Shamrock Girls Snap 37 Game Losing Streak; Win for First Time in 700 Days

     North Harrison’s girls dropped 37 games in a row coming into this season, spanning 700 days. It got to the point where Coach Aaron Long was counting the days since his squad last won a game. They last won December 27th, 2022 when they beat Southwest Livingston 42-14 in Trenton. They had to go back even further to find their last home win. Their last home win was a 46-37 win over East Harrison on February 16th, 2022. They were playing the numbers game, with only seven players out this year, but everything came tumbling down Tuesday, November 22nd and they got a 35-13 win over North Nodaway.

The Mustangs had their number recently, including two easy wins over the Shamrocks last year. But they lost their big guns in Lauren Herndon and Saryn Brown and are still looking for someone to score. The Shamrocks got six in the scoring column, two in double figures, and won the giveaway/takeaway battle, forcing 22 turnovers while surrendering the ball only 14 times. Meanwhile, the Mustangs were painfully slow on offense, were ice cold from the field, and are still searching for answers. North Harrison also won the rebounding battle; one of their few strengths last year was their rebounding, and that carried over this year as they got 37 boards to 23 for North Nodaway.

Gracie Young scored the first points of the season for the Shamrocks and five green shirts scored for them in the first period. For a time, it looked like Lacy Riley would keep the Mustangs in the game; she rebounded well in the early going and scored off a steal for them. But then the Shamrock lead began to grow and Riley came out with a bloody nose. By the time she came back late in the second quarter, the Shamrocks were well in control. 

After Riley’s steal cut the Mustang deficit to 4-2, Lani Briggs hit a 3-pointer off a pass from Addison Milligan, Jaxcynn Hansel got loose in transition and got a pass from Hali Smith, Lani Briggs hit Hali Smith on the baseline, and Ava Rinehart got a steal and converted at the buzzer to make it 13-2 after one.

The Shamrock lead continued to grow slowly in the second quarter as Ava Rinehart hit Lani Briggs for her second three, Addison Milligan got a putback, and Ava Rinehart scored off a steal before Riley came back in and broke the run with a free throw to cut it to 20-3 at the half.

Addison Milligan scored off a fast break after Hali Smith got a steal to start the second half. Lily Blane scored off a steal, but then Lani Briggs scored after Gracie Young kept a possession alive with an offensive board and Ava Rinehart inbounded one to Jaxcynn Hansel to make it 26-5.

North Nodaway finally got untracked as Mya Hansen, who rebounded well in the second half, hit a shot from the wing and then Lily Blane hit a free throw and added a 3-pointer off a pass from Addalea Barcus to cut it to 26-11. But Jaxcynn Hansel knocked down a shot from the high post to end the third quarter and Gracie Young hit another shot from the high post to start the fourth to make it 30-11.

Lily Blane scored off a steal for the Mustangs, but then Lani Briggs hit a pullup after getting a pass from Bentley Glenn, Ava Rinehart hit a free throw, and Jaxcynn Hansel hit from the high post to close it out.

For North Nodaway, Lily Blane had 8, Lacy Riley 3, and Mya Hansen 2.

Jackie Wray had 2 blocks and Mya Hansen 1.

Mya Hansen had 6 rebounds. Jackie Wray had 5, Lacy Riley and Addalea Barcus had 4, Lily Blane 3, and Trynzlee Ebrecht 1.

Addalea Barcus had 2 assists and Lily Blane 1.

Mya Hansen and Lily Blane had 3 tips. Jackie Wray and Trynzlee Ebrecht had 2, and Lacy Riley and Taccoa Moyer had 1.

Lily Blane did all she could to keep the Mustangs in the game, getting 4 steals. Lacy Riley had 2 and Jackie Wray and Trynzlee Ebrecht had 1.

For North Harrison, Jaxcynn Hansel and Hali Smith each had 10. Ava Rinehart had 5, Gracie Young and Addison Milligan had 4 each, and Hali Smith had 2.

Jaxcynn Hansel had 3 blocks. Hali Smith had 2 and Ava Rinehart 1.

Addison Milligan has grown a few inches since last year and has emerged as a new force on the boards, getting 8 to lead the Shamrocks. Hali Smith and Jaxcynn Hansel had 7, Gracie Young 6, Ava Rinehart 5, and Lani Briggs and Bentley Glenn 2 each.

Hali Smith and Addison Milligan had 4 assists each. Ava Rinehart had 3 and Gracie Young and Bentley Glenn 1 each.

Ava Rinehart had 6 tips. Addison Milligan had 3, Bentley Glenn 2, and Lani Briggs and Hali Smith 1.

Ava Rinehart had 4 steals. Addison Milligan and Hali Smith had 3 each, Jaxcynn Hansel 2, and Lani Briggs, Gracie Young, and Bentley Glenn had 1 each.

 

Tiger Girls Stun Mercer

     Worth County’s girls were not expected to be a contender this year. They were 2-20 last year while Mercer was 22-3. None of the other games the two teams have played in the last few years have been competitive. Worth County is playing the numbers game this year, with only seven players out this year. They drew the last seed in the Albany Tournament. But somehow, Worth County turned around and stunned Mercer 43-30 Tuesday night.

There were some interesting numbers in Tuesday’s game. Nobody scored more than nine points. They were outrebounded 34-29 by Mercer, although they only gave up one offensive board. They shot 15-55 from the field and 6 for 15 from the line. But one thing they did differently from last year was take care of the ball. They forced 28 Mercer turnovers while surrendering the ball only 13 times themselves. Last year, in most of those games, those numbers were reversed. And flipping the giveaway/takeaway ratio made all the difference in the world.

There is a similarity to the 2013 Chiefs. That Chiefs team had gone 2-14 the year before and put up very similar numbers for 2013. But the big difference was that they were one of the leaders in the NFL in taking care of the ball and forcing turnovers. As a result, they were 11-5. The year before, they were one of the worst at taking care of the ball and at taking the ball away.

All seven of the Tigers earned minutes and got to score. Audrey Runde, playing in her first game as a freshman, had 9 points along with Keira Hardy. Kambree Briner had 7, Rylee Ruckman 6, Megan Tracy and Kristen Tracy 5 each, and Rayleigh Smith 2.

Kristen Tracy had 11 rebounds. Kambree Briner had 8, Audrey Runde 4, Rylee Ruckman 3, Megan Tracy 2, and Rayleigh Smith 1.

Kambree Briner had 5 assists. Kristen Tracy and Audrey Runde had 3.

Kristen Tracy had 6 steals. Rylee Ruckman had 5, Kambree Briner 3, and Audrey Runde, Megan Tracy, and Keira Hardy 1 each.

Kristen Tracy had 2 blocks. Rylee Ruckman had 1.

 

Area Courthouse, Police, and Crime Reports for November 27th, 2024

     On November 19th, Cody Scopel (37) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI, Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident), and No Seat Belt. He was assessed $590.50 in fines and court costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On November 19th, Hayden Emery (24) of Maryville pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to charges of Harassment and Misusing 911. She was placed on two years probation by Judge Robert Rice. The defendant must pay court costs and have no contact with the victim.

On November 19th at 9:13 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 42 year old Bethany driver was westbound on 136 two miles west of Bethany when they swerved to avoid a deer. They overcorrected, went off the south side of the road, struck a ditch, and overturned. The driver received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Albany.

On November 20th, David Horsman (74) of Clarksdale pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving. He was assessed $486 in fines and costs, placed on two years probation, and ordered to perform 20 hours of community service by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On November 20th, Kevin Cutcliff (39) of Kansas City pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to charges of DWI and Speeding (20-25 mph over). He was placed on two years probation, assessed $486 in fines and costs, and ordered to perform 20 hours of community service by Judge Rebecca McGinley.

On November 20th, Judge Rebecca McGinley sentenced Elizabeth Shelley (41) of Albany in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to two years probation, two days in jail, assessed $805.11 in fines and costs, and ordered to pay $637.56 in restitution. Shelley was convicted on October 29th following a jury trial of charges of Driving While Revoked, Careless & Imprudent Driving, Leaving the Scene, and No Insurance.

On November 20th, David Million (52) of Maitland pleaded guilty in Nodaway County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). He was fined $60.50 plus court costs by Judge Robert Rice.

On November 20th, Mark Tunks (64) of Cameron pleaded guilty in Gentry County Associate Circuit Court to a charge of DWI. He was placed on two years probation, ordered to serve 10 days straight in jail followed by 10 consecutive weekends in jail, pay court costs, successfully complete a substance abuse evaluation program and follow recommendations, and maintain SCRAM device for six months.

On November 21st, Daviess County Prosecutor filed charges against Randy Carlisle (39) of Cainsville alleging Sex Offender Unlawfully Present Near Park (Felony) and Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony). Defendant was released on his own recognizance with the conditions that he not enter Daviess County except to attend court dates, must be supervised by Supervision Services, and must wear drug patch.

On November 21st, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2015 Ford F-250 driven by a 29 year old man from Pattonsburg was westbound on Route Z seven miles east of King City at around 9:15 am when he collided with a 2011 Peterbilt and then collided with a 2014 Peterbilt.  The driver of the 2014 Peterbilt, a 65 year old man from Amazonia, received serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Truman Medical Center. The driver of the Ford F-250 also received serious injuries and was lifeflighted to Des Moines.

On November 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Kolten Smith (20) of Maryville alleging DWI (Prior), Possession of Fictitious Drivers License, and Failure to Drive on Right Half of Roadway.

On November 21st, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced a lawsuit against Jackson County for what he says is a violation of the Second Amendment and state law. The Jackson County Legislature passed, against the advice of legal counsel and over Executive Frank White’s veto, a law prohibiting possession of firearms or ammunition by anyone under 21.

On November 21st, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Wyatt Maxwell (25) of Kansas City was sentenced to 20 years in prison without parole on charges of Attempting to Produce Child Pornography. The defendant allegedly made $3,000 to $10,000 a month from subscribers by producing pornographic videos with a 16 year old victim. Subsequently, the defendant allegedly fled to Mexico under an assumed name.  The defendant was fined $10,000 and must register as a sex offender on their release from prison.

On November 21st, Daisha Sanders (33) of Royse (TX) pleaded guilty in Western Missouri US District Court to charges of PPP Fraud. The defendant allegedly applied for $220,000 in fraudulent PPP loans on behalf of others, charging fees of between $2,000 to $5,000 for her assistance. She must forfeit at least $40,832 to the government. Seven other co-defendants have also pleaded guilty.

On November 22nd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office reported that Marvin Smith (44) of Springfield pleaded guilty in Western Missouri US District Court to a charge of Receiving Child Pornography. He was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison without parole by Judge Roseann Ketchmark and must spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On November 22nd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced the indictment of Nicholas Kloster (31) of Kansas City. The defendant allegedly entered the premises of a business and subsequently sent an email to one of the owners claiming he had assisted over 30 small to medium sized businesses to recover their computers. The defendant allegedly hacked into their computer system, reduced his gym membership fee to $1/month, and stole a gym staff nametag. Subsequently, the defendant allegedly entered the premises of another company, accessed their computer system, and bypassed the passwords and installed a virtual private network on the computer. In addition, the defendant was allegedly employed by a third company between March and April and allegedly used the company credit card to make numerous personal purchases.

On November 22nd, the Western Missouri US Attorney’s Office announced that James McGinnis (78) of St. Joseph was sentenced to 12 years in prison without parole for his alleged role in a Christian healthcare sharing ministry that allegedly defrauded customers of millions. He was ordered to pay restitution of $7,758,908 to the victims, $143,141 to the IRS, and $10,787 to the Missouri Department of Revenue. He must also forfeit a 2021 Ford F-250 truck. A co-defendant, Craig Reynolds, has already been sentenced. The defendants allegedly ran Medical Cost Sharing, which promised to pay customers’ medical bills for paying regular dues. In fact, the defendants allegedly rarely paid medical claims.

On November 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against David Robinson (64) of Clarinda alleging DWI (Drugs) and Careless & Imprudent Driving.

On November 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Chase Davidson (21) of Maryville alleging DWI (Prior).

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Don Hawk 1934-2024

Donnie D. (Don) Hawk, 90, of Sheridan Missouri, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, at Mosaic Medical Center in Albany, Missouri with family at his side. 

Don was born April 20, 1934, in rural Sheridan, Missouri to Laz and Hazel (Hennegin) Hawk. He was one of five children, grew up and lived near Isadora. 

Don graduated from Sheridan High School in 1952. He did not like schoolwork and always gave twin sister Bonnie credit for dragging him through all 12 years. Don served his country in the United States Army. He was baptized into the Christian faith and was a member of the Sheridan Christian Church. He was also a 50-year member of the Defiance Masonic Lodge.

Don was a life-long farmer and partner with his brother Jack operating as Hawk Brothers. He loved his occupation very much. To him it was not a job, but a way of life. He loved the livestock as much as the row crop. He was very fond of John Deere equipment. In later years he wanted to buy a Peterbilt and park it in the parking lot just to admire it. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister Louise and husband Jim Ross of Grant City. He is survived by sister Bonnie (Dr. Jewell) Taylor of Plattsburg, Missouri, brother Jack (Dorrilla) Hawk of Grant City, Missouri, and sister Ann (Don) Bergman of Quincy, Illinois, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and special friend Pat Ray.

Don had an amazing memory, remembering things in considerable detail.  He loved music and singing and had a great voice. Don liked to laugh, loved a good dog, and a big bowl of popcorn. He will be sorely missed by all.

The family would like to thank everyone for their care, concern, and friendship.

The care is under the direction of Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home Grant City Missouri. Visitation at 1:00 pm Thursday, November 21st. Funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm and burial at Rose Hill Cemetery Parnell, Missouri. Memorials can be made to Sheridan Cemetery Sheridan, Missouri or Rose Hill Cemetery Parnell, Missouri. 

Worth County Land Transfers for October 2024

October 4th – Book 209, Page 36; Chris & Darcy Dannar to Nodaway Valley Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

October 7th – Book 209, Page 37; Bank Midwest Division of NHB Bank to Colton Weehler; Deed of Release; Book 199, Page 22; Book 200, Page 5.

October 8th – Book 209, Page 38; Tarkio Real Estate LLC to Country Club Bank; Deed of Trust; See Record.

October 8th – Book 209, Page 39; Sandra Loutzenhiser to John Swanson; Power of Attorney; See Record.

October 8th – Book 209, Page 40; BTC Bank to Dan & Pamela Parman; Deed of Release; Book 191, Page 155.

October 9th – Book 209, Page 41; Ben & Camille Siegrist to James, Jerome III, Jerome IV, Michael and Steven Brickner; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 9th – Book 209, Page 42; First Interstate Bank to Richard McGinness; Deed of Release; Book 177, Page 102.

October 9th – Book 209, Page 43; Westside State Bank to Jeffrey & Michelle Potthoff; Provisional Deed of Release; Book 186, Page 142.

October 9th – Book 209, Page 44; First Interstate Bank to Roger & Kimberly Allen; Deed of Release; Book 171, Page 57.

October 10th – Book 209, Page 45; First Interstate Bank to Richard McGinness; Deed of Release; Book 177, Page 266.

October 18th – Book 209, Page 46; Donald Austin Revocable Trust to Billie & Patty Wimer, Kevin & Lori Wimer; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

October 18th – Book 209, Page 47; Sharon Marcotte to Billie & Patty Wimer, Kevin & Lori Wimer; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 18th – Book 209, Page 48; Kevin & Lori Wimer to Nodaway Valley Bank; Trustee’s Deed; See Record.

October 21st – Book 209, Page 49; Farm Credit Services to Mandy & Matthew Faubion; Deed of Release; Book 203, Page 161.

October 21st – Book 209, Page 50; Jeffrey & Michelle Potthoff to Emily & Nathan Houk; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 21st – Book 209, Page 51; CNB Bank & Trust to Richard & Scott Eichhorn; Deed of Release; Book 185, Page 147. 

October 23rd – Book 209, Page 52; First State Properties to First State Community Bank; Assignment of Deed of Trust; Book 207, Page 557.

October 24th – Book 209, Page 53; C&S Car Wash to Craig & Sheila Hunt; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 25th – Book 209, Page 54; Billie & Patty Wimer to Billie & Patty Wimer Revocable Trust; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

October 25th – Book 209, Page 55; UMB Bank National Association to BoBak Farms; Partial Deed of Release; Book 207, Page 536.

October 28th – Book 209, Page 56; BTC Bank to BTC Realty LLC; Assignment of Deed of Trust; Book 181, Page 9; Book 197, Page 102.

October 28th – Book 209, Page 57; Shawn Owens to Ashley & Kenneth Farmer; Quit Claim Deed; See Record.

October 31st – Book 209, Page 58; Ben & Camille Siegrist to NCMO Titleholder No. 23; Deed of Release; Book 208, Page 111.

October 31st – Book 209, Page 59; NCMO Titleholder No. 23 to Ben & Camille Siegrist; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 31st – Book 209, Page 60; Sandra Loutzenhiser to Danny & Barbara Freeman; Warranty Deed; See Record.

October 31st – Book 209, Page 61; Danny & Barbara Freeman to Alaina Runde & Nick Freeman; Beneficiary Deed; See Record.

Bella Blankenship, Liam Hayden Receive Writing Awards at Veterans Day Gathering

Bella Blankenship was awarded the Patriots Pen essay and Liam Hayden was named as the Voice of Democracy er for the Worth County Veterans Day program Monday.

Bella was close to her grandfather, and she wondered why he would be so outspoken when defending his country. When she got older, she understood and now wants to carry on his legacy. She wrote about what she could do to honor her grandfather’s legacy, including speaking out for what she believed in, voting, welcoming exchange students, and thanking a veteran. She said she wanted to make her grandfather proud, even though he was no longer here.

Liam Hayden wrote about how things have changed since our forefathers founded the country. We now have more rights, but we still have freedom. Since our country was founded, he noted we have expanded from 13 states to 37 states. “Their plans for making this country better have succeeded,” he concluded. “They knew what they were doing.”

VFW Post 3123 Commander Bob Hull recognized three teachers, April Healy, Karen Andrews, and Ashton Lewis for being named teachers of the year by the area VFW last school year. Worth County swept all three categories this year. 

There were many patriotic displays for this year’s celebration, including profiles of many Worth County veterans, living displays, girls dressed up as nurses, Kambree Briner dressing up as a Rosie the Riveter, and the Missouri Vietnam Memorial, which lists over 1,400 people from Missouri who were killed in Vietnam during that conflict. 

Three current servicemen, Kyle Dignan, Jeshua Blaine, and Keaton Nelson, presented the US Flag at the start of the program. The Worth County High School Band performed the Star Spangled Banner. The preschool and kindergarten classes led the Pledge of Allegiance. The lower elementary grades sang, “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” The upper elementary classes sang, “Proud to be an American.” 

Principal Josh Smith recognized all the branches of the military and all the veterans and active servicepeople who were present, including Galen Cook, one of Worth County’s last living World War II veterans along with Ross Scott. The band performed a tribute to the four main branches of the Armed Forces. The Worth County Singers, Arianna Galanakis, Gracie Thurman, Krista Monticue, Emsley Spainhower, Unique Brown, and Evalyn Gilland, performed “We’ll Meet Again” and “Song for the Unsung Hero.”

Dr. Dan Weddle was the keynote speaker. He talked about his mother, Angelina Gritsenko, known as “Ella” in Worth County after she and his dad met. While he was not a veteran, he had many in his family who were. His uncle Hugh was in the Infantry and participated in the D-Day invasion, as did his dad. His mom was born in western Russia in 1922 and later lived in Mariupol, scene of some of the heaviest fighting in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine. She graduated in high school at 16 and went to university, where she studied foreign languages, including German and French. When Hitler invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, she joined the Red Army as a sniper. Over 2,000 Russian women joined the Red Army as snipers during that time. 

By fall 1942, the Russian Army was in retreat and was defending Stalingrad when Gritsenko was wounded; the battle moved on and she was left behind. She found a dead Russian soldier with the same first name as she was, who was a nurse and exchanged identities with her. She was captured and went on a death march for many days with other captured POW’s. They weren’t fed enough; the Germans let the prisoners dig through garbage cans to find what food they could. At one point, they encountered a dead horse; Weddle said his mom didn’t eat the flesh off the horse, but that some of the prisoners did and died over the next few days.

Finally, the party stopped to rest. During that time, two Germans with black uniforms came by and started looking at her; Gritsenko thought they had figured out who she really was and were planning to shoot her. Instead, they assigned her to treat a wounded officer. Knowing nothing about nursing, she dressed his wounds the best she could; they were apparently satisfied with her work and allowed the convoy to proceed. 

Finally, they got back to where there were some rail lines and loaded onto cattle cars, where she was transported to Poland, where she was assigned to produce ammunition. There were poor conditions at this came, with unsanitary conditions, little or no food, and illness. A typical meal consisted of two bowls of soup per day, occasionally with cabbage or potatoes. Prisoners were rationed with bread filled with sawdust every week; many ate the entire ration by the time they made the 150 yard trek back to their barracks. 

When the Russians closed in on Poland, Gritsenko and the rest of the prisoners were transferred to Dachau, where she spent the rest of the war. The Americans liberated the camp on April 29th, 1945 and around 40,000 prisoners were liberated. The late Earl Hardy was in one of the units that liberated Dachau. 

Dr. Weddle’s mom and dad met at the end of the war, lived near Munich, and spoke to each other in French since Gritsenko didn’t know English at that time. They were married by an Army chaplain and later by a German judge after the war was over. 

In the summer of 1946, Dr. Weddle’s dad received the order to ship back to the US. There was a fear of families getting separated and never seeing each other again. He got a jeep and took Angelina and their new son, Dr. Weddle’s older brother, 650 miles on substandard roads in both Germany and France to where she could get on a boat and go to the US. Angelina arrived in the US on June 5th, 1946. 

In Worth County, people knew her as Ella. She often wondered what became of her family and spent ten years writing letters to them. Finally, in 1956, she received an answer from her grandmother; they had moved to what is now Moldavia. They corresponded until her death in 1974.

In 1991, Dr. Weddle received a letter from his cousin, still in Moldavia, which had, by now, broken away from the Soviet Union. It was addressed to his dad, who had passed away by then, but Loretta Rinehart, the postmaster at the Grant City Post Office, forwarded it to him. They corresponded; times were tough, and Sergei (the cousin) and his family wanted out. Dr. Weddle was able to sponsor them into the US in 1992, and they settled in Minnesota and became US citizens. 

Dr. Weddle said his mother was always proud of her US citizenship, and was always prepared to give someone a finger shaking if they complained too much about how bad things were in the US. She would say, “You don’t have it so bad; nobody is shooting at you.”

State Representative Mazzie Christensen presented a posthumous World War II medallion from the state to Earl Hardy, who received a Bronze Star for valor in combat. Hardy assumed the role of sergeant while his unit under fire and fulfilled an objective.  He had five great-grandchildren who are currently serving in the military. Accepting the award on his behalf were his son, David Hardy, and his great-grandson, Caleb Newman, who is currently serving in the military. 

Christensen also presented an honorary diploma to Jack Cottrell, who never finished high school, but enlisted in the military and fought in the Korean War. Joining her in the presentation were the administration and school board of Worth County. He was also presented with an American flag that had flown over the Capitol.

Joe Marshall, on behalf of VFW Post 3123, the Worth County Legion, and other members of the community, presented Cottrell with a patriotic quilt for his service in the Korean War. He revealed that Cottrell had received three Bronze Stars for bravery while fighting in that conflict. 

Hayden Sanders Throws for Over 170; Johnnie Silkett Coaches Final Game for Platte Valley; Tigers Score Late to Win 34-30

 Worth County took down Platte Valley 34-30 in the rematch of the first game of the season as Hayden Sanders threw for over 170 yards and used a late drive to get over the top after they had lost the lead. The game was Coach Johnnie Silkett’s last game; minutes from one of the area board meetings mentioned his resignation, and after the game, Silkett confirmed to the Express that he was done coaching. 

Silkett was a runningback for King City back when they were playing 11 man football. After graduating, he coached several places, including Union Star, where he coached the Smith brothers in the late 1980’s, when the Trojans had a competitive teams. He later started the Pattonsburg football program, coaching their first junior high team. After he retired as superintendent of South Nodaway, there was a groundswell of support for him to coach Platte Valley football after Cree Beverlin left to go to Worth County. Silkett had instant success with Platte Valley, turning around a program that had been a doormat into a perennial contender. 

After North Nodaway and West Nodaway’s football cooperative broke up, North Nodaway joined the Platte Valley football cooperative while West Nodaway formed the Nodaway Valley cooperative with Nodaway-Holt, creating one of the biggest rivalry games in this area, and Platte Valley used its first victory in the series to propel itself into a major contender year in and year out.

Worth County struggled to put anything together in its 12-6 loss to Platte Valley to start the year. They struggled to get any of the offensive punch that they normally have in the first few games of the season. They were 2-2 going into the game with St. Joseph Christian, and were in danger of falling to 2-3 and having  their season spiral out of control. But they made a late defensive stand against the Lions to salvage that game and they have been on the rise ever since. The emergence of a passing game, nonexistent through the first five games, meant that teams could no longer load the box against them. They lost Brayden Stevens in the Albany loss, but Jude Archer got a key pick in the Christian game and worked his way into the Tiger backfield. When Stevens came back for the Princeton game, that made Worth County stronger.

Meanwhile, Platte Valley battled injuries throughout the year, with fullback and defensive stopper Leland Otto, speed merchant Mason Casner, and sparkplug Keagan Etter all going down. But Blaine Clements emerged as a force on both sides of the ball, and Platte Valley still had its mammoth line, anchored by Andy Mattson and Landon Wiederholt. Ridge Clements, who stepped in as quarterback this year, evolved from being a game manager in the first game with Worth County to a running and passing threat in his own right. And Dylan Klamm, Lucky Ferry, and Jayden Strum all kept up the hard-nosed running that has been characteristic of the Platte Valley team. They suffered a forgettable loss to Nodaway Valley, but they turned right around and beat Rock Port in the last regular season game of the year to set up a three way tie for the Highway 275 title. 

Worth County will now play Albany, which beat King City 54-30 Friday and will have Elliot Mercer back at full strength. King City had some early success against Albany, but as the game progressed, Mercer carried the Warriors on his shoulders and got 180 yards on the ground, and Albany was able to pull away for the win. 

Platte Valley got the ball to start off the game and tried to establish their running game, but after getting a first down, a botched handoff exchange was fumbled and Carter Chapman pounced on it at the Platte Valley 28. Platte Valley loaded the box to stop the run, holding Worth County to three yards in two plays. But then Worth County aired it out to Karson Briner for 25 yards with 9:17 left and he caught the extra point pass to put Worth County up 8-0.

Dylan Klamm made a diving grab at the Worth County 30 for a 25  yard gain, but then another fumbled exchange set them back. Klamm got dropped by Lucas Frisch for a loss. A screen pass fooled nobody and Ridge Clements scrambled back to the line of scrimmage. Finally, Sawyer Thurman broke up a pass on fourth down and the Tigers got the ball back on downs. But they couldn’t get anywhere either as they fell back into their bad habits from earlier in the year, picking up four penalties in one series and getting moved all the way back to the 19 where they faced fourth and 36.

Worth County stopped Platte Valley again, but on the ensuing kick, Platte Valley lined up as though to go for it before kicking it. As the return man was scrambling to get back, Platte Valley drilled it off of him and was able to pounce on it at the Tiger 20. That gave them new life, and they used seven plays, all on the ground, along with an offsides penalty, to move the ball into the end zone. Ridge Clements took it to the house with 10:37 left in the second and ran in the extra points out of the swinging gate to tie it up at 8-8.

Justin Miller dropped Landon Wilmes for a loss to put Worth County behind the sticks, and they were forced to punt again. Ethan Lininger dropped Ridge Clements for a loss, but then a helmet to helmet hit gave Platte Valley the ball on the Tiger 33. Two carries by Dylan Klamm got it to the 24 before a false start put Platte Valley back to the 29. Ridge Clements tried a power sweep, but ran into Carter Chapman and Bo Collins got pressure on Clements the next play, forcing him to throw it away. 

Worth County still could not get anything going, as a botched screen led to a tackle for loss by Lucky Ferry. Kicker Wyatt Hill came under a heavy rush as Platte Valley went for the block, but he got away a great kick that landed at the Platte Valley 11. Platte Valley got seven yards on its next two plays, but a false start set up third and eight and Clements reversed his field on a keeper, but was tackled four yards short of the first down at the 17 with 1:05 left. Platte Valley got off a great kick and Worth County was pinned deep at their own 19. 

Two carries by Hayden Sanders picked up 16 yards to the 35, but a lot of time went off the clock and the Tigers were down to 27 seconds. Finally, Karson Briner made a juggling catch at the Platte Valley 25 and Worth County was able to get the ball spiked with 16 seconds left in the half. Worth County aired it out to Lucas Frisch, who grabbed it in the end zone for a score despite a defender hanging on, and Worth County was up 14-8 at the half.

The fact that Worth County would get the ball to start the second half meant they would have a chance to go up two scores.

Worth County started the second half at their own 28, and Landon Wilmes immediately started finding daylight. He got a sweep for six yards to the 34, then cut back for 18 to the 28. He got a block from Karson Briner to the 18, but then the Platte Valley defense started to tighten up as Justin Miller met him for no gain. Landon Wilmes picked up five more yards to the 13 as he got blocks from Bo Collins and Lucas Frisch, but then Adam Mattson tackled him short of the first down to set up fourth and one. But Worth County turned to Hayden Sanders, and he got a block from Ethan Lininger and muscled his way to the seven for a first down. Wilmes outran two defenders to the house with 8:29 to put Worth County up 20-8.

But then Platte Valley woke up and Dylan Klamm moved a pile 10 yards to the Platte Valley 35 after they got the ball at their own 25. They put in a pair of fresh legs in Jayden Strum, and they were able to establish a quick hitter that took the heat off Klamm. Strum picked up six on a quick hitter and then Dylan Klamm picked up three to the 36. Another quick hitter from Strum got a first down at the 33. Strum picked up two more to the 31, and that set up a pass play and a diving catch by Justin Miller to the 18. From there, Ridge Clements carried out a perfect fake handoff into the line, and that fooled everyone as he found nothing but daylight to cut the Platte Valley deficit to 20-14.

But a long return by Brayden Stevens, set up by a block from Lucas Frisch, put the Tigers in good field position at the 40. They tried to go back to Landon Wilmes, and they had initial success as he got a block from Carter Chapman to the 35. But then Wilmes only got 1 on the next play and then Adam Mattson dropped him for a loss on the next to set up fourth and five. But then Hayden Sanders completed a pass to Lucas Frisch for 14 yards to keep the drive alive at the 21.

Jayden Strum, who stepped up in Keagan Etter’s absence, shot a gap and dropped Hayden Sanders for a loss, but then a pass interference call put the ball on the 12. Landon Wilmes broke a tackle and got to the 9 for a first down. Bruce Otto dropped Wilmes after a two yard gain to the seven, and a false start moved it back to the 12. But then a breakdown in the pass coverage left Lucas Frisch all alone and he took it to the house with 17 seconds left in the third quarter. Landon Wilmes took the Wildcat snap and followed a big line surge into the end zone to make it 28-14.

But Platte Valley was not done and Dylan Klamm drove through the pile like a human bowling ball to pick up nine yards to the Platte Valley 37. Platte Valley tried to get six back right away, but Brayden Stevens broke it up. It didn’t matter as they went back to the quick hitter with Strum and a first down at the 39. Klamm picked up two to the Tiger 39 on the next play, but then Platte Valley caught Worth County in the middle of a defensive shift and sprung Klamm loose all the way down to the 12. Klamm met a wall of Ethan Lininger, Sawyer Thurman, and Landon Wilmes at the 11, but then Ridge Clements, throwing off his back foot under fire, somehow got the ball to Justin Miller in the end zone. Platte Valley went to a double wing set and Ridge Clements ran in the extra points to make it 28-22 with 9:35 left in the game.

Worth County got the ball at their own 27, and Jayden Strum dropped Landon Wilmes after a two yard gain. But then Lucas Frisch caught a 22 yard pass to the 29. Hayden Sanders muscled his way to the 25, and then Landon Wilmes fought his way forward to the 21. Landon picked up seven more to the 14, but then a pass shorthopped a Tiger receiver and Jayden Strum shot the gap again and dropped Wilmes at the 15. An incomplete pass and then a pick by Xavier Middleton killed the drive.

Not only did Middleton get the pick, he ran it all the way back to the 38 to give Platte Valley good field position to tie or take the lead. Ridge Clements picked up six to the Tiger 36, and then Dylan Klamm bounced outside for 16 more to the 20. A quick hitter to Sturm netted four to the 16. Another quick hitter to Strum picked up six more to the 10. From there, Platte Valley went back to the fake handoff play that had fooled everyone before. Ridge Clements made a perfect fake to Dylan Klamm, who was immediately drilled. But Ridge Clements took off running down the left side and there was nobody home as he took it to the house with 3:59 left in the game. Clements ran in the extra points to put Platte Valley up 30-28.

Brayden Stevens ran back the ensuing kickoff to the 29, and then a shovel pass to Landon Wilmes picked up four to the 33. Worth County tried putting Stevens in the Wildcat formation, but Justin Miller dropped him for no gain and Worth County aired it out to Lucas Frisch, but he just missed a diving grab for it to set up fourth and six. But a collision between Lucas Frisch and one of the Platte Valley players resulted in a pass interference and the drive stayed alive as the ball was placed at the Platte Valley 38 with 2:28 left. A holding penalty and a pass that went too far set up third and 20 at the 32, but Hayden Sanders threw a strike to Karson Briner at the 24 with 1:39 left to keep the drive alive. 

Once again, Platte Valley nearly held. A pass went too far, then a false start moved the ball to the 29. A breakup by Dylan Klamm set up third and 15 at the 29 with 1:16 left. Hayden Sanders came under a heavy rush this time and he barely got it off, but Landon Wilmes grabbed it at the 14 with 56 seconds left to get a first down. On the next play, Worth County set up a deep pick play, in which both receivers crossed each other, and Karson Briner came free for a score with 39 seconds left to put Worth County back up 34-30.

Unlike the first game the two teams played, Worth County kept its composure when faced with this situation. “We all got our composure back and relied on each other and got back to the grind,” said coach Jon Adwell. “We pulled together and matured a lot since the first game.”

Adwell said this year’s group was like the 2018 squad, which dropped games to both Stanberry and Pattonsburg during the regular season, but then turned around and beat them both in the playoffs to get to the State Championship game.

But there was still football to be played, and Platte Valley gave itself a chance when Justin Miller ran back the kickoff to the 35 with 33 seconds left.  Miller caught a short pass to the 40 with 27 seconds, and then Xavier Middleton nearly made a diving catch of a long pass with 22 seconds left. Platte Valley went deep again, but Brayden Stevens was there to break it up.

That set up fourth and five at the 40. Ridge Clements came under a heavy rush from both Bo Collins and Ethan Lininger, and he scrambled around trying to buy time. But everyone was covered, including the outlet man, and Bo and Ethan forced Clements into an incompletion as Worth County could finally kneel out the clock.

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Adam Mattson is a nephew of former Tiger and South Nodaway Longhorn coach Gary Wood. Wood, who was there at the game, started his coaching career coaching eight man football at South Nodaway, followed by his stint with the Tigers.