By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Goal to go stands in football are the equivalent of a blocked shot in basketball, injected energy and shifting momentum.
Back-to-back stands – with an almost entirely new unit – against a state-ranked opponent?
… That’s some LeBron James chase down stuff.
Losing nine starters and a defensive coordinator wasn’t enough to slow Webb City’s traditionally stingy defense.
Rival Carl Junction found that out the hard way in Friday’s season-opener, a 42-9 Webb City victory at Cardinal Stadium.
“We put them out in terrible situations twice; back-to-back times,” said Webb City coach John Roderique of his defense. “They were out there a long time on a humid night.
“That stand was huge. That was a turning point right there because our defense got a little confidence. We finally gave them a break and they got to come off the field and rest a little bit.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE GAME
The stand followed Webb City’s opening touchdown march, a 10-play, 80-Yard drive capped by sophomore Devin Weathers’ 9-yard touchdown run.
Carl Junction mounted a drive to answer, but came up empty, turning it over on downs.
Webb City’s ensuing possession resulted in an interception, with the returning leaving the Bulldogs inside the 10.
Again, the Cardinal Defense kept CJ out of the end zone.
From there, it was the Cade Beason show…
Despite a pair of early interceptions – which put Webb City in a 9-7 hole – Beason settled in and ran Webb City’s offense masterfully, helping the Cards rush for 314 yards even despite a stacked box.
He finished with 102 yards on just 10 carries with three touchdowns.
Senior standout Durand Henderson rushed for 104 yards on 15 carries and Weathers finished with 60 yards and a score.
“I thought he did a pretty good job,” said Roderique. “He has a pretty good understanding of our offense. Sometimes in the triple option you get a choice (of what you want to take away) and it was pretty clear they weren’t going to let Durand get going. They did a great job.
“Cade’s got a great quick step where he can get vertical. It’s cliché but we talk about this and we work on this every single day. I’m really proud of him.”
Webb City’s defense pitched a shutout in the second half, with senior Alex Gaskill’s interception being the Cardinals only takeaway.
They were also able to progressively slow down all-state quarterback Joe Kennedy throughout the game, Carl Junction’s focal point offensively with Rayquion Weston out.
Kennedy was able to account for 232 all-purpose yards and a score on 23 rushes and 22 pass attempts. As a junior he averaged nearly 300 yards per game.
“You saw in the fourth quarter how fast that kid is; he’s electric with his feet,” said Roderique. “Being able to corral him all night is a pretty good job by our defense for sure.”
Webb City will travel to Joplin next week in one of the biggest games in Missouri. Carl Junction will look to rebound against Class 5 Carthage at home.
Webb City 42, Carl Junction 9
Carl Junction 0-9-0-0 — 9
Webb City 7-14-14-7 — 42
First Quarter
WC – Weathers 9 yard run (kick good)
Second Quarter
CJ – 25 yard field goal
CJ – Baker 39 yard pass from Kennedy (kick fail)
WC – Beason 27 yard run (kick good)
WC – Beason 6 yard run (kick good)
Third Quarter WC – Beason 32 yard run (kick good)
WC – Sergio Perez 10 yard run (kick good)
Fourth Quarter
WC – Kane Parks 10 yard run (kick good)
