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The following information is derived from the Grain Valley Police Department daily calls for service log for the week of November 11-17, 2020.
by John Unrein The first half displayed promise for the Grain Valley Eagles as they jumped out to a 14 point lead against the Platte County Pirates on November 20th. Three touchdown passes by Eagles quarterback Cole Keller to wide receiver Logan Pratt, along with a sweep by Keller to the left of the formation down Grain Valley’s sideline fueled the offensive output that put the Eagles up 28-14 at halftime. The script would flip for the Eagles during the second half as Platte County would produce 17 additional points while shutting out Grain Valley during the final two quarters in route to a 31-28 victory in the quarterfinal round of the Class 5 football state playoffs. Pratt’s return from injury has been a blessing for the Eagles in recent weeks. The speed of the junior wide receiver was on display as he connected with Keller on two beautifully thrown touchdown fade passes good for 54 and 76 yards during the second quarter. Pratt was able to stack and separate from the Pirate secondary on both occasions before hauling in the football with extended arms. Just as impressive was Pratt’s reception in between the two fade routes at the 3:02 mark of the second quarter. Platte County showed respect for Pratt’s speed by providing cushion in coverage. Pratt would turn a seven yard hitch route into a 23 yard score by spinning out of the oncoming tackle of the Pirate cornerback before sprinting down the Eagles sideline to the end zone. All three of Keller’s touchdown passes would come during the first half on connections to Pratt, good for 153 of the total 229 yards the Grain Valley signal caller would amass during his final football game as an Eagle. Platte County would emerge from the locker room at the start of the third quarter determined to eliminate Keller’s comfort in the pocket during the second half. The Pirates would consistently blitz “A and B” gaps with their “Mike and Will” linebackers. The idea being to outnumber or send as many rushers as the Eagles had blockers. The concept worked for Platte County as they were able to disrupt the Eagles passing game. Keller worked diligently to elude pressure and reestablish himself frequently before passing during the second half. The results produced less production for the Eagles as they fell behind the chains on second and third downs frequently. “They (Platte County) had guys coming from a variety of places. It definitely made it harder to sort out. We tried to adjust, but they didn’t care what formation we were in, they brought the heat and kudos to them,” Keller said. “The first half we come out and they hit us in the mouth, and we returned the favor. We had them down and we were preaching to remember what happened last year when we played them. We were rolling in the first half and it sucks we couldn’t get that going in the second half.” Emotions were prevalent for fellow Eagles offensive stalwart Jack Bailey. The three year starter for Grain Valley at offensive guard comforted his teammates on the field after game. A decorated career for the senior has included being named to first team Suburban All-Conference Team during the 2019 season. “I’ll never forget each one of my teammates. We have played hard to the last second of every game,” Bailey said. “Football has taught me a ton of life lessons. When you’re down, you have to pick yourself up. Life doesn’t stop when you stop. I’m determined this won’t be my last football game.” The Eagles black shirt defense under the direction of defensive coordinator Pete Carpino also produced their fair share of stellar plays throughout the game. Seniors Josh McCoy and Parker Bosserman were joined by sophomore Keegan Hart in producing plays that helped the Eagles ascertain their first half lead. McCoy’s sack of Pirate senior quarterback Christopher Ruhnke with 1:53 left in the first quarter forced a Platte County punt. Bosserman would add a second quarter interception to team with Hart’s pass break up at the goal line with 20 seconds left in the half, denying Platte County a touchdown. Linebacker Hunter Newsom and defensive lineman Donovan McBride were also stingy in patrolling the line of scrimmage in limiting the Pirates to just 22 total rushing yards. Both were proud of their team and the 10-2 record they were able to amass as part of being the Class 5 District 7 champions. The duo has led by their actions on defense and only with their voice when needed. “We came together as a team in fighting through adversity. We didn’t know if we were going to have a season due to COVID-19. A shout out to our coaches and my teammates for keeping us levelheaded and consistently pushing us,” McBride said. Newsom added, “Eagles football has meant a tremendous amount to me. We wanted to represent our city and school in continuing to make a name for them these past four years.” The Pirate offense would turn to the air during second half in route to attaining 328 total passing yards to secure the outcome of the game. Platte County’s spread formations included an assortment of four wide, trips, and five wide receiver sets. Route combinations that stressed the Eagles secondary along with disciplined route running by Pirate wide receivers aided Ruhnke in delivering two third quarter touchdown passes that tied the game. Platte County would finally pull ahead at the 5:44 mark of the fourth quarter on a successful 43 yard field goal attempt by kicker Cole Rhoden. A lead the Pirates would not relinquish. Grain Valley head football coach David Allie spoke highly of the valiant effort of his football team following the loss. Especially, the 23 members of the senior class that Allie has mentored over the last four years. “Every team loses their last game of the season but one, and unfortunately we’re not that one this year. There’s no speech to give to kids after a game that ends their season. This group is mentally tough and resilient,” Allie said. “We knew this group of seniors were special when they arrived. I am glad that this group didn’t have the chance to compete evaporate due to the pandemic. This group is filled with not only great athletes, but great young men.” “When I look back, they were the first in Class 5 for us. They were conference co-champs and state ranked all year. They led us to the state quarterfinals.” Allie concluded, “We as coaches are here to build great young men. This group was already headed in that direction as they are great kids.” Eagles Wide Receiver Logan Pratt sprints to the end zone. Photo credit: John Overstreet Eagles Quarterback Cole Keller sprints left on a sweep. Photo credit: John Overstreet Eagles Defensive End Josh McCoy sacks the Platte County quarterback. Photo credit: John Overstreet Eagles linebacker Hunter Newsom closes in to finish the tackle.
Photo credit: John Overstreet Junior GVHS diver Eli Hendricks placed 9th at the State Boys Swimming and Diving Championships on November 14th with a finals score of 345.50. Head Coach Kara Liddle praised Hendricks for his performance. “We are all super proud of Eli for his hard work this season, and making it to State. He had a great meet and finished in the Top 10 in the state in a very strong Class 1. This season was not ideal with several meets cancelled, but he made the most of it and had a great Junior season. Can't wait to see what he accomplishes next year,” Liddle said. Right: Junior diver Eli Hendricks during practice at the Blue Springs South Aquatics Center.
Photo credit: GVHS Senior Jordon Jarman by John Unrein There are only eight teams left in Missouri Class 5 football heading into the next playoff round on November 20th. The Grain Valley Eagles football team is among them. Each team no doubt has something special about them that has propelled them to this point in the season.
The Eagles football roster boasts 23 seniors. A significant number, even by Class 5 standards. Grain Valley’s black shirt defense has limited their opponents to a paltry 129 points through 11 games. Quarterback Cole Keller is receiving NCAA Division I and II college football offers. Head football coach David Allie and his team were named the Kansas City area Hy-Vee high school team of the week at the end of October. Not to be lost in the shuffle is Grain Valley’s offensive line. Cooper Terry, Jack Bailey, Donovan McBride, Landen Hinton, and Connor Heitman make up the starting five that clear rushing lanes in the trenches for the Eagles. The quintet is coached by Gavin Grillo and Mike Tarrants. A typical Tuesday practice for the group up front consists of stretching and chute work to promote hip flexibility. The menu of drills that follow include work on hook blocks, down blocks, double team blocks, and fold blocks. This is a warmup for the group prior to hitting the 3-man sled where rolling of the hips and short choppy steps are encouraged to foster proper low leverage. The culmination of this work spills into the “spirited” inside run period where the offensive and defensive lines attempt to execute the fundamentals they have worked on so diligently to determine who is better prepared to control the line of scrimmage. This along with the team offense and defense periods that follow are all recorded under the watchful eye of a video camera, the results from which the group will view at the end of practice to find opportunities for improvement. This rigorous schedule of physical contact in close quarters is akin to a fight taking place in a phone booth. Soreness and pain become the norm for those who choose to subject themselves to this gauntlet. So is the type of strong bond that is created only by going through this process together. Tarrants is proud of the group he coaches. One of the best compliments received by the Eagles offensive line this season came from an opponent. Greg Reynolds was the long time head football coach at Park Hill High School who now coaches the defensive line at Oak Park High School. Following a week two loss by Oak Park to Grain Valley, Reynolds shared with Allie and Tarrants that their offensive line doesn’t look like much until the football is snapped. “That was a nice compliment from Coach Reynolds,” Tarrants said. “This group puts in the work. There is some grit to this group, and they are one of the closest groups that I have ever coached. They spend a lot of time together outside of the sport and it shows.” The Eagles offensive line can quantify their success past compliments. The numbers speak for themselves. Grain Valley has gained a total of 2,926 rushing yards so far this season on 408 rushing attempts, good for a 7.1 yard per rush average. No doubt a rushing average that would be the envy of many football coaches at any level. Each member of the Eagles offensive line shared their thoughts in a series of get to know you questions as they prepare for their matchup with the Platte County Pirates on November 20th at 7:00 pm. What is your favorite food? “I like a good Kansas City strip steak. Medium rare, it has to have some red to it,” Hinton said. What is the hardest thing about playing football? “I try not to take the competition personal, which I fail at every game. I still hate the other guy I go against for a while after the game. It keeps me driven, but I am trying to grow in that area,” Terry said. What is the best thing about playing offensive line? “A lot of guys don’t expect me to be able to block like I can due to my size. I surprise a few every now and then by flat backing them,” Heitman said. If you could play football with anyone besides present company, who would it be and why? “I would choose Ray Lewis. He’s a motivational guy who could get me to run through a brick wall,” McBride said. Do you have a prediction for the football game this Friday against Platte County? “We will take care of business. This team will be as physical as possible. We look forward to the opportunity,” Bailey said. by John Unrein Grant Ward is a junior at Grain Valley High School balancing a hectic schedule. Ward is a 5’ 11” 210 pound defensive lineman on the Eagles black shirt defense whose season highlights include a tackle for loss. Ward also manages his hybrid learning as a student athlete to coincide with the work he does in the show barn at Valley Oaks Angus Farms. What might seem like too much for most teenagers is a labor of love for Ward, as he genuinely enjoys trying to excel at academics, football, and showing cattle.
The headquarters for Valley Oaks lies on 700 acres between Grain Valley and Oak Grove. This location is home to 150 registered cattle as well as Valley Oaks show cattle. Grant Ward identifies himself as one of the Ward family grandchildren who proudly works with the red shirt Angus show herd. Angus cattle have notable popularity in the United States. The breed’s desirable characteristics include being described by farmers as low maintenance, having a docile nature, marbling (measure of quality), and a reputation for calving ease. “My work includes traveling with our show cattle around the state and competing at shows. The best cattle we show are ‘pretty,’ meaning they conform well to breed standards,” Ward said. Ward was not shy in crediting his family for allowing him to participate in everything he would like while trying to stay on top of his schoolwork. “I get to pack a lot of living into being just 17 years old. My mom is a big help. Between making sure I get my homework done, to getting me places on time, she’s on top of all that stuff,” Ward said. Ward was all smiles following the Eagles Class 5 District Championship win over Raytown. Grain Valley defensive line coach Eric Stone gathered his position group to pose for a picture in front the scoreboard following the contest. Ward kept it uncomplicated in sharing what he enjoys most about football. “I enjoy getting to hang out with my buddies. Playing defense in football allows me to hit people and you can’t do that too many other places.” The City of Grain Valley will light up Armstrong Park and the Mayor’s Christmas Tree virtually via Facebook Live on Monday, November 23rd at 6:30pm. Mayor Johnston will flip the switch to illuminate the park.
With personal visits to Santa not possible this year, a special North Pole mailbox will open Tuesday, November 24th—Sunday, December 6th for children to send their messages and wish lists to Santa. The mailbox will be located just north of the Mayor’s Christmas tree in Armstrong Park. by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society Looking back at news articles published in 1970, one is reminded of many events that took place in Grain Valley that fall. Three articles are certainly worth mentioning.
Marvin D. Headley, director of transportation in the Neosho School District was named superintendent of the Grain Valley R-5 School District. Mr. Headley spent 18 years in Neosho as a junior high science teacher, junior high principal, and district director of federal programs before accepting his last position there. Headley was originally from Downs, Kansas. He received an undergraduate degree from the College of Emporia (now Emporia State) and a Masters and Specialist degree from the University of Missouri. The Headley family included his wife, Doris, a registered nurse and three children, Lynn (Class of 1974), Russell (Class of 1976) and Eric. Mr. Headley served as our superintendent for 10 years, from July, 1970, until June, 1980. During that time a new high school was completed at the original campus on Main Street and Matthews Elementary School was built. Unlike today’s fast growth pace, during his 10-year tenure enrollment increased by fewer than 100 students. Mr. Headley received his doctorate in education in 1978. In 1980, he accepted a position as superintendent in Aurora, Missouri. In a statement to the newspaper Headley said he “…would be paid $30,000 per year --$4,750 a year more than his current salary with the Grain Valley.” A 5-letter word, “PRIDE” was adopted by the students as a motto for the 1970 school year. It was suggested by the new superintendent, Marvin Headley. But he wanted the students and teachers to “take it from there.” And they did. Ron Affolter and Tim Hays, student council president and vice-president published a new student handbook to help students know what was expected of them. It was the 70s, so a dress code and grooming issues were addressed. After all, those were the days of short skirts for the girls and long hair for the boys. Students reported more school spirit. Susan Mann, a girls’ state representative in 1970 states, “I personally want to push more pride in our flag and our country.” That seems like a good idea fifty years later! And finally, Grain Valley brought home the I-70 Conference Football Championship trophy. The Eagles won the title for the first time since the league was organized in 1967. Don Kalthoff was the head coach and Doug Lee was a key player in the pennant drive. The Eagles finished the season with records of 6 and 0 in the conference and 8 and 2 overall - - the same records the team finished with in 1966 when they won the Western Missouri conference title. Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) invites applications for the more than $300,000 in scholarships available for students in 2021.
“Whether you are a graduating high school senior, a current college student or a teacher looking to improve your classroom, chances are there is a scholarship available for you,” said Rachael Cassiday Watkins, Truman Heartland’s Director of Programs and Donor Services. In addition to stand-alone scholarship applications, students can submit a general scholarship application that will match them with 50 scholarships that they may be eligible to receive. The deadline for Truman Heartland’s general scholarship application is February 1, 2021. Scholarships may require additional items, including, but not limited to, transcripts with final fall 2020 grades, essays, letters of reference or statements about participation in certain activities. Some scholarships are not included in the general scholarship application. Deadlines and requirements for these stand-alone scholarships vary. In 2020, Truman Heartland awarded more than $470,000 in scholarships to 235 local students. Scholarships are available for students pursuing undergraduate, graduate and technical degrees. Visit www.thcf.org/scholarships to learn more and begin the application process. For questions or assistance with scholarships, please contact Rachael Cassiday Watkins at watkins@thcf.org or 816-912-4185. Cybercriminals have a 'never die' attitude when it comes to getting your information and money, which means there will always be new threats on the horizon that you should worry about.
Credential Stuffing is affecting consumers and businesses alike and I'm sure you're wondering just what the heck that is. Well, credential stuffing occurs when cyber criminals obtain your online credentials that have leaked onto the dark web. Then they use automated bots to 'stuff' your credentials into the login pages on multiple websites to unlock your online accounts. Years of data breaches and the average person using weak passwords has provided a way for criminals to easily get access to your online accounts. How can you keep safe? Check out these tips: 1. Don't use the same passwords on your online accounts. Cybercriminals know that people use the same passwords for all of their online accounts and are slow to change passwords. Which is why if they get the password for one account, they will use it on all of your web accounts, including sensitive ones like your bank and other financial accounts. If you have different passwords for your online accounts this means if criminals get access to one account, it they won't get to the rest of your online accounts. 2. Change your passwords on a regular basis or just create strong passwords. When criminals get access to your online credentials that have been leaked, the information is usually a few months old, sometimes older. If you get into the habit of changing your passwords on a regular basis, it prevents criminals from using those old passwords to log into your accounts. Now the school of thought on the frequency varies from tech expert to tech expert. The common rule is every 3 months, but I feel if you create a strong password, you don't have to worry about changing your passwords. 3. Do the Two-Step. Two-step authentication is a great way to protect your online accounts. Most web-based accounts now have this feature. When you set up two-step authentication, you will get an alert sent to your smartphone whenever there is an unknown login into your online accounts. You have to confirm from our smartphone to give access to your account. It can be a pain having two sign-ins, but it's better than having someone access your critical information. 4. Find out if you've been hacked. There are a variety of websites that allow you to see if your information has been compromised. One of the more popular sites is www.haveibeenpwned.com This web site allows you to see if your web account login email has been part of a large scale breach or if the information is leaked on the dark web. Another site you can look at is www.fightingidentitycrimes.com. This site allows you to look at web breaches that go all the way back to 2012 to see if any company you have done business with has been part of a breach. If they have, the site gives steps of what you can do to protect your information and identity. 5. Use a password manager. A password manager works in making sure you can keep track of all of those different passwords for your online accounts, as well as helping you create stronger passwords for your accounts and monitor the dark web to see if any password you are currently using can be accessed by cybercriminals. One of the more popular password managers is LastPass (www.lastpass.com). LastPass keeps all of your passwords in a vault which allows you to automatically log in to all of your online accounts, create secure passwords for your accounts, and will even scan the dark web to see if any of your passwords have been leaked there. If you don't want to use another program, you can configure your favorite web browser (Safari, Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Edge) to do the same things that Lastpass does. Credential stuffing is easy to perform, so its popularity with criminals will increase with time. Even if your business isn’t affected yet, you must protect your website and watch for all the red flags listed in this blog. Credential stuffing is an easy process for cybercriminals, so don't expect it to go away anytime soon. Always remember that 99% of cybercrime requires user interaction and relies on consumers and businesses to be lax in their cyber security methods. Make sure you're always keeping up with your passwords for all of your accounts and keep up with the cybersecurity for your home and business. Want to ask me a tech question? Send it to burton@callintegralnow.com. I love technology. I've read all of the manuals and I'm serious about making technology fun and easy to use for everyone. If you need on-site or remote tech support for your Windows\Macintosh, computers, laptops, Android/Apple smartphone, tablets, printers, routers, smart home devices, and anything that connects to the Internet, please feel free to contact my team at Integral. Our team of friendly tech experts organization can help you with any IT needs you might have. Reach out to us a www.callintegralnow.com or phone at 888.256.0829. The Grain Valley Police Department is seeking monetary donations to support its annual Shop with a Cop event. The annual event provides an opportunity for officers to be matched with local children during a shopping event at Target, where children shop and wrap gifts for family members.
Donations may be made in person at City Hall Water Department, 711 N. Main or by calling City Hall at 816-847-6280 to make a credit card payment by phone. The donation deadline is December 1st. For more information, call 816-847-6250 or email gvmopd@cityofgrainvalley.org. |
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