The Helias Crusaders did what they needed to do.
Unfortunately, the other Class 4 District 6 coaches didn't think it was enough.
"I don't see how the other coaches can't give us real consideration," Helias coach Phil Pitts said Saturday night after the Crusaders defeated the Hannibal Pirates 31-18 at Adkins Stadium. "It was settled on the football field. If they see it that way, great, if not, we'll roll with it."
With the 13-point win, the Crusaders (5-4) moved up to No. 2 in the District 6 standings behind the Pirates (8-1). In the district format, if a team has defeated the team just in front of it in the standings, that team can appeal to be moved ahead of the team it beat.
That appeal was filed immediately after the game Saturday night. The six district coaches not involved in the conflict vote, with at least a 4-2 majority needed to adjust the seedings.
The Crusaders found out late Saturday they lost the appeal, keeping them at No. 2. Helias will host No. 7 Kirksville, most likely at 7 p.m. Thursday.