Saturday, October 31, 2015

Ethan Thomas Has 14 to Lead Three Tigers in Double Figures

Ethan Thomas had 14 points (career high) to lead three Tigers in double figures and Todd Simmons' junior high squad won over Stanberry 42-20. Everyone thought this year's bunch would be down following the loss of most of the horses instrumental in a run which saw Worth County's boys only lose four games in the last three years. But winning tends to be a hard habit to break once started. For Ethan, all the time spent at the Sheridan Park playing pickup ball paid off; he started off the game by jumping a pass and going in for a layup. Jaxon Anderson followed with 11 points and Zayne Swope had 10 (career high) as he had plenty of help.

Tanner Parman jumped a pass and then Zane Swope, the littlest man on the court, got behind the defense twice and took passes from teammates. Ethan Thomas jumped another pass and then Hunter Simmons capped off Worth County's first quarter with a 3-pointer to put them up 13-6 after one. For Thursday night's effort, Worth County was trapping and hounding Stanberry's team and collecting a top of tips and steals.

The Tigers held Stanberry scoreless in the second period as Tanner Parman and Ethan Thomas jumped passes to start the period, then Ethan Thomas jumped a pass and found Jaxon Anderson for a layup. Hunter Simmons found Anderson in low, and Zayne Swope went backdoor after Anderson got a steal. Anderson hit Thomas flying down the court, Swope drove down the left baseline for a layup, and Anderson hit a free throw to put Worth County comfortably in control at 28-6. Worth County led by as much as 38-11 in the fourth quarter as they were continuing to get behind the Bulldog defense and completing the long outlet passes.

Anna Gladstone had 12, Regan Allee 11 as JH Tigers Avenge Stanberry

Anna Gladstone broke double figures again with 12, Regan Allee overcame early foul trouble and scored 11 points as the Worth County Junior High Tigers won on the road, avenging a running clock loss to Stanberry from last year. That was one of only two losses for the Tigers last year; getting the 31-26 win removed one obstacle to an undefeated season.

The game started off as a battle of wills as neither team could score on the other's defense for the first three minutes. Finally, Sydney Mattson hit from the right baseline for Stanberry and Elle Ellis added a free throw. Regan Allee went to the bench with three fouls for the Tigers. But then Anna Gladstone got a steal, fed it to Kaylee McElvain, who threw it back to her from downtown to tie it up at 3. Andaya Brown hit a free throw for Stanberry, but Jill Hardy went up strong in transition and drew contact to tie it back up at 4 after one quarter.

Worth County looked like it might pull away in the second as Anna Gladstone drove down the right side, drew contact, and got sprawled on the floor and converted a 3-point play. Regan Allee grabbed a defensive board and went coast to coast to make it 9-4, but then Stanberry came right back, chipping away and tying it at 9 and then 11 at the break. Stanberry was slashing and driving to the basket at will, and Worth County was hacking and fouling too much; the foul differential was 5-0 in Stanberry's favor at one point.

The hacking and fouling continued in the second half, but Worth County was able to build up a 19-14 lead as Regan Allee hit a shot from the right side off a pass from Kristin New and added a steal. Jill Hardy scored after posting up inside, using her newfound size and Anna Gladstone added a driving layup. But then Stanberry got into the bonus and Anna Gladstone went to the bench with four fouls at the 1:07 mark of the third.

Stanberry continued to drive and slash to the rim, but Merrideth Spiers chose that time to get going inside as she scored three points in the last minute to keep the Tigers ahead 22-18 after three. Regan Allee hit two free throws to start the fourth and Worth County maintained a 4-6 point lead through most of the fourth before Anna Gladstone fouled out at the 2:14 mark of the fourth. But Worth County had her back as Regan Allee drove in for a layup and 3-point play with 1:46 left to give the Tigers their largest lead at 31-23 with 1:46 left.

Stanberry chipped away, getting to within 31-26 at one point, and got the ball back after the Tigers had missed a 1 and 1. But they could not get any closer as Regan Allee knocked the ball loose twice and Kaylee McElvain blocked two shots in the closing seconds as Stanberry could not make it a one possession game.

Anna Gladstone led the scoring again with 12 points, followed by Regan Allee with 11. Merrideth Spiers had 3 along with Jill Hardy. Kaylee McElvain had 2.

Tigers Thrive in Rain, Down Muskets 68-44

Torrential rains poured down on the field Friday night for the district semifinal game between Worth County and North-West Nodaway. The question for the Muskets was whether the rains would ground the vaunted passing attack of Koby Reynolds, who topped 10,000 career yards earlier this year. The question for the Tigers was whether they would defy history and win a game in the mud and rain. Coach Andrew Webster of the Muskets said he had every reason to be pleased with his Muskets' effort. "That was just a great football game," he said. "We put some new things in, and our players responded." Webster's Muskets are not going anywhere despite the graduation of Reynolds as next year, sophomore Korbin Koch, a duel run-pass threat, will likely take over the reigns at quarterback. But while North-West Nodaway gave it their best shot on the field, Worth County overcame history and beat the Muskets 68-44 in the steady downpour in a climate that only Dan Collins could have loved. The Tigers have historically struggled in bad weather, but Friday night's game was an exception, and there have been a few teams that have thrived in the adverse conditions as well.

It looked like history would repeat for Worth County at first. North-West Nodaway marched right down the field, first on the ground and then through the air. They picked up one first down off a Reynolds scramble and then another off a 9 yard pass to Jakob Cordell into Tiger territory at the 34. Finally, Reynolds aired one out to Dakota Smyser for 34 yards for a score to make it 6-0 with 8:56 left.

There was a heartstopping moment for Worth County when Josh McGinness drilled the ensuing kick off Jacob Hardy and into the hands of the Muskets, forcing Worth County to play defense again. North-West set up shop on the 40 and kept right on driving, getting a first down on fourth and inches thanks to an offsides penalty on Worth County at the 25. Isaac Alarcon broke up two passes for Cordell, nearly picking one off and then dropping Reynolds on a blitz for a three yard loss to set up another fourth and long. But Reynolds aired one out long to Cordell in the rain, and he came up with it at the 12. Sweeps by McIntyre brought the ball down to the 3, and the Muskets were on the verge of taking a two possession lead. But in a factor that was to repeat itself all night, Reynolds couldn't hold a bad snap in the rain and the mud as Drake Kinsella shot through unblocked to get a tackle the set up fourth and five at the Tiger seven. Reynolds' ensuing pass into the end zone was broken up by Ryan McClellan, and Worth County had held on downs.

Worth County finally got untracked and its offense was able to take the field. Coach Chris Healy's offense consisted of numerous plays involving Ben Badell, who emerged in the East Atchison game as a running threat as well as a passing threat. It gave them an advantage since it limited the number of handoffs in the rain and mud, and possibilities for fumbling the ball. He ripped off 17 yards on his first play, getting the Tigers out of the hole and up to the 24; Brevyn Ross still got his yards, but he also functioned as a lead blocker for Ben. Worth County picked up a false start, which bailed them out of a bad snap and huge loss on the next play. Brevyn Ross took a direct snap and got a block from Nate Pointer for seven, and then Ben Badell took a sweep and reversed his field over to the right side and picked up 27 more into Musket territory at the 27. Brevyn, who lined up in the Wildkat formation in another wrinkle put in this week by Worth County, pulled down a high snap and stiffarmed his way down to the 18. A false start backed them up, but runs by Ben Badell and Nate Pointer picked up another first down at the 17. Finally, Badell took a keeper and made it look effortless as he cruised his way into the end zone from 12 yards out with one minute left in the first to put Worth County up for good at 8-6.

Once again, North Nodaway threatened and once again they were denied. A 14 yard reverse to Smyser and a 15 yard scramble by Reynolds put them in Tiger territory again. A guard eligible play to Blake Farnan that went for 9 set up another first down at the Tiger 23. But a scramble on second down by Reynolds came up inches short of the first down at the 13, and then a bad snap, their second in the last two possessions, left them with fourth and one at the 14. Reynolds threw a short pass to Smyser, but Brevyn Ross made a perfect one on one tackle on him to deny the Muskets a first down. It was the first of two such tackles by Ross on fourth down. Worth County could not take advantage as Brevyn Ross had  a long touchdown run wiped out by a holding penalty and a reverse to Tevin Cameron was wiped out by another, forcing Worth County to punt for one of just two times that evening.

North-West Nodaway got one first down, and then elected to go for it on fourth and nine at the Tiger 33. They tried to isolate the speedy Korbin Koch on a short pass play, but for the second straight series, Brevyn made a perfect one on one tackle to deny them a first down five yards short and give Worth County the ball at the 29. This time they took advantage as Brevyn shot through a big hole to pick up 12 and move the ball into Musket territory. An offsides penalty moved it to the 34 and then Ben Badell picked up six more for another first down at the 27. From there, Ross shot through a big hole up the middle and scored with 2:08 left. Ben Badell ran in the extra points behind the blocking of Brevyn Ross to put Worth County up 16-6 and put them two possessions ahead.

Worth County got one more score before half and nearly got another one. Jakob Cordell caught a pass from Reynolds over the middle for 13 and then North-West Nodaway overcame a bad snap with a hook and ladder to Dakota Smyser that went into Tiger territory at the 34. But then another bad snap was too much for Reynolds and the Muskets; he threw one on third and 19 at the Musket 37 into double coverage and Nate Pointer came away with the pick for Worth County. Starting on the right side of the field, he took it all the way over to the left side and returned it to the North-West 32. Worth County only needed one play with time winding down on the first half clock to score as Brevyn Ross, who victimized the Muskets in the first meeting, did so again as he slipped three tackles and got loose for a 32-yard score with 44.1 seconds left. He took a power sweep behind the blocking of Mason Hawk and Isaac Alarcon for the extra points to make it a three possession game at 24-6. Worth County got the ball back with 10.7 seconds left after North-West got nowhere and punted it away. Brevyn Ross returned the punt to the Musket 37 and they had one shot at the end zone, but a screen to Isaac Alarcon that would have scored was wiped out by a holding penalty.

There were some pretty interesting numbers on both sides of the ball. For Worth County, Ben Badell (86) had more rushing yards than Brevyn Ross (85). On the other end, North-West Nodaway continued their trend of running just as much as passing, having run 21 rushing plays and 20 passing plays. The frustrating thing for them was that despite having run twice as many plays as Worth County, they only had six points to show for it.

Worth County took it right down the field and scored as Ben Badell ripped off a 39-yard touchdown run as he once again reversed his field on a sweep, starting right and then bouncing it back to the left for a score, putting him over 100 for the night. Isaac Alarcon ran in the extra points for Worth County. But North-West Nodaway revived as Koby Reynolds scrambled for 23 yards down to the Tiger 17 on the Muskets' next series. Two holding penalties and a false start moved them all the way back to the 40, but then Reynolds turned a broken play into gold as he took a bad snap, somehow managed to avoid hitting the ground with his knees, eluded a rush, and threw a strike to Colt McIntyre for 40 yards to bring his team back to within 32-12.

The teams once again traded blows as Brevyn Ross picked up 29 yards and would have broken it for a score had Jakob Cordell not been flagged for a horsecollar penalty that put the ball on the Musket 13. Four plays later, Ross dove into the end zone from two yards out with 5:48 left and added the extra points to make it 40-12. But then Koby Reynolds got loose again for 20 yards to the Tiger 31 and then hit Jakob Cordell for 17 to the 14. A holding penalty moved them back to the 26, but then Reynolds aired it out successfully to Dakota Smyser for 26 yards and ran in the extra points to make it 40-20.

Worth County had some snapping problems of its own in the rain and mud and North-West Nodaway had a golden chance to get right back in the game. Isaac Alarcon's fourth down run came up three yards short at the Tiger 39, which gave them a good chance to score. Koby Reynolds scrambled twice and got a first down to the 27, then he scrambled for another one at the 15. An offsides penalty on Worth County and a five yard carry by Colt McIntyre made it first and goal at the 5, but then an incomplete pass and a holding penalty made it second and goal at the 15. Reynolds tried to scramble again, but was met by Drake Kinsella and Tevin Cameron at the 16. Finally, Reynolds tried a jump ball play with Dakota Smyser, but Brevyn Ross dropped back to cover him and outjumped him for a pick to stifle the threat. It was the third critical defensive play that Ross had made that night.

The Tigers took full advantage of the turnover as Ben Badell picked up 18 more behind the blocking of Brevyn Ross. They were backed up third and 12 at their own 34, but then Isaac Alarcon took a direct snap out of the Wildkat formation. Ben Hart shot through for North-West Nodaway and had him seemingly tackled for a big loss, but Isaac shook him off like he wasn't even there and broke out all alone in the clear for a 46-yard score to make it 46-20. On the ensuing kickoff, Brevyn Ross recovered a fumble at the Musket 38 and Worth County took full advantage. Ben Badell picked up 12 more yards to the 26 and a blow to the head penalty moved it to the 14 despite Coach Andrew Webster's protests. Brevyn Ross took the direct snap on the next play and handed it off to Nate Pointer, whose hard running got him into the end zone with 8:38 left. Ross ran in the extra points to make it 54-20.

North-West showcased their man of the future, Korbin Koch on the next play as he outran everyone for a 55-yard scamper with 8:23 left to give the Muskets a glimmer of hope as they closed to within 54-28. But then Brevyn Ross dashed those hopes with a 47-yard run as he shot through the middle to make it 62-28. On the ensuing kickoff, Tevin Cameron made a shoestring tackle of Smyser at the 10, setting up a fumble recovery when a bad snap wound up on the ground and Drake Kinsella shot through and got to it before any of the Muskets could. Worth County was stuck with fourth and six at the 9, but then Worth County lined up in the Wildkat with Isaac taking the snap; this time, they broke out the jet sweep to Dylan Mildfeldt to make it 68-28 with 4:35 left. North-West refused to go quietly into the night, getting a long pass from Reynolds to Cordell with 3:11 left and then a 41 yard scamper from Colt McIntyre with 41.7 seconds left to account for the final score.

Both teams had given everything they had and earned each others' respect, as evidenced by the group prayer after the game. Worth County is back on the list of teams to beat, but North-West Nodaway is not going away next year. They could be a challenger in the newly revamped 275 along with Nodaway/South Holt, Mound City, Rock Port, and DeKalb next year.

One week after setting a career high in rushing yardage, Ben Badell set another career high with 170 yards on 20 carries. He and Brevyn Ross had nearly identical totals as Ross had 14 carries for 169 yards. Isaac Alarcon had 3 carries for 57 yards, Nate Pointer had 4 carries for 22 yards, and Dylan Mildfeldt had 1 carry for 9 yards. Worth County rushed for 428 yards and only attempted two passes all night.

For North-West Nodaway, Koby Reynolds had 24 carries for 109 yards. Korbin Koch had 3 carries for 69 yards. Colt McIntyre had 10 carries for 58 yards, and Dakota Smyser had 4 carries for 33 yards. Koby Reynolds completed 22 passes on 38 attempts for 304 yards. They rushed 41 times and attempted 38 passes, a change from most of the year when they passed on nearly every single down. Jakob Cordell caught 11 passes for 115 yards. Dakota Smyser had 5 catches for 87 yards. Colt McIntyre had 3 catches for 80 yards. Korbin Koch had 2 catches for 13 yards and Blake Farnan had 1 catch for 9 yards. North-West rushed for 269 yards and passed for 304, outgaining Worth County by 573 yards to 428. But they were stymied by 12 penalties, five bad snaps, and four turnovers.


Great Western Bank in Sheridan to Close

Great Western Bank will close its Sheridan branch, the Sheridan Express has learned. The final day for operation will be January 31st. All deposits of Sheridan customers will be transferred to Grant City. The bank is planning to transfer safe deposit boxes to Grant City as well so that customers will not have to get a new key. The bank had not hired a new branch manager for the bank since the retirement of LaRue Burns, long-time employee of the Sheridan bank and branch manager. The bank is expected to write a letter to customers shortly explaining more details concerning the closure. No plans have been announced for the disposal of the bank building.

The closure will leave Sheridan without banking services for the first time in over 100 years. The closure will also imperial a historic artifact, a 1960 painting containing the history of the town and a street scene from the late 1800's in Sheridan.

15% of Worth County Residents Without Health Insurance

Around 15% of Worth County residents are without health insurance, an analysis by Upshot, a blog contained in the New York Times found. That is up 1% from last year. Nodaway County is at 13%. Andrew County is at 11%. Gentry and Harrison Counties are at 16%. Ringgold County is at 7%, while Taylor County is at 8%; both numbers were lower than in years past.

States which have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act have higher numbers of uninsured people than states which have. Iowa has expanded Medicaid, while Missouri has not. All figures could go higher after this year because of the sharply higher increases in rates being offered this year. The Supreme Court, while upholding the Affordable Care Act, has ruled that states are not required to pass the Medicaid Expansion portion of the bill.

All Americans who meet certain income thresholds are required to purchase health insurance or face tax penalties by the IRS. Last year's penalty was $95. The annual fee for not having insurance in 2015 when income thresholds are met is $325 per adult and $162.50 per child (up to $975 for a family), or it's 2% of your household income above the tax return filing threshold for your filing status – whichever is greater.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tyler Bix carries Mustangs in Victory over Tigers

North Nodaway took an early 11-0 lead and then had to win the game all over again after Worth County had come back to take a 2-point lead. But Tyler Bix took over in the fourth quarter, getting a steal at the end of the third to tie it up at 16 and then scoring four more in the final period. The fourth quarter was a battle of wills, with neither side willing to blink; the game remained tied at 16 in the fourth quarter until Karson Oberhauser hit a contested shot from 12 feet out to put his team up for good at the 3:29 mark. Bix followed with a drive to the basket with 3 minutes left after he was isolated and then added an inside shot with 1:42 left to make it 22-16.

Worth County was not done as Ethan Thomas pulled up and hit a 3-pointer at the top of the key with 6.7 seconds left to make it 22-19. North Nodaway missed a one and one, but Jaxon Anderson traveled to give the Mustangs the ball back in the backcourt. The ensuing 1 and 1 with three tenths of a second didn't hit the rim, which meant no time went off the clock and Worth County had another chance to send it to overtime, going the length of the court. Ethan Thomas caught the ensuing pass from 30 feet away, but couldn't get turned around in time to get a shot off at the buzzer.

Jake Shipman's team sought from the outset to relentlessly attack the rim and get quality shots. Worth County tried to press them and then half-court trap them, but nothing worked as the Mustangs sliced through the press and the trap at will in building up a 9-0 lead after the first quarter. Bix drove and broke the ankles of a Tiger defender to make it 11-0 early in the second, but then Todd Simmons switched to a half court man to man and his Tiger squad came out of their slumber. Jaxon Anderson got the Tigers on the board with a pair of free throws and Zayne Swope buried a kickout from Ethan Thomas to make it 11-4. Tanner Parman converted a steal into a free throw and it was 11-5. Dalton Smyser went coast to coast and converted it into a free throw to put his Mustangs up 14-7 with 3.7 seconds left, but then Ethan Thomas collected the ball on the second shot and pushed it up the floor to Zayne Swope at the buzzer to make it 14-9.

The Tigers came out on fire in the second half as Jaxon Anderson somehow came up with an errant pass from Thomas for a layup. Ethan Thomas buried a 3-pointer to tie it at 14 and all of a sudden, it was a ballgame. Hunter Simmons saved a ball to Anderson for a two-shot foul, which he converted to make it 16-14. But as he was driving in to make it a four point game, he was called for a charge, which was his fourth foul, which forced him to the bench until the closing minutes. That seemed to sap the momentum from Worth County's sails and set up North Nodaway's comeback win.

For North Nodaway, Tyler Bix had 8 to lead his squad. Dalton Smyser had 5, Logan Keho 4, Karson Oberhauser 2, Ryan Riley 2, and Austin Bird 1. For Worth County, Ethan Thomas had 8 points and two 3-pointers. Jaxon Anderson had 6, Zayne Swope 4, and Tanner Parman 1. Thomas, Anderson, and Swope all scored their first points in "A" team junior high action.

Anna Gladstone Gets 13 Points, 8 Steals in Tiger Victory

Worth County shut out North Nodaway through three quarters as Anna Gladstone collected 13 points and 8 steals for the Junior High Tigers. The Tigers put up 32 unanswered points after three before the Mustangs collected 10 in the fourth against Worth County's reserves as Worth County won 32-10.

The teams played the first two minutes scoreless, but then Regan Allee collected a steal and went coast to coast. She missed the ensuing layup, but Merrideth Spiers collected the ensuing offensive board for the first basket of the season for Worth County. Anna Gladstone followed by jumping a pass and getting a layup and then later proceeded to dive on the floor for another steal, rolled on the floor, and somehow managed to avoid getting called for traveling. The backbreaker came shortly afterwards when Anna faked a drive, pulled back well behind the 3-point line, and drained a triple. Worth County continued to outwork and outhustle the overmatched Mustangs, who only have six players on their roster; Regan Allee chased down a miss and saved it in the corner to Kristin New, who threw it back to Regan for another 3-pointer to make it 10-0. Anna jumped another pass to make it 12-0 after one.

From there, it was a team effort as Kristin New was getting the ball out quickly on the breaks, Anna Gladstone was wreaking havoc on both ends of the floor, Regan Allee was crashing hard on the boards from the wing and following her own shots (something that is rocket science to a lot of players), and post players Merrideth Spiers and Kaylee McElvain also did serious damage on the offensive glass. They didn't score a lot, but they were just as needed on the floor, as they kept numerous possessions alive with their offensive rebounding, leading to points for the other three players.

In the second, Megan Cassavaugh came off the bench and ran the floor well on a break; Anna Gladstone jumped a post entry pass and got a quick outlet to Kristin New, who found Megan spotted up perfectly for a weak side layup.  Merrideth Spiers found some new-found passing ability as she found Anna Gladstone for a backdoor layup; Anna had another play where she channeled her uncle Will, still near the top of the scoring charts in the hallways of Worth County R-III. She drove in slightly out of control and threw up a prayer, missing it, but getting the foul call and winding up sprawled on the floor, something Will did all the time. She then broke away after Regan Allee poked a ball loose with her long arms for a layup to make it 22-0 at halftime. Braidy Hunt came off the bench to play solid defense; Jill Hardy and Nevada Hoff also came off the bench in the quarter.

Anna Gladstone had six steals by halftime and was not done yet, showing the same kind of energy and effort that she did in the first half, diving on the floor and collecting a steal right off the bat. If she stays healthy, she has a chance to challenge the single game record for steals held jointly by Keitha Hart and Marcy Ruckman, with 12 each. Kristin New followed with another steal and outmuscled a defender to the basket for a layup; despite her small size, she has shown a knack for doing that. Kaylee McElvain got on the board in the third quarter, taking a pass inside from Anna Gladstone and turning it into a couple of free throws and jumping a pass for a layup after Kristin New had knocked a ball to near the midcourt line. Jill Hardy came off the bench, jumping a couple of passes and turning them into a layup and a free throw. She has grown several inches since last year and will do a lot more of that in the future with her long arms and speed.

Anna Gladstone had 13 to lead the Tigers. Worth County got seven in the scoring column; Regan Allee had 5, Kaylee McElvain 4, Kristin New and Jill Hardy 3, and Merrideth Spiers and Megan Cassavaugh 2 each.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Worth County Sheriff's Report

10-19 -- Officer arrests local male on Worth County warrant.
10-19 -- Officer transports person to Ringgold County Jail.
10-20 -- Officer arrests local male on Worth County warrant.
10-20 -- Officer transports subject to St. Joseph Department of Corrections.
10-20 -- Person calls for officer regarding car title.
10-20 -- Resident in to report lost or stolen dog, a toy dachshund.
10-20 -- Report of cow out on Route B.
10-21 -- Person calls with questions about a car title.
10-21 -- Officer assists person locked out of house.
10-22 -- Grant City resident reports attempted breakin of her garage.
10-22 -- Person in about IRS scam.
10-22 -- Officer investigating vandalism at local residence; tires were slashed.
10-23 -- Person in to pick up statement form.

'Lil Tigers Take Home First Championships Ever

The Worth County 'Lil Tigers won their first trophies ever Saturday in Graceland in the Eight Man Division. The A team avenged an earlier loss to Lamoni and won 19-7; the B "Black" team also won the championship, beating East Union Blue 34-18. Participation numbers were at an all-time high, with the 'Lil Tigers also able to field a second competitive "B" team.

Daniel Gladstone, coach of the A team, said that Alex Rinehart ran hard for his squad, while Jackson Runde and Cooper Simmons opened up holes and Austin and Zach Pride down the middle as Worth County won the battle of the trenches. Dawson Vore showed a lot of promise at defensive end, which is one of the most important positions in eight man football. Aydan Gladstone forced two fumbles, while Runde stood out on defense as well.

There will be a banquet for the teams Sunday, November 1st at 6 pm at the Skating Rink. Both trophies will be on display, and all three teams will be recognized for their hard work.

Worth Treatin' Brings Out the Trick or Treaters

The annual Worth Treatin' celebration brought out the trick or treaters Sunday. There were plenty of ghosts, goblins, and other spooks that afternoon. Later, folks went to either the Skating Rink for a chili supper or the Haunted House that was behind the football field at the school. Blaine Bohling won the costume contest while Klayton Verbick was second.

Businesses who either set up a booth and/or donated to the event, as compiled by the Sheridan Express, were Andrews-Hann Funeral Home, Country Corners, Northwest Medical Center/Mosaic, Grant City CBC, Grant City United Methodist Church, Snakebite, Hart's Drive-In, Worth County Courthouse, Great Western Bank, Monticue Construction, Sheridan CBC, C&S Car Wash, Rural Missouri Insurance, Northwest Cell, Kobbe Lawn Care, Helena, Worth County FBLA, Mission Possible, Fraternal Order of the Bears, Grant City Fire Department, Worth County Ambulance, Worth County Convalescent Center, MFA, Headstone Country Variety Store, Worth County Lumber, Public Water Supply District #1, Hy-Vee, Flowers N' Things, Dollar General, Janet Wake Larison, Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home, Kinsella Lawn Care, Ted's Repair, Wool Shop, Grant City Golf Course, Crossroads/Assembly of God, Parman Farms, and the City of Grant City.

Worth Treatin' is still taking donations; to donate, contact Brenda Miller. All proceeds will go to Mission Possible.

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Worth County to Face Stiff Test Friday; Could be Final Game with North-West Nodaway

Worth County will face a stiff test Friday at 7:00 after enjoying a week off; they will face North-West Nodaway in the first round. The Muskets drew the #4 seed despite having beaten the #2 seed, Greenfield easily earlier in the year. Another seeding that left observers scratching their heads was Rock Port also being seeded behind Greenfield, dropping to the third slot after getting lit up by Hardin-Central Friday. Worth County will have the advantage of being rested.

The Tigers played their best game of the year against North-West earlier in the year, winning 58-12 in a game ended in the third quarter. Brevyn Ross ripped off nearly 300 yards in that game and Worth County answered questions about their defense by shutting down North-West's vaunted passing attack by holding them to 78 yards in a performance reminiscent of the 1981 team that shut out five in a row or the 1956 team which beat Maryville handily.

But that game lies in the past; Andrew Webster has diversified his game plan in the weeks after that loss. He first broke out the running game against Albany after falling behind 40-22; the Muskets forced overtime and lost 62-60 against the 7-2 Warriors. The 106-57 loss to Nodaway-South Holt turned out to be an aberration; the Muskets bounced right back like that game never happened and beat East Atchison 79-22 Friday after the Wolves had appeared to have momentum after putting up 32 against Worth County. Against East Atchison, North-West ran the ball 30 times and passed 31 times, getting more rushing yards (304) than passing yards (224). But the passing game is still there; that is the whole point. In Andrew Webster's world, he uses the pass to set up the run rather than the other way around. That is similar to June Jones' Hawaii teams which won a lot of games and rewrote the record books along the way.

Coach Webster is not afraid to rely on the pass; he once attempted 88 passes against Polo when he was the head coach of Tarkio and the Indians were still playing 11-man football. He attempted 92 against Rock Port in an 88-70 loss earlier this year. In his first year coaching 8-man, still guiding the helm at Tarkio, he guided the Indians to an 8-4 record and a playoff appearance behind a 6'6" receiver. But he has also gone to the other extreme; last year, after pass protection had broken down repeatedly in a 36-18 loss to Rock Port, he relied exclusively on the run in a 42-20 win over East Atchison. The Muskets will spread out the field, run no huddle, and take whatever the defense will give them. The line has gotten much better at protecting Koby Reynolds; the Wolves did not get a single sack and Reynolds was able to scramble out of trouble any time he was under pressure. He is one of the most difficult men in the area to tackle.

After ripping off a 67-yard run against East Atchison, Dakota Smyser has emerged as a threat to run as well as catch the ball. He would start as runningback on a lot of other teams; he has speed and he can stiffarm people. The Muskets ran a lot of misdirection, jet sweeps, and a quick hitter similar to the play Worth County uses to spring Isaac Alarcon free for a big gain.

For Worth County, stopping the run after the catch will be key. Reynolds is not afraid to throw deep several times; he completed a long one to Smyser Friday night. But usually, the Muskets will throw short passes, get their guy the ball in the open field, and rely on their ability to run after the catch. Jakob Cordell is one of the physically strongest men on the field in the area; he can drag defenders 10 yards after they latch on to him or else shake them off like they're not there at all. Worth County held him to two catches earlier in the year; if he gets loose, they will be in for a long night defensively.

On the other side of the ball, Worth County rode the back of Brevyn Ross to reestablish itself as one of the top teams in the area. He is now at nearly 1,300 yards for the year. He ran wild against North-West Nodaway, getting nearly 300 against them. But they have diversified their game as well. Isaac Alacron has emerged as another threat to run with the ball as well. Ben Badell can go deep with his passing game; he can also run with the ball, picking up 115 against East Atchison two weeks ago. Chris Alarcon is his top receiving threat. North-West will have to do better in the trenches if they are to slow down Worth County; in the first game, they would stack eight players in the box and still get driven back five yards.

Worth County is fourth in eight man football with 59.1 points per game; North-West is right behind them at sixth with 57. The other side of the ball has been the big difference; Worth County is sixth in defense with 30.2 points allowed while North-West Nodaway is the fifth from the bottom at 59.1 points allowed per game. Koby Reynolds has completed 273 passes in 432 attempts for 3,677 yards, around three times that of his nearest rival. However, Ben Badell averages nearly 30 yards per completion, over a third of the length of the field. He has completed 24 passes in 52 attempts for 621 yards. Brevyn Ross is third in eight man football with 1,290 yards in 127 attempts, over 10 yards per carry. For North-West Nodaway, Jakob Cordell has 88 catches for 1,351 yards, tops in eight man football. Dakota Smyser is 2nd with 55 catches for 978 yards. Daytona Lutz has 59 catches for 599 yards. Jakob Cordell is 2nd in sacks with 11 for North-West Nodaway while Blake Farnan is 4th with 7.5 and Ben Hart is 6th with 6. Cordell has 196 tackles to lead the Muskets, 2nd in eight man football. For Worth County, Tevin Cameron has 103 tackles (6th) and Tristan Miller has 87 (10th). Tevin will likely move up the ranks as he had 24 against Stanberry. These stats do not include Friday's games.

Depending on how districts are assigned, this could be the last game in a while between the two schools. Worth County is moving to the Grand River Conference next year to play St. Joseph Christian, North Andrew, Stanberry, King City, Braymer, Pattonsburg, and Albany in the eight man division of the conference. North-West Nodaway will play in the merged Highway 275 Conference; Stewartsville, DeKalb, and South Nodaway will join from the Platte Valley Conference.

Muskets Diversify Game, Get Back on Winning Track

North-West Nodaway diversified its game and got back on the winning track in the first round of districts Friday night, beating East Atchison 79-22. Normally a passing team, they ran the ball a lot more and did so successfully, getting backs loose into the open field several times.

East Atchison, hoping to capitalize off the Worth County game, in which they put up 34 points in a losing effort, got the ball first and aired it out on the first play from quarterback Brendon Bruns to Gage McAdams, who had torched Worth County the week before with four long scores. He was wide open with nobody in front of him, but the ball was just beyond his reach. Had they scored, anything could have happened given that North-West was coming off a 106-57 loss to Nodaway/South Holt. But as things stood, Bruns tried a running play only to be met by Dakota Smyser, and Garrett Ball was met by a host of blue shirts led by Ben Hart leading to a three and out. Having gotten one chance at burning the Muskets, they would not get another one as North-West jammed McAdams at the line of scrimmage all night and would never let him get loose like that again as they played their best defensive game of the year.

In the meantime, North-West scored on its first play from scrimmage. They faked a sweep to the left side and ran one to the right and Dakota Smyser got loose and outran everyone for a 67-yard score with 10:22 left, a rare long running touchdown for Andrew Webster's Muskets. Josh McGinness' extra point kick was good and that made it 7-0.

Bryant Hummel tried to establish Ball on the next series, but after picking up six on the first play, he was met by a wall consisting of Jakob Cordell and Blake Farnan on the next play. They tried a keeper on the next play, but Bruns was met by Ben Hart and Jakob Cordell, with Dakota Smyser cleaning up to force another three and out.

It looked like it would be a repeat of the first meeting between the first two teams, where North-West would score nearly every time they touched the ball. Koby Reynolds threw a strike to Jakob Cordell, who raced down the right sideline for a 71-yard score. But then someone held at the line of scrimmage well after Cordell was off to the races; East Atchison was also flagged on the play for a rare defensive block in the back penalty and they replayed it over again.

North-West recovered from the miscue and put together a nice long drive, started when Smyser's counter went for 10 yards and a first down. Colt McIntyre's catch and run picked up nine more and then Koby Reynolds' scramble picked up another first down at the 35. East Atchison played to stop the pass all night, but that left plenty of room for Reynolds to scramble or to hit them with counters, jet sweeps, and quick hitters. A long pass to Daytona Lutz might have gone for six, but it was played perfectly and broken up by McAdams. But Dakota Smyser caught a swing pass, got a block from Ben Hart, and took it 17 down to the Wolves' 28. A shovel pass went nowhere, and Reynolds could find nobody open on the next play. But he scrambled 23 more yards all the way down to the 5. Korbin Koch was stopped short of the goal line at the 1 and then the Muskets, obviously not used to working on running plays, had consecutive fumbled handoffs. But on fourth down Dakota Smyser showed he was the real deal as a runningback; he stiffarmed Shae DeRosier and then dove into the end zone against two more defenders with 5:30 left. McGinness kicked the extra point to make it 14-0. Out of 71 yards, Andrew Webster's Muskets had picked up 45 on the ground and only 26 through the air, a big change from most of their drives.

Both teams exchanged punts on the next series; Jakob Cordell blew up a spread draw with a big hit and Ben Hart hurried Bruns on third down. East Atchison tried to go deep to McAdams again, but North-West Nodaway jammed him at the line perfectly and the pass fluttered incomplete. North-West tried to go deep, but East Atchison covered the long ball perfectly, and the Muskets were stymied twice by false starts.

East Atchison picked up a first down on the next series aided by an offsides penalty and then tried to spring McAdams loose with a reverse, but it fooled nobody as Smyser and Cordell were there to blow it up. Ben Hart got a sack on third down to force another punt.

Smyser picked up another 11 on a jet sweep, and that seemed to open up the passing lanes for North-West. Cordell caught a short pass and then dragged Brendon Bruns 10 yards down the field to the Wolves' 31 before they could finally bring him down. Daytona Lutz' catch and run picked up 12 more to the 19 and a short pass to Koch became a first and goal at the 8 thanks to a 15-yard facemask. Koby Reynolds scrambled for one yard as the first quarter came to a close. The stats were pretty interesting -- the Muskets had twice as many rushing yards in the first quarter -- 124 as passing yards -- 62. Koch picked up six yards to the Wolves one around the left end behind Jakob Cordell's blocking and then picked up the final yard with 11:23 left in the second. Garrett Ball shot through and tipped McGinness' extra point try to keep it at 20-0.

East Atchison finally got on the board when Bruns got loose out in the open; he started to the right and broke to the left, breaking tackle after tackle to get into the end zone. Ball followed a big hole up the middle to make it 20-8 with 7:28 left in the first half. Colt McIntyre got loose for 12 on a quick hitter to move the ball into Wolves' territory and Reynolds apparently had Cordell wide open for a 25-yard strike on fourth and five at the 25. Gage McAdams made a great play to break it up; however, he should have knocked it down. That would have given the Wolves the ball on the 25, however, he intercepted it, which meant the Wolves had the ball on their own 4 as opposed to the 25. That mistake turned out to be costly.

With Coach Andrew Webster lobbying the officials for a safety, Jakob Cordell drove Bruns back to the 1 and then Ball hit a wall of blue shirts on the 1 as he barely got out of the end zone. Finally, Cordell shot the gap and dropped Ball in the end zone for a safety to make it 22-8 with 7:28 left.

North-West Nodaway went three and out after Smyser ran into a wall of defenders on third down, but a great punt by Koby Reynolds dropped the Wolves at the 13. The Wolves lined up with McAdams as a quarterback and Bruns as a receiver, but it didn't work as David Hull shot through and dropped McAdams. They tried a handoff to Ball, but a swarm of defenders, led by Hull, Smyser, and Blake Farnan pushed him back to the 3. Finally, with Bruns back at quarterback for East Atchison, the ensuing snap was on the ground and Bruns' knee hit the ground as he tried to pick it up and the Muskets collected their second consecutive safety to make it 24-8.

The ensuing kick was brought back to the 23 thanks to a block in the back penalty, but North-West Nodaway put together another sustained drive. Dakota Smyser caught a 14-yarder to the 37 and then Cordell's catch and run moved the ball into Wolves' territory at the 34. Reynolds' scramble for 16 yards after getting a block from Colt McIntyre picked up another first down to the 15 and Daytona Lutz got a turn at carrying the ball, taking it for five more down to the 10 thanks to a block from Cordell. Reynolds threw a pass to Smyser, who made a great catch, but he was ruled out of bounds. Finally, Reynolds threw to Cordell just across the plane of the end zone; he somehow hung onto the ball and kept a foot inbounds before falling out with 2:19 left. McGinness' extra point kick made it 31-8.

There was a heartstopping moment on East Atchison's next series as two Musket players tried to pick Brendon Bruns' flat pass attempt and took themselves out of the play; had it been an accurate throw, Max Hopkins would have gone for six. But the throw was well over his head. Later, with Bruns scrambling for extra yardage, Cordell pushed him out of bounds right into the table with the water coolers and Gatorade, knocking it over and spilling water all over the ground. A false start on fourth and two at the 40 made it fourth and seven at the 35 with 1:31 left, but for some reason, East Atchison tried to go for it and Bruns was flushed out of the pocket and chased out of bounds for no gain, leaving the Muskets with a short field and plenty of time to score.

They only needed three plays to do so. McIntyre caught a short pass for four yards to the 31 and a false start moved them back to the 36. But then Koby Reynolds aired it out for 36 yards to Dakota Smyser with 56.8 seconds left to make it 37-8 as Smyser beat the Wolves' defense. A sack by Colt McIntyre and Dakota Smyser ended any chance of the Wolves mounting an answer before the half. Only in the last few minutes of the half did the rushing and passing numbers start to even out; North-West had 165 rushing yards and 149 passing yards by halftime.

North-West tried some razzle dazzle to start the second half, but it fell flat. Freshman runningback Dylan Carden checked into the came and attempted a throwback pass to Koby Reynolds, which might have been open. But he slipped and fell on the surface as it had been raining and the field had become slick. They tried another play, where they set up a play which looked like a reverse, only for the back to hand it back to Koby Reynolds, who tried to air it out to Cordell deep. But that play fooled nobody as two Wolves defenders were on him. Reynolds tried to go deep to Korbin Koch on their third play, but he was doubled and Reynolds threw it away.

That forced them to punt, but Reynolds made another great kick down to the 14. East Atchison was driven back again and North-West nearly got a third safety. One of the Wolves receivers took the penalty rather than allow David Hull a pick, moving it back to the 7. A delay moved it back further and Blake Farnan flushed Bruns out of the pocket and forced a hurried throw on third down which could have been grounding; that forced them to punt. A sudden gust of wind caught the ensuing punt and knocked it down, giving the Muskets another short field to work with at the Wolves 30. Dakota Smyser picked up 13 on another sweep, putting him over 100 rushing yards for the night; the ref tacked on more yardage for a horsecollar to move the ball to the 8. Korbin Koch took a sweep and outran a defender down to the 3; Reynolds got in trouble on the next play and scrambled around; he threw up a jump ball to Cordell in the back of the end zone that he came up with to make it 43-8 with 9:39 left in the third.

East Atchison finally got a sustained drive going as Brendon Bruns ripped off 10 on a spread draw, Garrett Ball caught a short pass and took it for 10 more, and the Wolves finally got Gage McAdams loose for 14 yards from the Wildkat formation. Finally, a reverse to Ball for 20 yards put them on the board with 7:07 left to make it 43-14.

The Muskets came right back through the air as Daytona Lutz caught a 15 yard pass over the middle down to the Wolves' 30. Reynolds scrambled two times for eight more yards, and Dakota Smyser's catch and run took it down to the 3. A pass interference put it at the 1 and a false start moved it back to the 6, where a quick hitter by Colt McIntyre picked up the remaining yardage with 5:45 left. On the extra point try, Reynolds attempted a guard eligible pass to Treston Sanders in the right corner of the end zone. He saw he wasn't opened and scrambled to the left side of the field; as the entire Wolves defense shifted over, Sanders was left uncovered and Reynolds threw a strike to complete the extra point play to make it 51-14.

That seemed to be the backbreaker for the Wolves. McAdams was dropped for a loss of one by Cordell and McIntyre. On the next play, Garrett Ball tried to reverse his field but was met by McIntyre, who dropped him for another loss. McAdams picked up six on the next play, and once again, for some reason, East Atchison tried to go for it on fourth and five from inside their own territory at the 38. Bruns tried the spread draw that had worked before, but this time he was met by McIntyre again for a loss of three back to the 35, setting up another short field for the Muskets to work with. This time, Colt McIntyre got loose for a 34 yard run as he outran one defender and got a block from Ben Hart. He took it in for the score on the next play and Korbin Koch, coming in at quarterback, got loose on a sweep to make it 59-14 to trigger the running clock.

East Atchison once again went three and out and Koch took the reigns at quarterback for the first time in the game. Coaches will not rest easy next year with Reynolds, who was the third quarterback in Missouri high school football history according to the Nodaway News-Leader to top 10,000 passing yards, graduating. Koch did not look like a freshman at all as he continued to guide Andrew Webster's Muskets down the field, hitting Colt McIntyre on his first attempt for 17 yards. His draw play went for nine more and then his play action pass to Josh McGinness went for 14 more to bring it down to the five. He then threw a strike to McIntyre in the end zone and ran in the extra points to make it 67-14.

The ensuing squib kick bounced off a white shirt and into the arms of Jon Lewis, giving the Muskets another short field to work with. Koch had his only misfire on his next attempt -- trying to air it out into the stiff north wind that had sprung up. Then, he took a busted play for four yards and Dakota Smyser came up inches short at the Wolves 22, setting up fourth and inches. But Koch got a lot more than a first down as he used a Ben Hart block to spring loose into the end zone with 9:02 left to make it 73-14. The Wolves drove down the field and scored as Coach Andrew Webster began subbing freely, getting into the end zone with 4:06 left.

David Hull got two turns carrying the ball on the next series, ripping off 26 yards and putting North-West Nodaway over the 300 mark in rushing, with 304 rushing yards total for the night. Finally, Koch threw a strike on the final play of the game to Jakob Cordell at the Wolves' 21. Anxious to score on his final play ever on the Burlington Junction field, he shook off one tackler like he wasn't even there and then outmuscled two more defenders to force his way into the end zone for North-West Nodaway's final score.

For the game, North-West Nodaway had more rushing yards (304) than passing yards (224), the first time that has happened in a while. Dakota Smyser had 8 carries for 108 yards. Koby Reynolds and Colt McIntyre had identical totals of 6 carries for 54 yards each. Korbin Koch had 7 carries for 51 yards, David Hull had 2 carries for 32, and Daytona Lutz had 1 carry for 5 yards. North-West averaged more from their running game than their passing game, picking up 10.1 yards per rushing attempt. They attempted 30 rushing plays and 31 passing plays for the game.

Koby Reynolds had 26 attempts and 16 completions for "only" 181 yards; it was his second lowest total of the year, but he'll take it with the victory. Koch had 4 attempts and 3 completions for 43 yards; Dylan Carden had one pass attempt. Dakota Smyser caught 5 passes for 90 yards; Jakob Cordell caught 6 passes for 69 yards. Daytona Lutz caught 6 passes for 53 yards. Colt McIntyre caught 1 pass for 9 yards, Josh McGinness caught 1 pass for 8 yards, and Korbin Koch caught 1 pass for 3 yards.

Friday, October 23, 2015

Worth County Sheriff's Report

10-13 -- Person calls about a pending case.
10-13 -- Person calls about problem with city and their driveway.
10-14 -- Officer investigating problem with school bus.
10-15 -- Cattle out on 46 west; owner notified.
10-15 -- Officer transports male prisoner to Ringgold County Jail.
10-15 -- Officer arrests female on Nodaway County warrant.
10-15 -- Officer arrests male subject on Nodaway County warrant; officer transports subject to Nodaway County.
10-16 -- Person in to report stolen radiator.
10-16 -- Horses out on K; owner notified.
10-17 -- Report of car-deer accident on B.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Rory Bredlow Sparks NEN Junior High Boys to Easy Win

Northeast Nodaway's junior high boys dropped their first game of the year to North Nodaway. Jared Freemyer said that they were too stagnant against their 2-3 zone on offense and did too much hacking and fouling on defense. The result was a 12 point loss after they had led for much of the game.

But since then, Jared Freemyer's Bluejays have gotten better. Against King City, a team normally very competitive, Northeast beat them 40-6 in a running clock game in King City. Against Union Star, Rory Bredlow played a big part for his squad, especially in the first quarter, to spark them to a 47-17 victory. He scored off a fast break early in the game off a Reed McIntyre steal and scored off a back door pass from Ethan Adwell. He would not score again for the rest of the game, but he would have an impact, as he constantly hounded the Trojan players into mistakes, bad passes, and turnovers similar to what Paige West did in the girls game and similar to what Zach and Al Harmening did during their playing days at Worth County.

Northeast tried to run Star out of the gym, but their skipper, David Stroud, had them well prepared for that tactic. They were able to stay with Northeast despite having had little experience on the court and came to play. But then Northeast began working the offensive glass in the second quarter to pull away, outscoring the Trojans 12-1 in the second as Mitchell Sherry, Ethan Adwell, and Nathan Schieber all collected boards. Rory added two assists in the period. "Rory was a game-changer," said Freemyer after the game. "When he was on the bench, we could do nothing."

Freemyer's squad used balanced scoring in the third to put up 20 more and trigger the running clock. "We spread out our scoring as well as we have since I've been here," he said. McIntyre had 8, Schieber had 6, Sherry had 4, and Levi Boulting had 2 in the period. Craig Burns came off the bench to score from inside for the reserves in the fourth and Boulting, only a 7th grader, hit an NBA 3-pointer at the buzzer. For the last three years, Freemyer had the luxury of having a go-to player he could rely on for scoring in Dylan Mildfeldt and later Spencer Weir. "We don't have that this year, but we have a lot of players who really work hard and know the game," said Freemyer. "It's a fun group to coach."

Paige West Steals 17 as NEN Junior High Girls Get 1st Win

Northeast, which lost a couple of close games in their first two matches of the year against North Nodaway and King City, found the secret to winning -- keep their main players on the floor and keep them out of foul trouble. After struggling with it in their first two games, Joyce Stiens was able to keep all her main players on the floor for Tuesday's 30-11 win over Union Star.

With everybody on the floor, Northeast was able to wreak havoc with its press. Paige West had 10 points and 17 steals to lead Northeast, repeatedly tying up Trojan players or jumping passes on the press. She got 15 of her steals in the first half, before Stiens called off the press in the second half. Post player Blair Stoll, Kevin's sister, was able to match West and do a lot of damage in the post. Anne Schieber added a nifty pullup from 12 feet out and a putback; Angela Standiford, Brittany Moran, and Cassie Redden all had 2 each.

The game was competitive for the first quarter before Northeast scored the last six points to break a 2-2 tie and make it 8-2. Northeast scored the first 14 of the second quarter to build up a 24-3 halftime lead.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Obituary -- Ernest Kretzer

Ernest Kretzer, 66, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at his son’s home, in Rockaway Beach, surrounded by his loved ones, on Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. 

Ernest was born to Don Thomas Kretzer and Susie Gertrude (Parker) Kretzer. 

Ernest was a painter for many years in Colorado, and also farmed tobacco in Weston, Mo. He was a logger for Simpson’s Sawmill. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Susie Gertrude Kretzer; a granddaugher, Lacey Kretzer; a brother, Dallas Kretzer; and sister, Lois Leota Kretzer; and sister-in-law, Cindy Kretzer. 
He is survived by: his children, Ernie Kretzer and John Kretzer, of St. Joseph, Thomas Kretzer (Linda), Rockaway Beach, and Becky Kretzer Nelson (Richard), Ardmore, Okla.; brothers, Alec Hovey (Jerrie), Kenneth Kretzer?(Linda), Larry Kretzer (Betty), Richard Kretzer, Charles Kretzer and Lloyd Kretzer (Dawn); sisters, Patricia Ray and Linda Baskins; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Bubba Phroper, and former wife and mother of his children Martha Deaton of St. Joseph.
 
Ernest lived life to the fullest. He loved to be around his family and friends and always appreciated a cold beer. He was a very loving father and grandfather. He never knew a stranger and would help anybody. He loved traveling to Colorado as it was his second home. If you were so lucky to have known Ernest, you know there was never a dull moment and laughter -- you will be sadly missed. We all love you, Pops! Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Friday, at the Rupp Chapel, Andy Campbell officiating. The family received friends from 6- 8 PM Thursday, Rupp Funeral Home. The Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Nodaway/South Holt Breaks Eight Man Record; Scores 106 Points in Game

North-West Nodaway started out playing like state champions in Friday night's game with Nodaway/South Holt. They roared out to a 39-12 lead early in the second quarter behind the arm of Koby Reynolds in a game that looked like it would be over at halftime. But it turned out Josh Peterson's Spartans were just getting started. They scored 20 in the second to cut it to 45-32; scored 30 in the third quarter and 44 in the final period to win by the crazy score of 106-57. This crazy game was finally called in the fourth quarter in Nodaway/South Holt's favor after it had looked like the Muskets would end the game at halftime.

The stats were just as crazy as the game. Brody Day rushed for 202 yards in the winning effort; Allen Ottman threw for 211 yards for the Spartans. Koby Reynolds did all he could for his Muskets; he completed 35 of 70 passes for 560 yards. Jakob Cordell had 13 catches for 278 yards.

The game broke the Missouri Eight Man Record for points scored in a game; the previous record was 98 points set by Fairfax over Union Star in 2006; the Bulldogs won 98-6. North Andrew came close to that record this year, beating one of their opponents 96-16. The combined point total of 163 was also an Eight Man record, eclipsing the record set earlier in the year when Rock Port beat North-West Nodaway 88-70; 158 combined points were scored in that game. 

The Spartans had shown the ability to get back in games when they faced Worth County; they had a chance to get back into their game after falling behind 36-0, coming to within 36-12 at one point before Worth County pulled away with a backbreaking screen pass at the end of the half.

Ben Badell Rushes for Career High as Tigers Win Senior Night

Ben Badell, normally known for his deep passing ability, ran for 115 yards to lead Worth County past East Atchison 80-32. He dodged, weaved, and threaded his way through traffic as he led his team to victory over a Wolves squad which showed a lot of improvement over some of the lifeless losses they have had. Tevin Cameron ran back consecutive kickoffs for scores, while Brevyn Ross and Isaac Alarcon had their moments as well. The stats were down Friday night because Worth County had a lot of short fields to work with thanks to special teams. They did well to limit their turnovers to 1; had they turned the ball over like they did against Stanberry (5), it would have been a much different ballgame. Brevyn Ross added 88 yards and Isaac Alarcon had 71.

Before the game, seniors from band and football along with Tiger Mascot Lydia Babb were recognized along with their families. Also recognized were football players Chris Alarcon, Ben Badell, Max Giesken, Jacob Hardy, Montana Lykins, Tristan Miller, Nate Pointer, Brevyn Ross, and Rune Zinn along with band members Joel Kollitz and Will Runde.

But East Atchison pulled off a successful onsides kick as the ball caromed off Dalton Auffert and into the white shirts; six plays later, Garrett Ball was in the end zone to make it 6-0 with 9:32 left in the first. Worth County was still playing in a stupor from having lost its last two and nearly lost the next kickoff to the Wolves before Tevin Cameron bobbled it around and scooped it up and returned it to the 40 as Brevyn Ross pushed him forward into a hole. They got into a hole thanks to a holding penalty, but got out of it as Brevyn Ross took a direct snap and took it 17 yards to the 33 and little-used Max Giesken caught a pass over the middle for 30 yards to the 3. That was enough for Brevyn Ross to push his way into the end zone behind a block from Jacob Hardy. Brevyn ran in the extra points behind a block from Isaac Alarcon to make it 8-6 with 8:40 left.

East Atchison went three and out, and then Ben Badell carried the team on his back, picking up 21 yards on a sweep behind blocking from Brevyn Ross and Tevin Cameron to the 19. He then froze the Wolves' defense with a perfect fake that fooled everyone and used a block from Chris Alarcon to get into the end zone with 7:13 left to make it 14-6.

A fake punt fooled nobody as Gage McAdams' run was met short of the first down at the Wolves' 27; Worth County took advantage of another short field to score again. Brevyn Ross dove into the middle, got blocks from Jacob Hardy and Tristan Miller, and bounced to the outside for 16 yards down to the 3. Ben Badell took on a defender and pushed his way to the 1, and Brevyn got the final yard with 4:39 left. Ross ran in the extra points to make it 22-6.

Once again, East Atchison went three and out; this time, they elected to kick, but Tristan Miller got his hand on the punt and Brevyn Ross scooped it up and returned it to the Wolves' 26. Once again, Ben Badell carried the team as he froze everyone by faking a play action pass, pulling down the ball, and scrambling 22 yards to the 4. Isaac Alarcon ran in the final four yards and then ran in the extra points behind blocking from Drake Kinsella and Mason Hawk to make it 30-6.

Worth County looked to add to its lead as East Atchison went for it on fourth and three at their own 31 after Worth County had been called for running into the kicker. The Wolves were stopped short, but Worth County was stopped for one of two times all night as Shae DeRosier shot through and stripped Isaac Alarcon at the Wolves' 9; he would have gone in for a score had he not made that play. Quarterback Brendon Bruns then carried Bryant Hummel's squad on his back as he scrambled 37 yards to get out of trouble into Tiger territory and then followed that up with a long pass to Gage McAdams from 31 yards out. This showed the kind of game that East Atchison has when they are on; Coach Chris Healy put four different people on receiver Gage McAdams, but could never slow him down the rest of the way. The scary thing about it is McAdams is only a freshman; however, Wolves coach Bryant Hummell will have to find someone to get him the ball since Bruns will graduate after this year. They can also direct snap it to runningback Garrett Ball as well.

But Tevin Cameron would not let the Wolves get back in the game as he ran back the ensuing squib kick 54 yards for a score. He had struggled with returning kicks last week; however, he did a much better job this week of trusting his speed and his blockers. Brevyn Ross ran in the extra points to make it 38-12 with 9:35 left. Once again, East Atchison marched right back down the field, getting a 36 yard strike from Bruns to McAdams with 7:42 left to make it 38-18. But then Tevin returned it for a score once again, getting a block from Nate Pointer, who took out two defenders on that play.

This time, East Atchison, instead of throwing straight down the field to McAdams, got him loose on a pick play and isolated him on Rune Zinn. He made the catch, but Rune made the hustle play of the night; he never gave up on the play, but made a shoestring tackle of McAdams at the 2 to keep him out of the end zone. Ball's run put the Wolves in the end zone two plays later to make it 44-24 with 6:21 left.

There was a heartstopping moment on the ensuing onsides kick; a recovery and score would have put Bryant Hummel's Wolves right back in the game two scores down. But Tristan Miller fell on the ball right before being swarmed under by the white shirts at the 36. Dylan Mildfeldt's 23 yard run, where he broke some tackles and weaved through traffic moved the ball to the 17. A holding penalty moved them back to the 22, but Isaac bounced to the outside as a fake to Brevyn Ross fooled everyone and he got down to the 1. Brevyn Ross would not be denied on the next play as he head-butted a defender to push his way in. Ben Badell threw a pass to Chris Alarcon that was a little high, but Topher bobbled it several times and finally gathered it in for the extra points to make it 52-24. A roughing the passer penalty on East Atchison allowed Worth County to kick it into the end zone, and they went three and out.

Brevyn Ross ran back the ensuing punt to the Wolves' 16 on a play set up when Tevin Cameron held up his man perfectly. The Tigers were stuck with fourth and 9 at the 15, but Ben Badell carried out a perfect option fake to the right, pulled back, and threw a strike to Isaac Alarcon on the other side on a screen pass; he made it into the end zone. A holding penalty called back Worth County's first extra point try, but then a reverse to Tevin Cameron fooled everyone and he made it unchallenged with 1:31 left to make it 60-24 with 1:31 left in the half.

East Atchison got the ball to start the second half, but Brevyn Ross and Nate Pointer shot through to deny Ball a first down on a direct snap play on fourth and one, giving Worth County the ball on the Wolves' 37. Ben Badell once again got loose, scrambling down the field and reversing his field twice to get down to the 25 after a holding penalty had wiped out a first down run. Two plays later, Isaac Alarcon got loose as he shot straight up the middle on a spread draw from 25 yards out to make it 66-24.

Worth County could have ended the game earlier, as East Atchison went three and out and Brevyn Ross returned the ensuing punt down to the 18. But then Coach Chris Healy gave his JV a chance to end the game and they could not do the job, turning the ball back to the Wolves on downs. Given new life, Bruns aired it out to McAdams, covered by Brevyn Ross. Ross had it covered perfectly, but slipped on the play and McAdams' 61 yard pass made it 66-32 with 3:29 left after Ball's extra point run.

Healy put his starters back in and only needed one play to respond after Jacob Hardy scooped up the ensuing onsides kick, found some daylight, and dragged some defenders 10 yards to the Wolves' 27. From there, Ben Badell bounced to the outside on a keeper and got blocks from Brevyn Ross and Isaac Alarcon to score; Alarcon bowled over a defender to make it 74-32. Nate Pointer's sack forced three and out and Brevyn Ross' 40 yard option run finished it at the 1:06 mark of the third quarter.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Highway Patrol Talks Seat Belt Safety at Worth County Farm Bureau Meeting

Sergeant Jake Angle spoke at the annual Worth County Farm Bureau meeting Thursday night to farm bureau members along with Worth County FFA students. He reported that fatalities were up 50% in Troop H, up to 22. Of these, 16 were in the vehicle; out of those 16, 14 were not wearing their seat belt. He said that the Patrol was pushing for a primary seat belt law in Missouri. Mr. Angle said that in Washington, with a primary seat belt law and a $124 fine, has a 98% seat belt usage rate and had 146 fatalities in 2013. Missouri does not have a primary seat belt law; they have a $10 fine. Missouri's compliance is from 80-83%, which is higher than in recent years, but is still among the lowest in the nation. There were 758 fatalities in 2013. "That is the size of a small town in Missouri," said Angle. He said that Buchanan County had passed a primary seat belt law in its county, meaning that its officers can stop you if they see you're not wearing a seat belt. The fine is still $10.

Mr. Angle said it also reduced the rate of serious injury by 75%. He said that a common myth was that there were situations where a seat belt would kill someone; he said that in 21 years of working accidents, he had never had that happen. By contrast, back in 1999, he and his daughter were in their car when he was driving distracted and pulled into Highway 36 in front of a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. He overturned 1 1/2 times, but because he had a seat belt on and his daughter was in a child safety restraint, they were able to walk away with minor injuries. He said that experience was an eye-opener, and said that distracted driving was the main cause of accidents for ages 15-24. He said that people should take their cell phones, turn them on silent, and put them in their glove boxes. He said that if you take 4.6 seconds to send a text message, you would travel the length of a football field, a lot of distance to take one's eyes off the road.

Missouri has a texting while driving law for people under 21 years. However, Mr. Angle said most other states now have a universal cell phone law. It is already against the law in Missouri for semi-truck drivers to use cell phones.

Following the presentation, Mr. Angle took everyone outside to a demonstration device called a "Seat Belt Converter." It is a device that simulates a head-on collision at 4-5 miles per hour. The impact was still very hard. "I once worked an accident where a farmer in a tractor was going 30 miles per hour and not wearing his seat belt," said Mr. Angle. "He ran off the road and he was thrown from the tractor and killed."

Worth County School Hires Cook, Substitute Teacher

The Worth County School Board voted to hire Tina Fletchall as a part-time cook and Jessica Sanders as a substitute teacher. The vote to hire Ms. Fletchall was unanimous. Board member Les New abstained on the vote to hire Sanders. The vote took place following a 40-minute closed session; the board also discussed a matter involving a student.

The board evaluated the health services program as "excellent." Strengths listed were collaboration with community services, prevention services, responsive services, training level, and organization and cleanliness of the health office. The evaluation was done by Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz.

The Library and Media Center was rated by Dr. Martz as "excellent." Strengths listed were collaboration with the County Library, circulation of all types of media, access to all types of media, opportunities for children to access books and other media, and various reading programs. One concern listed was space issues. The recommendation was to continue to collaborate with the County Library to increase square footage.

School librarian Nanci Drury prepared her own separate report. She reported that for the present school year, there were 1,437 circulations for elementary students, 223 for faculty, 231 for high school students, and 49 for preschool. Ms. Drury reported that she was focused on acquiring all of the Missouri Reader Award nominee books to give students a chance to read them and vote for their favorites. She reported she was now subscribing to Truman University Press to obtain a Notable Missourians Collection to help with the fourth grade Famous Missourians project.

Principal Jon Adwell reported that 25% of students had at least one D or F, which was much lower than years past. Next grade check was on Friday, October 16th.

High school teachers will be calling and inviting parents of the students that they must see. Adwell reported that this had been successful last spring. The focus this year is on tardies. Students who have too many will have Saturday school. 92% of high school students have at least a 90% attendance rate.

The FFA Grasslands Team consisting of Victoria Moore, Breanna Harker, Rikky Hunt, and Kenna LaFollette finished 3rd in districts and participated in the state competition Thursday.

Assistant Principal Chuck Borey reported that he had attended the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance Program on September 29th, focusing on how administrators can support guidance and counseling.

Elementary students from grades 4-6 attended Duckworth Farms on October 1st. On October 8th, pre-K through 3rd grade took fire truck rides and learned about fire safety.

Teachers used professional development time to meet with North Nodaway teachers and focused on developing student learning objectives and reciprocal teaching.

The Worth County football team received two complimentary reports from officials. Referee Shawn Wake wrote regarding the JV game with Mound City on September 14th, "Tonight's JV game between these schools was a pleasure to officiate. The teams are very well coached, they are very disciplined in their play execution and their sportsmanship was outstanding! I want to compliment both teams and all the coaches for a well-played game!

The other complimentary report came from Referee Romie Raleigh Payne regarding the Tigers' varsity game with North Andrew on October 2nd. He wrote, "My crew felt that the Worth County players and their fans were very sportsmanlike during their game with North Andrew. I tell the captains and coaches at the coin flip that we expect sportsmanship and leadership from them, and in this case, they definitely exceeded our expectations. Worth County did lose the contest by the score of 66-26; however, their players showed good sportsmanship throughout the entire contest. At the end of the game, the team took three kneel downs and let the clock run out and they held their heads high and walked off the field winners because they never faltered in their sportsmanship. I feel that the Worth County team, coaches, and fans should be commended for their positive attitude and sportsmanlike demeanor."

Dr. Martz reported that he had attended an area superintedent's meeting and also met with MUSIC, the school's insurer. An inspector from the insurance company came to the school to conduct an inspection. Several fixes were recommended. Dr. Martz reported that he anticipated an increase in insurance rates due to a couple of claims.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Obituary -- Roland Treese 1924-2015

Roland Eugene Treese, 90, Maryville, Missouri, died Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at Nodaway Nursing Home, Maryville.

Gene was born November 14, 1924, in Pickering, Missouri to Isaac A. and Ethel Kessiah (Sharr) Treese.

Gene was a truck driver, mechanic, and foreman for Trailiner.

He married Betty Carmichael July 14, 1945, in Richmond, California.

He served his country in the Navy during World War II .

Gene was a member of the Primitive Baptist Church at Orrsburg, Missouri.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Betty (9-3-2011), brothers Irvin L. Treese, Bernard Treese, Donald Treese, and sisters Verna Collins, Irene Staten, and Reva Newberry.

Surviving are sons Lonnie E. Treese, Saint Joseph, MO, Roger Dale (Nancy) Treese, Maryville, MO., and Michael L. (Elaine) Treese, Maryville, TN., sister Iva Thompson, Maryville, MO; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great -grandchildren.

A visitation was held 1-2:00 PM prior to the 2:00 PM service, Friday, October 9, 2015, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Maryville.

A military graveside service will be conducted by Missouri Military Honors and the James Edward Gray American Legion Post #100, Maryville.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Obituary -- Dorothy McCrorey 1920-2015

Dorothy Helen McCrorey, 94, Ravenwood, MO, died Sunday, October 11, 2015, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, MO.

Dorothy was born November 29, 1920, in Ravenwood to Manning and Myrtle (Evans) Moore. She was a 1938 graduate of Ravenwood High School.

Dorothy and Lloyd M. McCrorey were married February 7, 1939, in Savannah, MO.

A homemaker who lived on the family farm for 76 years, she was a member of the Ravenwood United Methodist Church and a former member of the Gallagher Club.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Lloyd McCrorey (July 8, 1995), brother Roy E. Moore, and sister Viola Hooker.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Janet Sue Waldeier (Dr. Mark Anderson), Austin, TX; Grandson Jeremy Steven Waldeier, Maryville; Nephew Chris (Carol) Hooker, Cannon Falls, MN; Great-Nephews: Ben (Katerina) Hooker, Belle Plaine, MN; Matthew (Lisa) Hooker, Chaska, MN; Adam (Miranda) Hooker, Northfield, MN; Eric Moore, Indianapolis, IN; Jason DeLong, Benson, AZ; and Travis Muff, St. Joseph; Great-Great-Nephews: Cole Hooker, Chaska, MN; and Travis and Clayton Hooker, Belle Plaine, MN; Nieces: Karen (Allen) Blythe, Benson, AZ; and Betty (LeeRoy) Muff, St. Joseph; Great-Nieces: Stacy DeLong, Benson, AZ; Marilynn (Lavern) Burks and Debra Stapleton, St. Joseph; Erin Moore Layton, Richland Hills, TX; and Vicki (Warren) Combs, Kansas City, KS; Great-Great-Niece Emily Viola Hooker, Northfield, MN; and Special Friends and Relatives: Robert and Ann Waldeier and Kalvin Waldeier and children Easton and Kami, Ravenwood; Kenzie Waldeier (Cameron White), Hopkins, MO; Kari Blackford (Quent) and children Braxten and Ava, Maryville; Mary and Jim Waldeier, Maryville; Madeline and Stanley Waldeier, Ravenwood; Ann Brewer, St. Joseph; and Joan Moore, Indianapolis, IN.

Visitation is 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, October 15, 2015, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.

Graveside Services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, October 16, 2015, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Ravenwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 104 Corporate Lake Drive, Columbia, MO 65203.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Obituary -- Jerry Fugate 1941-2015

Jerry Leigh Fugate, 74, Ravenwood, MO passed away peacefully Monday, October 12, 2015, at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph with his family at his side.

Jerry was born August 5, 1941 to Haldon Dale and Laverne Laird Fugate near Tingley, IA.

He graduated from Kellerton, IA High School in 1959 , then attended Northwest Missouri State University. In May 1962, he married Karen Messner.

He spent his adult life in Northwest Missouri working various jobs, making friends and touching lives. Jerry was a member of the Ravenwood Christian Church.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Haldon and Laverne Fugate and father-in-law Lloyd Messner.

Jerry is survived by his wife Karen of the home; brother James Fugate and wife Jean, Fond du Lac, WI; sister Sharon Davis, Mt. Ayr, IA; mother-in-law Helen Messner, Maryville; sister-in-law Kathryn Newberry and Buster, Parnell; son Kevin Fugate and wife Kimberly, Ravenwood; and daughter Kim Downen and Jay Knopp, Atchison, KS; grandchildren: Chelsey McCrary and Trevor, St. Joseph; Dylan Downen, Maryville; Haldon Fugate and Jamie, Beatrice, NE and Megan Fugate, Clarinda, IA; Step-grandchildren: Addison Schelling, Shenandoah, IA and Bailey Hightower, York, NE; a future great-grandson, nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to the Ravenwood Christian Church or the Charity of the Donor's Choice.

Visitation was 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at Price Funeral Home, Maryville.

Funeral Services were 2:00 PM Thursday, October 15th, at the Ravenwood Christian Church, with burial at Nodaway Memorial Gardens, Maryville.

www.pricefuneralhomemaryville.com

Worth County Sheriff's Report

10-5 -- Person wanted to know about Hazmat
10-5 -- Person reports a Dodge Pickup with trash next to a bridge.
10-7 -- Cattle out on Highway M.
10-7 -- Person in to renew CCW permit.
10-8 -- Person brings plant to be identified, but possibly just ditch weed.
10-8 -- Person reports IRS scam calls.
10-8 -- Person to jail on an 8 hour hold.
10-9 -- Person takes family member to get help with drugs.
10-9 -- MTE paper delivery.

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Eight Man Roundup -- Top Two Teams Gain Separation

Both of the top two eight man teams, North Andrew and Stanberry, gained separation from Southwest Livingston and Worth County, the third and fourth ranked teams. They could very well meet again in a fourth straight title game depending on how the brackets are drawn up. The MSHSAA had not posted them on their website as of Saturday morning.

#1 North Andrew 62, #3 Southwest Livingston 24
Gunnar Hughes carried the Cardinals on his back in wins over Worth County and now Southwest Livingston. He carried the ball 40 times against Worth County and 26 more times against the Wildcats Friday night. Lake Crowe's Wildcats scored first, and North Andrew trailed for the second time all year. But they did not score again until the game was well in hand. Whether it involves working the officials or directing traffic from the sidelines, Jonathan Schoonover has his squad playing at a high level. Southwest Livingston versus Worth County would be an even matchup. Worth County went the distance against the Cardinals; however, Southwest Livingston did better against Stanberry, only losing by 10 and drawing the Bulldog coaches' respect in the process.

#2 Stanberry 52, #4 Worth County 30
Brevyn Ross was knocked out of the game early in the third quarter and did not return. In his absence, Worth County continued to diversify on offense, getting nearly 100 yards from Isaac Alarcon; Tevin Cameron had his best game receiving so far this year, and Nate Pointer had his best rushing game since moving back. But in order to compete with the top three teams in eight man football, they will have to do a better job of coming out ready to play. It's good to get into the habit of winning, but playing some tough teams shows a team like Worth County what they have to work on. They now have one month to get things figured out.

#5 Norborne/Hardin Central 80, Northwest Hughesville 12
Norborne/Hardin Central had little trouble disposing of Northwest Hughesville, a tailender this year.

#7 St. Joseph Christian 68, #6 DeKalb 22
The Lions are likely underrated, as they are the only other team besides Worth County and Sacred Heart to go the distance against North Andrew. The PVC Tigers had the better record, but the Lions and Jonathan Wing jumped out on them early, taking a 34-2 lead at halftime. Wing ran for 134 and threw for 281 more in the victory.

#8 Albany 62, #9 North-West Nodaway 60
The Muskets, back in the rankings after consecutive wins to jump-start their season, once again dug themselves into a hole against a good team. They fell behind 40-22 at halftime to Albany before coming back and tying it at 54 at the end of regulation. Similarly, they had dug themselves into a 34-6 hole against St. Joseph Christian and a 14-0 hole against Worth County just a few minutes into the game. Normally a passing team, Andrew Webster's Muskets diversified their game in the second half, running the ball more during their comeback effort. Finally, they had a chance to win late, but Albany denied the extra point try to force overtime and denied North-West's extra point bid in overtime. The Warriors scored their attempt to get the win in Albany. A rare guest on the End Zone program, Warrior skipper Doug Fountain called in this time.

Nodaway/South Holt 50, #10 Mound City 12
Mound City got Ben Shifflett back for Friday night, but it didn't matter. James Chesnut's 55-yard punt return opened the floodgates for Josh Petersen's Spartans and put them up 21-6 in the second quarter, and the rout was on. Once again, Brody Day carried the Spartans, getting 102 yards rushing. Allen Ottman added 135 passing yards.

Eight Man Rankings Supplied by the Missouri Eight Man Coach's Association.

Tigers Struggle to Contain Stanberry, Fall 52-30

Worth County dropped its second game in a row, 52-30 to Stanberry, a team which has elevated its game in the last two weeks. Stanberry had been struggling to put people away earlier in the season. However, they played their most complete game of the year last week, beating Albany 58-12 during the Bulldogs' Homecoming Week. They came into the season with one of the best two-headed monsters in Clayton Stoll and Trey Schieber, both of whom racked up over 100 yards a game under new coach Shane Hilton. Last week, they diversified their game, turning loose quarterback Cory Luke to throw passes to skyscrapers Alex McQuinn and Dan Hailey anytime defenses stacked the box too much. There is nothing fancy about their approach and little drama from the sideline from Hilton and his staff; their goal is to put in a winning game plan every week and get the players to buy in. Defensively, their linebacking corp shot through gaps and disrupted Worth County's running game all night. It all added up to a Stanberry victory capped off by the players rolling down the windows and chanting on the team bus as they headed back to Stanberry with the 275 title all but assured. Their next game is against a depleted Mound City squad which had trouble putting up points against North-West Nodaway the week before last.

The focus for Worth County will be on being ready to play for every game; in the preseason game, Worth County and Stanberry played to a scoreless tie. In games between evenly matched teams, the winner is frequently the one which is more ready to play than the other team. But it was evident that Worth County was not ready to play early on. Although they stopped a drive on Stanberry's first possession, they were too slow getting off the ball and their backs were repeatedly swarmed under by Stanberry's players, something that repeated itself all night long. Then, after they had forced another three and out thanks to a sack by Dalton Auffert and Drake Kinsella, Tevin Cameron muffed a punt, giving Stanberry new life at the Tiger 29. Then, after they had seemingly forced an incompletion on fourth down and getting the ball back, someone roughed the passer, which gave Stanberry the ball again at the 14. Then, after Stanberry was flagged for a false start, Brevyn Ross was flagged for a late hit when the play was over, moving the ball to the 9. Given four different chances, Stanberry finally scored on a two yard score from Schieber with 51.5 seconds left. Once again, Worth County had a breakdown on defense as nobody covered Alex McQuinn in the opposite corner of the end zone until it was too late, and Stanberry was up 8-0.

Worth County, to their credit, marched right back down the field to tie the game at 8. Isaac Alarcon, running out of the Wildkat formation, ripped off 33 yards to the Stanberry 22 and the Brevyn Ross took a handoff and bounced to the outside and beat Alex McQuinn down the right sideline to get in with 11:44 left. Ross ran in the extra points to tie it at 8.

But then Stanberry began grinding it out on the ground; Worth County knew what was coming, but they could not stop it. With the Bulldogs at second and three on the Tiger 13, one of the Worth County players and one of the Stanberry players got into a scuffle after the play was over and were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after Stoll had gained four on the play. That only seemed to enrage the Stanberry players even more; the late Vince Lombardi used to be very careful in never giving the other team lockerroom material and expected his players to do the same. A good illustration of the wisdom of Lombardi's approach was Friday night's game. Stanberry proceeded to march into the end zone on a two yard run by Schieber with 6:08 left; Stoll's sweep into the end zone made it 16-8.

Neither team could cross the end zone for the rest of the half, and Worth County had the ball to start the second half with a chance to tie. But nobody blocked on the kickoff and Tevin Cameron fumbled the ball on his own 13, and all hell broke loose in the second half. Stanberry used the short field to score behind Luke's 1 yard sneak with 9:47 left. Once again, Stanberry's linebackers were swarming around Worth County's backs like their line was not there and they were forced to punt. On the ensuing possession, Schieber ripped off 30 yards; Brevyn Ross was hit hard twice on the play, was shaken up badly, and did not return. Clayton Stoll's 15 yard run put Stanberry up 30-8 with 7:23 left.

At that point, frustration set in for Worth County. Isaac Alarcon ripped off 23 yards into Stanberry territory and then got six more. But once again, the blocking disappeared and quarterback Ben Badell threw a pick to Brad Hailey, who returned it to the 30. Coach Chris Healy protested that one of the Stanberry players had grabbed the intended receiver on the jersey; the officials missed the call, but Healy only got a sideline warning for his troubles. This stretch was characterized by players not knowing their assignments and arguing with the coaches on the sideline.

Worth County got a stop thanks to Chris Alarcon's breakup of a pass intended for a much taller Alex McQuinn on fourth down, but Ben Badell threw his second pick in as many attempts and Cole Craig returned it to the Worth County 25. This time, Stanberry would not be denied as Schieber scored from 9 yards out and his final effort on the extra point try made it 38-8 with 1:10 left. Faced with the prospect of the game ending early, Worth County woke up from their stupor like they did at the North Andrew game, but they had too many breakdowns in the last quarter to have any chance of a comeback. Badell finally got untracked, throwing a long pass to Tevin Cameron, who had his best receiving night of the year; his 35-yarder down to the 10 set up Isaac Alarcon's 10 yard run with 50.8 seconds left in the third. But the tackling broke down on the next play as Schieber ripped off a long run that set up his one yard score with 18 seconds left and extra point run to make it 46-16.

A reverse to Isaac Alacon on the ensuing kickoff fooled nobody and he was buried on the 5. But then Nate Pointer ripped off his biggest run since coming back to Worth County and picked up 39 yards down the left sideline, taking on McQuinn for some extra yardage to the Bulldog 36. On the second play in the fourth quarter, Badell threw a long strike to Chris Alarcon, who beat the entire Stanberry defense for 36 yards with 11:23 left. Tevin Cameron's reverse made it 46-24. But Stanberry has always been one of those teams which has gotten stronger as the game progressed under Shane Hilton; a case in point was the next possession, in which Schieber was running wild as the tackling broke down on two different plays. Worth County had plenty of chances to get a stop thanks to two holding penalties. But the tackling broke down one too many times as Luke, on fourth down, cut back up the middle and slipped some tackles to score with 7:16 left to make it 52-24. Worth County scored its final tally with 2:54 left as Mason Hawk bobbled a pass, but gathered it in as he was being it for 12 yards, Isaac Alarcon ripped off 11 yards behind Hawk's blocking, and Ben Badell's spread draw picked up 19 yards for a score to make it 52-30. Schieber appeared headed for a breakaway score with a minute left, but reserve linebacker Max Giesken caught him from behind and wrestled him down to save a score.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Obituary -- Jerry Grogan Stephenson 1942-2015

Jerry Grogan Stephenson was born January 10, 1942 in Ellston, Iowa to Clyde and Cleta (Miller) Stephenson. He passed away October 5, 2015 at the Worth County Convalescent Center in Grant City at the age of 73.

Jerry married Glenda Joy Barnhouse on April 14, 1963 in Hatfield, Missouri. To this union 3 children were born. He was a truck driver. Jerry enjoyed watching western movies and also enjoyed Nascar Racing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Clyde Lee Stephenson.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Glenda of the home; children: Cindy and husband Greg Vandike of Maryville, Missouri, Christy and husband Gene Auten of Grant City, son, Mike Stephenson, also of Grant City, 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister Karen and husband Steve Rief of Laurel, Iowa and sister-in-law Leona Stephenson of Maryville.

Jerry will be missed by family and friends.



Graveside Services and Interment were 2:00 P.M. Friday, October 9, 2015 at the Kirk Cemetery in Allendale, Missouri. Rev. Darin Drury officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City.

Tiger Softball Six Game Winning Streak, Season Ends

Worth County's six game winning streak and season both came to an end Thursday night as they lost the rubber game to Albany 1-0. With the loss, the Tigers snapped a six game winning streak, their longest since 2005. They also won 10 games, their most since 2005. They won their first tournament since that time as well.

It was one of those games in which nobody wanted to see their season end. Albany pitcher Katie Kemper kept getting out in ahead in the count and throwing strikes; consequently, Worth County could not get a baserunner on. The Tigers clung by their fingernails through most of the game before Albany finally broke through in the seventh. Numerous outstanding defensive plays by Worth County kept Albany off the board until then.

In the Warrior second, Madalyn Rainey reached on third baseman Adrian Fletchall's bobble. Lauryn Brown hit a grounder up the middle off pitcher Rikky Hunt, but it caromed right at shortstop Sidney Troutwine, who stepped on the bag for a force. Brown advanced on a wild pitch, and then Taylor Bain hit a fly ball to Abbi Caddenhead in center. As Abbi made the catch, Brown tagged up, but then wandered too far off second and Abbi picked her off in a rundown. Coach Dave Gilland may have just found himself a new outfielder as the Tiger freshman was not fazed at all playing in varsity action.

Tiger pitcher Rikky Hunt walked the bases full in the third with two outs. Abbi made a running catch of Sarah Poppa's fly ball to prevent any damage. Rikky uncorked a wild pitch; the long distance from the plate to the backstop meant it was potentially easy for a runner to score from third. But the ball bounced right back to catcher Payton Adwell, and Abbey Wilson headed back to third. In the middle of the chaos, Maryeah Martin was slow getting back to first and Adwell picked her off; Martin was tagged out in a rundown for the third out before Wilson could cross the plate.

Worth County was in hot water again in the fourth. Kemper helped herself out by getting a single between third and short. The ball took a bad hop, but left fielder Dominique Findley recovered in time to take extra bases away. Rainey hit a drive over right fielder Rachael Gardner's head, but courtesy runner Kaleigh Janssen held up to make sure it wouldn't be caught and only made it to second, meaning Rainey only managed a single. Lu Lu Brown forced Janssen at third and then Rainey got tangled up with Troutwine, who was trying to field a grounder at short and was called out for interference. Abbey Wilson was called out on strikes to end the threat.

The Tigers finally started getting some good swings in the bottom of the fourth. Adrian Fletchall hit a shot in the left center field gap run down by Marian Martin, but one out later, Payton Adwell finally got on base when she doubled into the gap in left. She was stranded, but Dave Gilland's team had finally broken the ice.

Dave Gilland's squad continued to be in hot water as Sarah Poppa singled to lead off and advanced on a wild pitch. She took off for third as Lauryn Shoush squared up to bunt, forcing third baseman Adrian Fletchall to come charging in. But shortstop Sidney Troutwine came rushing in from short and snagged Payton Adwell's throw, making a diving tag of Poppa. That loomed up strongly as Riley Houts reached on an error, Maryeah Martin singled, and Katie Kemper walked with two outs to load the bases. Madalyn Rainey hit a screamer that looked like it would be headed for extra bases and break the game wide open given the low-scoring nature of the contest. But Adrian Fletchall snagged it for the third out to keep the game scoreless.

Worth County got its most promising threat in the sixth as Victoria Moore was plunked to lead off, never a good sign. Troutwine was called out on strikes, but Adrian Fletchall singled and Rikky Jo walked to load the bases. Payton Adwell was up next, but she hit a soft line drive to Poppa and Rachael Gardner grounded out to end the threat. Albany finally broke through in the top of the seventh as Lauryn Shosh beat out an infield hit, stole second, and came home on Martin's single. With two outs in the bottom of the seventh, Hailey Hunt singled up the middle, but Kennedy Galanakis struck out to end the game.

"I was disappointed that we lost, but proud of the way you played," said Coach David Gilland after the game to his players. "Nobody lost the game, we just missed some opportunities. It's been a good season."

The Tigers warmed up for this game by coming from behind to beat future GRC foe North Andrew 15-13 Monday, erasing a 13-6 deficit in the process. The Tigers were down 13-6 after three innings, but then proceeded to chip away, coming back to tie it in the seventh and win it in the eighth. In the bottom of the inning, with a runner on base, Troutwine caught a screamer that looked like it would head for extra bases for the final out. "That was as high as I've ever seen her jump," said Gilland. Troutwine had two bunt hits and one hit swinging away as she carried the team that day. Payton Adwell played well behind the plate and Adrian Fletchall played well on both sides of the field. Over the course of their last two games, the girls put together an 11 inning scoreless streak, which was ended in the seventh inning of the Albany game.

The game was the last for seniors Rikky Hunt and Adrian Fletchall. Worth County could be a team to beat next year with nearly everyone else coming back and a strong eighth grade contingent to join them.