November 07, 2009
Ross Martin - Prep-Sports Reporter
Mound City trounces Worth County
Friday, Nov. 6, 2009
MOUND CITY, Mo. — Even after trouncing their rivals, Mound City’s players kept the celebration humble.
Clearly the previous loss to Worth County refocused the defending state champions.
Gage Rosier ran for four first-half touchdowns on his way to 252 yards, and Mound City shut out Worth County in a 52-0 victory in Friday night’s 8-man quarterfinal at Ceglinski Field. After losing 22-20 to Worth County during the regular season, Mound City played like a team intent on another run to the Show-Me Bowl.
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009
KING CITY, Mo. — A long run from Christian Robbins on a jet sweep. A couple of King City penalties. A smattering of short completions.
Nothing overwhelming from Mid-Buchanan’s
offense.
But when Christian Robbins capped a 17-play drive with a 4-yard touchdown reception, the Dragons led King City for the first time. The score, 3.4 seconds from halftime, started a streak of 24 unanswered points from Mid-Buchanan.
What started so inconspicuously morphed into a 24-12 Mid-Buchanan win in Wednesday night’s Class 1 regional at Wehrli Field.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009
As I sit on my couch trying to flush the last of flu symptoms out, I can't help bet look at my picks record and feel even more sick.
St. Joseph Christian rolls along to playoffs
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
St. Joseph Christian accomplished a lot in Friday night’s regular season finale.
The Lions put on a dominating performance against visiting Southwest Livingston, wrapped up an undefeated district title and kept all of their main players healthy entering a sixth straight playoff trip. Christian built a big early lead behind five Southwest turnovers and allowed the starters to rest for the latter part of the first half in a 58-0 win at Christian Field.
Friday, Oct. 30, 2009
A seemingly career-ending diagnosis led Byron Polley to retirement. A second look from a specialist last week provided the 30-year-old St. Joseph boxer with a reason to reconsider.
Polley recently decided to end a brief three-month retirement, despite earlier reports he was suffering from white matter disease.
A second look from a Kansas doctor last week changed the outlook. While Polley continues to be at risk for head injuries, the doctor said that just comes with the dangers of the sport.
Irish knock off Cardinals, earn playoff berth
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009
No Benton defender threatened Chris James as he strode toward the end zone at Sparks Field. Unaccustomed to carrying the ball, the Lafayette senior dove over the goal line anyway.
“I didn’t want to screw up my first varsity touchdown,” said James, a linebacker and undersized guard at 6-foot, 185 pounds.
James’ pick-6 interception during the third quarter gave the Fighting Irish the lead for good in the district finale. D’Andre Talton added a 24-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to give Lafayette the only two-score advantage for either team, and the Irish held on to beat their rivals 19-14 Friday night.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009
Ross and Andy discuss the district standings for area teams and the playoff implications for all of this week's high school football games.
Christian offensive trio finds its rhythm against DeKalbFriday, Oct. 23, 2009
DEKALB, Mo. — Like most good backs, Christian’s Luke Mathes took time to thank his offensive line Friday night.
The versatile Lions back benefitted from gaping holes, scoring on his first three carries against DeKalb. Finally back to full strength, Christian’s three-pronged rushing attack shone for a second straight week, this time in a 50-0 rout at DeKalb High School.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
Belle pitcher Shannon Branson baffled Trenton for the first two innings Friday morning, setting the Bulldogs down in order.
No. 9 hitter Samantha Fair finally helped Trenton figure out the Tigers’ senior starter. Trenton’s senior right fielder belted a one-out RBI double to right-center that started a two-run go-ahead bottom of the third inning.
The Bulldogs went on to a 10-1 Class 2 semifinal victory at Heritage Park with their .205 bottom-of-the order hitter starting the barrage.
Friday, Oct. 23, 2009
Years of discussion led up to the Tarkio board of education’s vote Thursday on the future of the Indians’ football program.
Finally deciding on whether to move the historic tradition of the program from 11-man to 8-man, the school went to its most respected and venerable leader for advice. Longtime coach David Palmeiro gave his input, and the 5-2 vote didn’t necessarily coincide with all of his ideas.
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
I’m fading fast with no signs of life.
Of the group of people picking each week at nwmosports.webs.com, I was last with my putrid performance last week. There are many very even teams around the area right now, and I’m struggling with the 50-50 matchups.
Now, last year, I dominated the Pick ’em, and I mean it wasn’t even close.
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Thoughts on Savannah's historic win against Chillicothe dominate this week's discussion, as well as a breakdown on all of Class 3 District 16. Plus, Buchs and Plattes abound in Class 1 District 16 or whatever number it is, as Andy Meyer and Ross Martin discuss the week that was in high school football.
Savages earn big win against ChillicotheSaturday, Oct. 17, 2009
SAVANNAH, Mo. — Just as Chillicothe jarred Savannah’s dominance loose for a brief moment Friday night, sophomore Blake Burson reached out and physically took it back.
Savannah’s youthful wide receiver recovered quarterback Justin Roach’s third-quarter fumble when Chillicothe seemed to have regained possession.
“We knew we had everything going our way at that point,” Savannah fullback Quinton Peak said. “I think we had a feeling we were going to win at that point.”
Christian runs over Nodaway-Holt
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Four different quarterbacks and a reverse flea flicker still couldn’t stop St. Joseph Christian on Friday night as they trounced Nodaway-Holt 60-14.
The Trojans (5-3) started off the game on the wrong foot when starting quarterback Blake Shamberger was injured on the fourth play of the game. In comes backup Zack Lemar only to get sacked in the end zone for a safety on the Trojans third possession.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009
GRANT CITY, Mo. — Worth County’s offense struck with equal parts diversity and speed Friday night.
In a billed big game against North Andrew, the Tigers left most of it void of competitiveness and continued to stake their claim as 8-man’s current best team. Worth County scored four passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and one defensive score — all before halftime — on the way to an 84-26 win at Worth County High School.
Worth County’s speed allowed the Tigers to dictate every aspect of the game, using the pass to set up the run in a 409-yard offensive showcase.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
Central soccer needed 15 years to reach the apex of program history. Less than half that time later, the Indians faded to their all-time low.
Started in 1988, Central soccer recorded back-to-back 20 win seasons in 2001 and 2002, culminating with a national ranking and disappointing postseason exit. The Indians stand barely more than six years removed from those glory days but have won only seven games since the start of the 2006 season.
The leader of a once respected and feared team, Central coach Mark Peterson tasks himself with restoring a tradition despite an overwhelming run of disappointment.
Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009
While this week’s schedule might lack that marquee historical matchup that keeps high school football fans salivating, this list of games has one thing going for it: competitiveness.
Savannah and Maryville do meet to again decide a frontrunner in the MEC, and a Spoofhounds’ victory virtually locks up the title for them. You also have Worth County and North Andrew in a do-or-don’t make the playoffs matchup for North Andrew.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Maryville placed all five golfers in the top 12 during Wednesday’s Class 1 District 8 tournament at Mozingo Golf Course. The Spoofhounds dominated the field and earned a team berth to this month’s state tournament.
The Spoofhounds shot a 393 and bested second-place Stanberry by 58 strokes.
Despite a disastrous 51 on the back nine, Shannon McClellan took medallist honors with a 93 that included her lone birdie at No. 17. Amy Van de Ven (96) followed in second place with Brooke Byland and Megan Shell tying for fourth with matching 102s.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Maryville's win against Chillicothe dominates the discussion as Ross Martin and Andy Meyer talk about the week that was in high school football.
Maryville shuts down ChillicotheSaturday, Oct. 3, 2009
CHILLICOTHE, Mo. — As Maryville tried to hold on to a late lead, Chillicothe abandoned a stagnant running
attack.
That’s a rare situation for the historically power-running Hornets.
Maryville pressured quarterback Jared McCauslin into seven incompletions on his final eight attempts, and Clint Thompson’s sack of the senior with 2 minutes, 25 seconds represented Chillicothe’s final offensive play.
The Spoofhounds ran out the remainder with one first down and held on for a 7-0 victory Friday night at Jerry Litton Memorial Stadium.
One fateful day
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009
The day, month and year roll off Jacob Heldenbrand’s tongue without hesitation.
Bad call, Lee’s Summit N. knock Central soccer off balance
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Just when midfielder Jake Funck appeared to have a chance at a breakaway goal, the offside flag went up from the near-side judge.
The flag admittedly went up in error, but officials refused to reverse the call and awarded Lee’s Summit North a free kick. In the ensuing run of play, Lee’s Summit North tallied a third goal and added two more in quick succession during a 7-1 victory Wednesday night at The Den.
Central’s young squad seemed to unravel after the mistake against a physical Lee’s Summit North team that committed 16 fouls and drew two yellow cards.
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2009
Billy Gerhart telephoned St. Joseph auto racer Doug Keller with a wild idea last weekend.
Keller knew how much of a sacrifice funding even one race can be.
“We talked about a month ago about doing this,” Keller said, “but we kind of blew him off because business was way too slow, and I didn’t want to ask my sponsors. Some gave me the answers I expected. Times are tough.”
Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009
How do you sum up a week when the game you attended featured a 21-0 lead for the visiting side after one quarter, an hour-plus lightning delay that resulted in an elongated halftime in which a car in the parking lot burnt down and an ambulance showed up to the field in error?
Well, that probably sums it up in one long sentence. Every Friday night provides a new twist.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
MOUND CITY, Mo. — Worth County doesn’t often play the underdog.
An 8-man power for more than two decades, the Tigers rack up state titles and wins almost as an afterthought. Worth County relished the role of a second-thought team in Friday night’s matchup with undefeated Mound City, winners of 16 straight.
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Central coach Tony Dudik and his Indians might have questioned he final miscue Friday night, but there were plenty of other mistakes to lament against Lee’s Summit.
Officials wiped out Malkaam Muhammad’s apparent 22-yard second-half touchdown run on a fumble call as Central vainly tried to erase a 27-point halftime deficit. But shortcomings on four first-half plays created too much to overcome.
One week after Dudik recorded his 100th career victory with the Indians in a dramatic overtime win, Central lost 30-15 to Lee’s Summit at Noyes Field.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Capsule looks at top football games involving regional teams
PREP FOOTBALL NOTES: Central, Dudik ready to add to win totalThursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Tony Dudik continues to play down the significance of Central’s upset victory against Blue Springs South at Noyes Field.
“I’ve been blessed to be here 23 years. Some guys do that in about 12 or 15,” said Dudik of his 100th career win as a head coach.
But make no mistake about the milestone’s importance to his players.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009
Don't call it a comeback.
I mean I won't anyway because I might start making guarantees that come back to haunt me. Andy knows all about that.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
In their second podcast, Ross and Andy break down Central's dramatic win, sum up the MEC standings and dissect the KCI. And Andy has an apology to make...
Special touchdown touches manyWednesday, Sept. 23, 2009
Life continues as normal for Matt Ziesel. The Benton freshman showed up at football practice Tuesday, spent some time kicking field goals off a tee and ran a few scout team plays with his teammates at left tackle. Matt, who has Down syndrome, didn’t change his life with a touchdown run in last week’s freshman game against Maryville. But he changed the lives of countless others, many of whom he will never meet.
MEC race shapes up behind HornetsSunday, Sept. 20, 2009
Chillicothe confounded many in the area after two slow performances to start this season.
Fresh off a Class 3 semifinal appearance, the Hornets appeared a prohibitive favorite to repeat as Midland Empire Conference champions and contend for a state title. But the Hornets seemed headed to its Week 4 MEC opener with question marks.
Until they roughed up previously Class 4-ranked Grain Valley this past Friday. Then the Hornets rolled Bishop LeBlond on Thursday night.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
Stanberry’s Dan Collins doesn’t like rankings, polls or the expectations that come along with those lists.
But the veteran coach expects his No. 2-ranked team to compete with No. 1 Mound City in tonight’s crucial matchup of perennial Highway 275 powers in Stanberry.
Whether that means a Stanberry victory isn’t Collins’ main concern. He’d just like to be in the game.
Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009
A cell phone and the Internet keep Ghaali Muhammad connected to his St. Joseph roots while he pursues a football career at the University of Wyoming.
After the 2009 Central graduate recorded a “Sportscenter”-worthy highlight this past weekend, both tools of technology provided him with plenty of hometown adulation. Muhammad recorded Wyoming’s lone touchdown in a 41-10 loss to No. 2 Texas last week, scooping up a blocked punt and returning it 6 yards for a score.
“I had people from back home calling me every 5 seconds,” said Muhammad, the 2008 News-Press offensive player of the year. “I got back to my cell phone and probably had 50 missed calls. I had people Facebooking me and congratulating me. It was crazy.”
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.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009
GOWER, Mo. — Chase Chamberlain touched up East Buchanan’s secondary eight times Friday night.
But given one chance to run, Rock Port’s senior wide receiver found a way to close out a win for the Blue Jays. Chamberlain took a carry on a reverse counter late in the fourth quarter and sprinted 27 yards for the game-sealing touchdown.
The run helped validate a staunch defensive effort that limited East Buchanan’s pass attack in a 22-7 victory in a nonconference matchup of unbeatens at East Buchanan High School.
Friday, Sept. 11, 2009
CAMERON, Mo. — Change for Cameron football came swift and sudden.
When Eric Thomas left as head coach after the 2007 season, he took his pass-happy spread attack with him. When Dave Rash arrived for his first year, he brought along an affinity for hard-nosed power running.
Maybe the transition took a year to fully take hold, but the returns early in 2009 show a completely different Dragons team.
Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009
With two of its top players on the shelf, Benton softball continues to deal with injuries.
Coach Greg Reynolds knows his team can improve when Cheyenne Ellis and Hannah Rush return from injuries. Problem is, the Cardinals are 7-1 and fresh off of a championship at the Cameron Invitational this past weekend.
Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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.
Irish can't keep up with Spoofhounds
Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009
Bryston Cook’s 2-yard touchdown run set the tone for Lafayette on Friday night against Maryville.
The senior’s scoring scamper on the game’s opening drive gave the Fighting Irish a burst of energy and a six-point lead. But after he came up lame with a toe injury on the play, Cook never regained his form.
Maryville responded with 24 unanswered points and slowly tired down Lafayette at Maryville High School, scoring a 24-12
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
South Harrison started 2008 with a disappointing loss to Grand River Conference and geographical rival Princeton.
The Bulldogs made sure not to repeat that this season. In fact, there was a 40-point differential between the two results.
Last year, Princeton hosted a 20-6 victory, but South Harrison turned it around with a 26-0 win this year. Princeton entered ranked No. 6 in Class 1, according to the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association polls, but left with a defeat against a Class 2 South Harrison team that finished 5-5 last year.
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009
Pleasant Ridge coach Chris Powers doesn’t keep an on-hand definition of a rivalry.
But he doesn’t think long before tagging Troy with that label. Pleasant Ridge — the Delaware Valley League’s Class 3 powerhouse — hasn’t been able to shake the Class 2-1A Trojans in recent years.
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
Ross takes a quick look back at some of the unheralded performers from the first week of football around the Midland Empire.
GAME BLOG: Winnetonka 14, Central 7Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
A bizarre first-quarter situation became ost in the late-game drama at Noyes Field.
While seeking a tying score late against the Griffins, a nullified touchdown still stood out in the Indians' season-opening loss. Central didn't tally a tying score in the fourth quarter but saw one wiped away in the first.
Down 6-0 after Darrell Jobe's 75-yard touchdown run on the game's second play, Central appeared to have it tied up and in position to take a one-point lead 10 minutes later.
Here's how it happened:
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009
Despite an inconsistent, occasionally disastrous offensive performance, Central managed to stay close enough to Winnetonka to make Friday night’s season-opener interesting until the final play.
Central ran the final four plays inside Winnetonka’s 20-yard line with a chance to scrap together a tying score. But quarterback Ryan Wallace’s final three passes went incomplete, including a fourth-down interception as time expired in the Indians’ 14-7 loss at Noyes Field.
Prior to the final drive, Central only had five first downs and saw seven drives end with a three-and-out.
Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009
The Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association released its preseason poll this week. Mosports.com also finished up its top 10 with plenty of time for fans to peruse the rankings.
Heroics propel Lafayette at City Football Jamboree
Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009
The City Football Jamboree moved to the preseason prior to last year’s edition, turning the annual event into a scrimmage with no official winner.
That’s done little to quell the city rivalries. During the pivotal matchup Friday between Lafayette and Central, Fighting Irish junior quarterback Tim Nelson looked at coach Paul Woolard and exclaimed, “We trying to win this.”
Nelson then heeded his own decree, tossing an 11-yard touchdown pass to junior Ian Toalson on Lafayette’s 12th and final play against Central to give the Irish a 12-6 win against the Indians at Spratt Stadium. Lafayette also beat Benton, 6-0, and Bishop LeBlond, 24-6.
Local schools start fall sports practice
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2009
Dylin Anderson received two rude introductions to life in Missouri on Monday.
A transfer from Georgetown, Ky., the Benton junior took not one but two bites from a garter snake during the first day of fall sports practice. Assistant coach Eric McDowell corralled the nonpoisonous serpent from Benton’s practice field and released it unharmed.
Cardinals’ coach Matt Tabor figures Anderson’s reptilian encounter which left the potential starting tackle with minor wounds can go one of two ways.
Baade outlasts Haskell for men's city golf title
Monday, Aug. 10, 2009
As play backed up ahead of the final group, Derek Baade couldn’t help but calculate his advantage. The recent Savannah graduate held a three-shot lead with five holes to play during Sunday’s third and final round of the City Golf Championship, but five-time city champion Brian Haskell was his chaser. Baade responded by matching his veteran pursuer shot-for-shot down the stretch, closing out a 7-under 65 at Fairview Golf Course for a three-stroke victory.
Lisenbee rides roller-coaster round into leadSunday, Aug. 9, 2009
Aaron Lisenbee’s lead slipped away in a barrage of a backside bogeys.
The Savannah native and Missouri Western graduate needed a lucky bounce off a tree and one magical shot with his gap wedge to fix his round Saturday afternoon at Moila Country Club. After falling behind with four bogeys in a span of five holes, Lisenbee played the final three holes in 4-under — complete with the third hole-in-one of his life on No. 17.
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