2009
After months of preparation and anticipation, football returns to St. Joseph tonight.
Prep activities poised to get started todayMonday, Aug. 10, 2009
Jim Brockhoff has been biding his time for the past week and not always with an abundance of patience.
Central's Yates commits to AshfordThursday, July 23, 2009
As Central’s last line of defense, Uriah Yates had plenty of practice handling wave after wave of attackers on the soccer field.
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