stjoelive.com | Stories for October 2009

KANSAS CITY Tony Dudik slowly removed his headset and stepped onto the field. His final game at Central was finished, but his night was far from over. Central's coach of 29 years watched his Indians lose a physical 27-13 struggle to Park Hill at Preston Field, but the post-game hugs, handshakes and heart-felt conversations transcended the game. Every player wearing a uniform - including every member of Park Hill - paid tribute to the longtime coach who forged a legacy that extended beyond the lights and the grandstands. An hour after the final whistle, Dudik remained on the field - still connecting with colleagues and players from both the past and the present.

Friday's Prep Sports

St. Joseph Christian rolls along to playoffs

St. Joseph Christian accomplished a lot in Friday night's regular season finale. The Lions put on a dominating performance against visiting Southwest Livingston, wrapped up an undefeated district title and kept all of their main players healthy entering a sixth straight playoff trip. Christian built a big early lead behind five Southwest turnovers and allowed the starters to rest for the latter part of the first half in a 58-0 win at Christian Field.

Polley cleared to return to ring

A seemingly career-ending diagnosis led Byron Polley to retirement. A second look from a specialist last week provided the 30-year-old St. Joseph boxer with a reason to reconsider. Polley recently decided to end a brief three-month retirement, despite earlier reports he was suffering from white matter disease. A second look from a Kansas doctor last week changed the outlook. While Polley continues to be at risk for head injuries, the doctor said that just comes with the dangers of the sport.

It's almost time to get your pulse heated up with 'Buck Fever'

At a time when fever and illness seem to be running rampant across the country side, the entire nation seems to be doing everything possible to avoid it. Everyone except me and hundreds of thousands of hunters. When it comes to the fever, I say bring it on. Of course I'm referring to "Buck Fever," and after several decades of hunting I'm proud to say this cherished affliction still causes recurring bouts of uncontrollable shaking, skyrocketing blood pressure, a pulse that goes through the roof and abnormal breathing patterns, to name just a few of the symptoms that happily taunt me every fall and winter.

Waterfowl season beckons area hunters with optimistic opportunities

With waterfowl season now under way, Missouri Department of Conservation Officials and several area waterfowl hunting experts share their thoughts on the season outlook.

Oh, the horror

How do this decade's scary movies stack up against the legends?

In the '70s, "The Exorcist," "Halloween" and "Jaws" frightened theater-goers to the point of physical shaking. In the '80s, iconic teen killers Freddy Kreuger and Jason Voorhees became Hollywood's horror heroes. The '90s are largely remembered for the psychological scares of "The Sixth Sense," "The Silence of the Lambs" and "The Blair Witch Project." Unfortunately, many will remember the '00s for the onslaught of dumbed-down torture porn films like "Hostel," "Turistas" and "Captivity." Or cookie-cutter slasher flicks like "Sorority Row" and "Prom Night." Or mediocre remakes and revivals like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "When a Stranger Calls" and "The Wicker Man." Do you remember 2001's "Jason X"? Jason was in outer freaking space! Ugh. Truthfully, only one or two horror films a year are ever really noteworthy. This article will sift through the junk and find the few gems this decade had to offer.

Destination unknown

AFI lets the songs choose its direction

All of the newer AFI fans that emerged with the band's platinum-selling success from 2003's "Sing The Sorrow" and 2006's "Decemberunderground" might be surprised where these master crafters of goth-rock anthems originally came from. In fact, it's even a bit of a shock to the band's co-founder/drummer Adam Carson to reflect on his group's hardcore past on the West Coast in the 1990s.

We recommend for Oct. 30, 2009

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 30, 2009

Panthers, Dragons make playoffs

West Platte rallied to beat East Buchanan 13-12 with two fourth-quarter touchdowns Thursday night at East Buchanan High School. But a loss two weeks ago led to the end of West Platte's season despite the victory. North Platte hammered Mid-Buchanan 30-0 just down the road in Dearborn, Mo., and West Platte's loss to Mid-Buchanan in Week 8 left West Platte on the short end of a three-team tiebreaker.

Chillicothe survives Smithville

SMITHVILLE, Mo. - Fighting for its playoff life and facing a 4th-and-24, Chillicothe needed someone to make a play. It was fitting that Alex Thompson rose to the occasion. The Hornets' junior tight end hauled in a 28-yard completion from senior quarterback Jared McCauslin, and three plays later, McCauslin dove into the end zone from the 1-yard line, the finishing salvo in a 29-22 victory against Smithville on Thursday night at Warrior Field.

Thursday's Local College Results

Savannah claims district title despite loss

SAVANNAH, Mo. - Faced with an impossible conundrum, Savannah coach Mark Cole turned the hardest decision of the season over to his exhausted players. Trailing by two points, the Savages took a knee on the final two plays during Thursday's 8-6 loss to Cameron at Savage Field. The bitter loss was hard to swallow but handed Savannah its second district title in program history on point differential in a three-way tiebreaker. "Coach asked us the question. He asked us if we wanted to win the district or if we wanted to win the game," Savannah senior lineman Derek Yost said. "We said we wanted to win the district so we took a knee.

Thursday's Prep Sports

Troy topples Wathena

TROY, Kan. - Troy was able to hang on at home 14-11 and outlast Wathena in a defensive struggle that ended the rival Wildcats' season and extended the Trojans'. Wathena dominated early (4-5, 4-3 DVL). The Wildcats built an 11-0 lead on a 21-yard field goal by Jerad Hawkins, a 23-yard interception return from Bryce Paden and a safety by the Wildcat Defense.

Irish knock off Cardinals, earn playoff berth

No Benton defender threatened Chris James as he strode toward the end zone at Sparks Field. Unaccustomed to carrying the ball, the Lafayette senior dove over the goal line anyway. "I didn't want to screw up my first varsity touchdown," said James, a linebacker and undersized guard at 6-foot, 185 pounds. James' pick-6 interception during the third quarter gave the Fighting Irish the lead for good in the district finale. D'Andre Talton added a 24-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter to give Lafayette the only two-score advantage for either team, and the Irish held on to beat their rivals 19-14 Friday night.

Maryville dismantles LeBlond

With a lopsided score posted on the Eagles Field scoreboard Thursday night against Class 2 District 16 and Midland Empire Conference champion Maryville, Golden Eagles coach Steve Vertin summed it up well after the game - "We are what we are." The Spoofhounds capped another undefeated MEC record and moved to 9-1 overall on the year against the winless Eagles with an 84-6 victory in the regular season finale for both teams.

Local man eliminated at World Long Drive Championship

The World Long Drive Championship ended early for a St. Joseph man. Jesse Thrasher was eliminated in the championship in Mesquite, Nev., on Thursday. The World Long Drive Championship includes 144 golfers who compete in match play to see who can drive the ball the farthest with the winner receiving a $150,000 prize.

A collective spectacle

The band/performing arts group Sleep Walker takes over the First Ward Halloween night

It's hard to classify what Sleep Walker really is. Some people play music. Others create visual art. Everyone seems set out to be a part of something unique and almost otherworldly by St. Joe's standards. But Sleep Walker's creator, Todd Long, sees the group differently.

Creativity without the cost

The Art Flea KC Market offers original works at affordable prices

The country's economic downturn hasn't been kind to anybody, and it especially hasn't been kind to artists. This is a reality Richard Fritz, co-manager of Art Flea KC Market, realizes all too well. "If you think about it, art is always the first thing that gets cut in schools when you look at budget cutbacks," Mr. Fritz says. "Folks aren't running out to buy paintings if they are worried about their electric bill."

Wednesday's Prep sports

Wednesday's college scores

Benton, Lafayette clash with playoff spot on the line

Standing on a soggy Sparks Field, Matt Tabor grasps at the gravity a single game can hold. Benton's second-year coach leads his Cardinals into tonight's Class 4 District 16 clash against Lafayette - understanding the contest means more than just a tally in the season standings and a trip to the postseason.

Chiefs suspend Johnson

KANSAS CITY - Running back Larry Johnson, who made two gay slurs within a 24-hour period and has a history of poor behavior both on and off the field, was given what amounts to a one-game suspension Wednesday night by the Kansas City Chiefs. Missing one game check will cost the troubled former Pro Bowler about $213,000.

Maryville eliminates Bishop LeBlond volleyball

Maryville won the first game of Wednesday's Class 2 District 16 championship handily before being tested by Bishop LeBlond in the second game. But the Spoofhounds still were able to squeeze past and end LeBlond's season at Grace Gymnasium 25-13, 25-22.

Bearcat quarterback finds his passing touch

MARYVILLE, Mo. - As he stepped back onto the field, Blake Bolles had the perfect stage to showcase his signal-calling evolution. Once a scramble-happy backup, Northwest Missouri State's junior quarterback let his arm do the talking and led the Bearcats' go-ahead drive against Washburn during Saturday's come-from-behind win. Though the Ichabods forced overtime, Bolles' clutch performance allowed the Bearcats to keep their lengthy MIAA win streak intact thanks to a flawless showing on the final drive of regulation.

Hitting home

Missouri Western students present "Uncle Vanya" at Potter Theater

It's hard to imagine that anyone who lives in St. Joseph today can relate to Russian villagers of the 19th century, but Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" indicates otherwise. The play addresses concerns about the impact of industrialism on the environment. And like many today, the play's main characters are losing their jobs after years. "It's amazing how relevant this play is for being written 100 years ago," says Christopher "Bogey" Blodgett, a Missouri Western State College senior who will play Uncle Vanya in the college's upcoming production of "Uncle Vanya."

This is: The art of Marc Zimetbaum

Entertainment briefs for Oct. 30

Michael Jackson's last movie debuts in St. Joseph

There may not have been fans turned out in sequins, white gloves and hi-water pants but fans, none the less, went to Hollywood 10 Theater to see Michael Jackson's last performance.

Bearcats' defense comes up big

Northwest notebook

Northwest Missouri State's repeated defensive stands against Washburn drew heavy praise from coach Mel Tjeerdsma - even if he didn't know exactly whom to thank. Missing four regular starters by the end of the game, the Bearcats limited the high-octane Ichabods' offense to its lowest point total of the season during Saturday's overtime victory at Bearcat Stadium. More importantly, Northwest kept the nation's No. 16-ranked team out of end zone in the second half and opened the door for a come-from-behind win.

Eagles overcome slow start to advance to district volleyball championship

Mid-Buchanan was able to take advantage of several Bishop LeBlond errors and jump out to an early lead in the first game of Tuesday's Class 2 District 16 semifinals. But after putting a scare into the No. 2-seeded Golden Eagles, the Dragons began to commit some errors of their own and were knocked out of the tournament in straight games - 25-18, 25-14 - at Grace Gymnasium. The Eagles (22-11-2), whose players and coach alike admit they are slow-starters, watched as their own hitting errors helped the Dragons (18-11) jump ahead 12-7 in the first game.

Western, Northwest women ranked near bottom

The Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri State women's teams both struggled last season. And the MIAA coaches' poll reflected that. The coaches picked the Bearcats at ninth out of 11 teams. The Griffons stood at 10th.

Baptist, Central top preseason men's MIAA basketball poll

Southwest Baptist and Central Missouri's recent dominance takes the debate out of the MIAA preseason expectations. The drama comes down to who will emerge from the middle of the pack, Missouri Western men's coach Tom Smith said. Baptist and Central - who were picked No. 1 and No. 2 in the coaches preseason poll released Tuesday - both earned Division II postseason berths last year, but the rest of the conference got shut out.

Tuesday's Local Sports

The Shuffle: Identity crisis

Everybody knows the concept of dinner and a movie. But tonight, get ready for (drum roll please ....) WEATHER AND A MOVIE!

Eats: A taste of home at Parker House

After a morning of browsing through antique stores or working all day at the office, there's nothing more enjoyable than being pampered with a home-cooked meal. That could be why it gets crowded fast at the Parker House Cafe in Atchison, Kan.

Monday's Prep

Chargers thrash Chiefs

All that talk about San Diego getting better may not be all talk. Six days after a disappointing Monday night loss to Denver in which they insisted they'd made strides, the Chargers swatted away the flu bug and stomped on Kansas City 37-7 Sunday, dominating in virtually every phase. Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes, LaDainian Tomlinson had a season-best 71 yards rushing and Nate Kaeding, who was vomiting with flulike symptoms Saturday, kicked three field goals.

Western offense struggles with 3rd-down conversions

Missouri Western quarterback Drew Newhart threw for 383 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Michael Hill ate up 143 yards and scored a touchdown. Receiver Ferrell McGhee stabbed six catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. But the Griffons' offense made enough little mistakes to allow Missouri Southern to charge back for a 35-34 upset of No. 12 Western on Saturday at Spratt Stadium.

Benedictine roughs up listless Culver-Stockton

ATCHISON, Kan. - Benedictine took out much of its frustrations on Culver-Stockton. Pent-up exasperations accrued in four tough losses this season, the Ravens' 49-7 victory Saturday over HAAC bottom-feeder Culver-Stockton (0-7, 0-7) evens Benedictine's record at 4-4 and puts it back in contention to finish with a winning record for the second straight year. The Ravens have a road date with HAAC leader Lindenwood next weekend and close out the season at home against Peru State and Graceland.

Saturday's Local College Results

Saturday's Prep Sports

Friday's prep boxes

Fighting Irish send a message against Excelsior Springs

As he screamed around the left end, Adam Keeney wanted more than a sack. He wanted to send a message. Lafayette's senior linebacker accomplished his goal with a vicious hit that rattled Excelsior Springs quarterback Preston Lewis and allowed the Fighting Irish to breathe easy Friday night during a 13-7 victory at Alumni Stadium. With his second sack of the game, Keeney was just one cog in a ruthless Lafayette defensive unit that forced three turnovers and opened the door for another run to the postseason.

Central's defense smothers Park Hill South

Central gave coach Tony Dudik his 101st career win in the final home game of his 23rd and final season with the team thanks to stellar play from the Indian's defense. The Indians held Park Hill South to only 125 yards on offense and forced two turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown by senior safety Jared Fox, en route to their 6-3 win. "We didn't help (the defense) out any," Dudik said. "They were in some tough spots tonight, and they just played phenomenal."

Christian offensive trio finds its rhythm against DeKalb

DEKALB, Mo. - Like most good backs, Christian's Luke Mathes took time to thank his offensive line Friday night. The versatile Lions back benefitted from gaping holes, scoring on his first three carries against DeKalb. Finally back to full strength, Christian's three-pronged rushing attack shone for a second straight week, this time in a 50-0 rout at DeKalb High School.

Savannah rallies to maintain its perfect district record

SMITHVILLE, Mo. - Mark Cole isn't shy about what he wants from this year's Savannah team. He wants a Class 3 District 16 championship. He wants to hang a banner on the gym wall and put some hardware in the school's trophy case. And just as importantly, he wants to do it the right way - with a perfect district mark so that no one can accuse the Savages of backing into their glory.

Trenton powers past LeBlond

Unfortunately for Bishop LeBlond, it was the same story with a different foe as Trenton dismantled the Golden Eagles 47-7 Friday night at Eagle Field. The Bulldogs (2-7) wasted no time in jumping out to a 21-0 lead behind running back Dalton Preston's pair of touchdownsÂ- - two 48-yarders early in the first quarter. "Dalton is a good football player, and we have known that all year," said Trenton coach Wes Croy. "He really has been our main weapon since our starting quarterback got hurt in Week 5."

Don't take aiming for granted when hunting

Veteran hunters might scoff and believe the topic of shot placement is a bit remedial, but being cocky and neglecting it can turn what could be your greatest hunting trip into a long ride home with a sick feeling in your gut. Mother Nature reminded me of the importance of shot placement this past week while bowhunting a prime lease in Northwest Missouri. The weather dipped down near freezing the night before, and the prospects looked great for a quality hunt. I wasn't disappointed, and as the first peaks of sunlight trickled down through the heavy timber along the Missouri River, a good mature doe silently made her way into a shooting lane a mere 22 yards away from me standing perfectly broadside.

Largemouth bass record on the line

Men have devoted much of their lives to it. Entire books and Web sites are dedicated to the topic. Millions, if not billions, of dollars have been spent in pursuit of it. Many have even gone so far as dubbing it the "Holy Grail" of freshwater fishing. It's the pursuit of the next world record largemouth bass and the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is currently reviewing an entry which may rival the current champ which has reigned supreme for 77 years.

LeBlond doubles team rebounds from tough opening loss

State tennis championships

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Bishop LeBlond doubles partners Conner Hazelrigg and Loree Hazelrigg battled through a tight, back-and-forth first set in their opening-round match on Friday. The Hazelriggs went up 5-4 then 6-5 against Westminster Christian Academy's Christine Sclafly and Laruen DeRousse at the Class 1 Missouri State Tennis Championships in Springfield, Mo. But DeRousse and Sclafly fought back to claim the first set 7-6 (4).

Jefferson cruises back into softball championship game

Jefferson cruised back into the Class 1 state championship game thanks to yet another dominant performance from Kendle Schieber. The sophomore pitcher struck out 11 batters and allowed only four hits during the Eagles' 5-1 victory against Naylor on Friday evening at Heritage Park. Using her devastating rise ball, Schieber mowed down Naylor's aggressive batting order time and again for the defending state champions.

Trenton softball advances to title game

Belle pitcher Shannon Branson baffled Trenton for the first two innings Friday morning, setting the Bulldogs down in order. No. 9 hitter Samantha Fair finally helped Trenton figure out the Tigers' senior starter. Trenton's senior right fielder belted a one-out RBI double to right-center that started a two-run go-ahead bottom of the third inning. The Bulldogs went on to a 10-1 Class 2 semifinal victory at Heritage Park with their .205 bottom-of-the order hitter starting the barrage.

Northwest running back Council makes most of senior year

MARYVILLE, Mo. - LaRon Council remembers that scary October Saturday afternoon in Warrensburg, Mo., when he crumpled to the turf around the Central Missouri 15-yard line, his left leg shattered. He remembers being placed on a gurney and being whisked away for medical care, his 2006 season abruptly ended and his entire playing career in jeopardy. He also remembers the next year, taking a helmet on that same leg and having a second consecutive season shortened by injury.

Music for the mosh pit

Metalcore founders Killswitch Engage go back to basics

While Mastodon and several other groups are turning their focus to multi-layered metal epics, Killswitch Engage is still making music to mosh to. There will be pit action aplenty when the Massachusetts five-piece makes its second stop in Kansas City this year as headliner of the Freaker's Ball at the Midland on Oct. 24.

Entertainment calendars for Oct. 23, 2009

Tarkio decides to move to 8-man football

Years of discussion led up to the Tarkio board of education's vote Thursday on the future of the Indians' football program. Finally deciding on whether to move the historic tradition of the program from 11-man to 8-man, the school went to its most respected and venerable leader for advice. Longtime coach David Palmeiro gave his input, and the 5-2 vote didn't necessarily coincide with all of his ideas.

We recommend for Oct. 23, 2009