Hannibal Football Faces Troy Buchanan in Missouri Showdown

Porter Stadium in Hannibal will be the place to be Friday night when Troy Buchanan shows under the Friday night lights. The Pirates come in strong, and so do the Trojans. Hannibal is coming off of a dominant showing against Lutheran St. Charles last week, winning 67-0. Troy Buchanan beat O’Fallon, Illinois last week 42-7. This is setting up to be a battle like it was last season when these two tangled in Troy, and the Trojans won 35-29.

This will be a good one Friday night at Porter Field in Hannibal

Porter Stadium Hannibal-Canva/Google Street View/Hannibal High School

The 2025 version of the Trojans has several weapons on offense. The dominant Pirate defense we’ve seen in the last six quarters will be tested by Troy in the form of running back Chris Wenger, who can run the ball and pose a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. This matters as Troy have other tailbacks that can rack up rushing yards too: Carter Dowell and Hunter Humphrey will get several touches Friday night with Humphrey sometimes taking snaps at quarterback. Carter Shafer is Troy’s starting QB and is capable throwing the ball, whether to Wenger or Carson Twellman. The Pirate defense needs to control the line of scrimmage to force Troy into some creative play calls. The challenge being, Troy has the athletes to make those plays work.

Get our free mobile app

Meanwhile when the Pirates have the ball, Troy will be keying on Kade Hoskins, which will provide opportunities for Landyn Essig and Darrion Washington. Wyeth Dorsey will have chances to make plays with his arm too. The Trojans will bring Talan Rowland, Elijah Conley and Safety Chris Wenger (yes him again) to stifle the Hannibal offense.

Get behind the Pirates at Porter Field and listen on 97.9 KICK-FM

Hannibal High School - Canva/Google Street View

Both of these schools' defensive squads are solid. This is looking like a tussle that could swing one way or the other on turnovers and field position. Skill players ultimately will make the difference on either side of the ball. Catch all of it starting with the pregame at 6:30p.m. with Bill Shuler, and kickoff at 7p.m. on 97.9 KICK-FM and streaming online and on the 97.9KICK-FM app.