Hannibal Kicks Off Missouri High School Football Week-1

The 2024 high school football season kicks off Friday night in Hannibal with a special treat as the Pirates host the Helias Catholic Crusaders.

For the fourth season in a row the Pirates start the season against Helias Catholic from Jefferson City, Mo. In doing so, they waste no time measuring themselves against one of the best class 5 teams in the state. The Pirates are 1-2 in the previous 3 games against the Crusaders.

Both Hannibal and Helias made the Missouri state quarter finals last fall. Hannibal in class 4, Helias in class 5. Both teams had double digit wins, Hannibal 11, Helias 10.

That was last year.

The Pirates plan to make the statement that they are far more than former running back Aneyas Williams who has moved on to Saturday football at Notre Dame.

Hannibal brings back lots of quality in the offensive backfield with senior quarterback Waylon Anders, senior running back Mike Ferreira with underclassmen Kade Hoskins, Derrion Washington and Landyn Essig. The offense will create chances. The defense will have a stout test as Helias brings an elevated line to America’s hometown.

The Crusaders offensive line will want to impose itself on the Pirate defense from the go with Kansas St signee Will Kemna at 6’5”-250 and Chase Wisecarver at 6’5”-255. Junior quarterback Austin Weaver will want to use up the clock and keep the ball away from the Hannibal offense.

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This is the kind of matchup you expect in November. Expect a slobber-knocker Friday night. Pre-game gets underway at 6:30p with the kickoff at 7p with Bill Shuler on 97.9 KICK-FM