West Wins Weather Shortened Fifth Annual Do Or Die Bowl
West Wins Weather Shortened Fifth Annual Do Or Die Bowl
By David Sharp
The West All stars picked up a fumble, stalling a promising East drive in the first quarter of the fifth annual KHQA Do Or Die Bowl, held June 27, 2009 at Hannibal’s E.A. Porter Stadium.
Both sides played well defensively. Inclement weather was the ultimate defender, shortening the contest to just under a half in a 7-0 West win.
The KHQA Do Or Die Bowl showcases graduating senior football standouts from KHQA TV coverage area Illinois, Missouri and Iowa high schools. Competing teams represented Illinois on the East side. Missouri and Iowa athletes comprised the West team.
The West all stars took the opening kick and were forced to punt. The East team mounted an impressive drive that ended with a lost fumble on the West 26-yard line.
The East defense was able to hold their opponents to a missed field goal. After a three and out East series. The West team took possession on their 22-yard line with 9:03 to play in period two.
Clark County all stater Javis Vineyard had a first down pass reception from Indian quarterback Ethan Allen during the first quarter. Vineyard had a 15 yard plus ground gainer during what proved to be the game’s decisive drive.
JayKob King (Hannibal HS) picked up a first down with an 18 yard run. Kris Hopkins (Keokuk HS) hauled in two first down producing passes from quarterback Ian Hatten (Hannibal HS).
Daniel Jones (Centralia HS) hauled in Ian Hatten’s pass from nine yards out for the game’s lone scoring play. Shawn Maloney’s kick gave the West a 7-0 lead. Maloney represented Monroe City HS.
A speedy West defense produced another three and out. The West siders regained the football at their 41-yard line with 3:42 to play in the first half. The East defense pushed the West back to a third down and 21 yards to go situation.
A line of thunderstorms began moving toward the Hannibal area. Lightning filled the skies, rendering the recently installed artificial turf field useless at the time.
Temperatures reportedly reached the 98 degree mark earlier in the day. The clash of air masses spawned one thunderstorm after another. Players moved to their dressing rooms with 2:35 remaining in the second quarter.
Fans and participants took the field about an hour after the initial delay. Another thunderstorm moved in, dumping a second load of heavy rain. Lightning flashed again.
The Porter Stadium field turf performed well. Organizers considered resuming the contest Sunday afternoon, but ultimately decided to call the game with the West winning by a 7-0 final score.
Clark County representatives included assistant coach Quentin Hamner along with players Javis Vineyard, Ethan Allen, Bryan Plenge, Matt Morrow, Ethan Horton, Colt Kiger, Cori Seth, Michael Brennan and Lynn Williams.
Jacob Moots and Dennis Dent represented Knox County HS. Moots played on special teams and at defensive tackle. Dennis Dent served as a blocking tight end for head coach Fred Bouchard.
Daniel Jones and Dahn Kemp represented North Shelby. Kyle Ellison and Eli Harscher represented Highland.
