The first time Helias played at Hannibal this season, the Crusaders got off to a good start.
The Helias defense got a three-and-out and the Crusaders blocked the ensuing punt and got the ball at the Pirate 20.
Things went downhill from there. Helias failed to turn that opportunity into points and Hannibal needed just six plays on offense to score touchdowns on its next two possessions on its way to a 35-0 lead at the half.
"It wasn't the representation of what we wanted Helias football to look like," Helias coach Tim Rulo said.
But the Crusaders were able to turn things around in the second half, scoring five touchdowns in dropping a 49-35 decision.
"We ran the ball well, we threw the ball well, there were some great things in the second half," Rulo said.
Rulo is certain it won't be a replay of the first half tonight when the Crusaders (4-6) take on the Pirates (10-0) in Hannibal in a Class 4 District 7 semifinal contest.
"We're just more consistent now on both sides of the ball," he said.
Especially on the defensive side. The Crusaders had problems giving up big plays early in the season, including four touchdowns of 37 or more yards against the Pirates.
But Helias has allowed seven or fewer points in three of its last four games, including last week's 45-0 win against Wentzville Liberty to open district play for its first shutout of the season.
"At the beginning, there was some uncertainty with things on defense, but now we're dialed- in," Rulo said. "Now we're playing faster and that leads to success."
Hannibal returns the same weapons from the Week 2 meeting. Shamar Griffth (5-foot-6, 160 pounds, jr.) had 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries in the first meeting.
"He has the ability to score anytime he touches the ball," Rulo said. "You have to bring a lot of guys to bring him down each and every time."
Griffith has eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark this season, including a 305-yard performance against Battle.
"He's a special athlete," Rulo said.
Hannibal quarterback Jerry McBride (6-0, 192, sr.) has run for more than 1,000 yards this season. He picked up 163 rushing yards on just nine carries in last week's 47-7 win against Kirksville in Hannibal's district opener.
McBride was just 2-for-2 passing for 87 yards against Helias in the first meeting.
"You don't have to throw it when you can run like that," Rulo said.
Offensively, the 35-point second half in the first meeting with the Pirates matched last Saturday's first half for the top scoring two quarters of the season for the Crusaders.
"Our offense is much improved from then," Rulo said. "Our communication up front is improved, our physicality is improved."
That said, Rulo doesn't believe tonight's game will be a shootout.
"The second time you play somebody, the score is going to be lower because both defenses have seen it," he said. "They remember things and it takes time for the offenses to get things going."
Helias enjoyed its relatively easy win last week as five different Crusaders rushed for touchdowns.
"Sometimes you forget how nice those games are," Rulo said. "There are still challenges and things you want to work on, Wentzville Liberty is much improved from last year, but we came out and played well.'
The Crusaders are ready for a four-quarter battle against the Pirates.
"You're going to have do it all night," Rulo said. "If you want to beat them, you have to be physical and assignment-sound."
Kickoff between the fourth-seeded Crusaders and top-seeded Pirates is slated for 7 p.m.
Notes: The other semifinal will pit third-seeded Warrenton (6-4) at second-seeded Mexico (9-1). With a win tonight, Helias would be on the road for the district title game. ... Helias has won eight straight district titles.
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