Moberly Takes Sole Possession of First Place in NCMC After First Win at Hannibal Since 1986

Moberly defeated Hannibal 14-13 thanks to Ethan Vandall’s game-winning 30-yard field goal with 32 seconds left Friday.

Eric Duick with the call on KWIX and centralmoinfo.com. The Spartans started the drive at their 30 yard line with about two minutes left. Moberly quarterback Dominic Stoneking connected with Toby Short on a 34-yard pass to land the Spartans in field goal range. Head coach Cody McDowell analyzed the final drive.

McDowell discussed Vandall’s significance to the Spartans’ special teams.

Hannibal held a 7-3 lead at the half after both teams scored on their opening possessions. The third-ranked Pirates maintained a 7-3 lead when junior quarterback Courtland Watson exited due to a right foot injury in the third quarter. The Pirates proceeded to stuff the ninth-ranked Spartans inside the Hannibal 10, but the Pirates followed the defensive stand with a snap through the end zone for a Spartan safety. Stoneking provided a 43-yard touchdown run on the next possession for an 11-7 advantage late in the third quarter. Hannibal followed with a 61-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the fourth quarter, but the Pirates missed the extra point, which proved to be the difference. McDowell reflected on Moberly’s first win at Hannibal since 1986.

Moberly snapped Hannibal’s 14-game NCMC winning streak. The Spartan defense recorded four takeaways, including two interceptions of Watson, who entered the contest with 10 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Moberly also limited All-State running back Damien French to 83 yards on 21 carries. McDowell evaluated the defensive effort before and after Hannibal’s quarterback change.

Stoneking completed 12 of 25 passes for 119 yards. The senior added a season-high 122 rushing yards on 12 attempts. The 6-1 Spartans and 5-1 Pirates remain the top two seeds in Class 4, District 4. Moberly plays for an outright NCMC championship when Mexico visits Friday. Hannibal meets Marshall next week. Hear McDowell’s full postgame interview below.

Moberly head coach Cody McDowell: