By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
John Roderique is starting his 24th season at Webb City and it’s one that feels familiar.
The Cardinals are coming off a 14-1 campaign and the program’s 15th state championship, 12 of which have come under Roderique. And, with a senior class that includes five returning all-state selections, the Cardinals will again enter the fall with a target squarely on their back.
They’ll look to do what seven of the last 10 Webb City senior classes have done; end their career with a state championship victory.
“We approach our program on a class-by-class basis,” said Roderique. “Seniors have to be the most invested in the program and it’s most kids’ last opportunity to play football. We want them to understand how important it is. Our kids generally respond to that approach well. Good teams have to be player led.”
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Leading this year’s edition will be a trio of three-year starters – Devrin Weathers, Gary Clinton and Zetthew Meister – all of which were named to the all-state team.
Weathers, a Kansas State commit, rushed for 1,389 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior.
“Devrin has had a phenomenal career and we are very proud of him,” said Roderique. “He’s matured each year and we look for him to provide leadership in our backfield. Webb City hasn’t had many three-year starters at running back. He’s in select company.”
Clinton, a tight end, has committed to Arkansas State. Meister, and tackle, is sifting through a list of his own offers. Both are part of a unit up front that returns nearly intact. Along with heavily recruited senior tackle Grant Goltra and junior center Buddy Belcher, Webb City will have one of the most experienced and talented groups in the Ozarks. They paved the way for the Cardinals to averaged nearly 44 points per game.
“By the end of last season our line was very, very good; our line is what allows us to have success offensively,” said Roderique. “We had good depth as well. We have three of five back and lots of competition at the guard positions.”
The Cardinals also return two of their top three receivers in senior Mekhi Garrard and junior Cohl Vaden.
As for who will take the snaps under center, Eli Goddard and Cole Gayman have both seen time at quarterback over the last two seasons and Roderique is confident both have the ability to win games.
“We feel very good about the quarterback position,” said Roderique. “Eli Goddard gained some valuable experience in 2019. Cole has come back from his elbow surgery well and both have good arms. These two guys have done well leading with their work ethic in spring/summer.”
Defensively, Webb City will be led by all-state defensive back Treaghan Parker, who totaled 78 tackles and three interceptions as a junior. Parker is also receiving college interest on the baseball field. The Cardinals must replace standouts Trent Thompson, Sergio Perez, Ruben Lenker and several other seniors from a unit that posted six shutouts in 2019.
“We definitely have a lot of holes to fill on defense,” said Roderique. “Our coaches do such an outstanding job with getting our kids in the right positions and allowing them to play fast. We’re hoping we have kids ready to step up and fill in these roles.
Classmate Shane Noel will join Parker in the defensive backfield and Matt McDaniel will return to his defensive end position. Senior Jaystin Smith will lead the linebacking corps.
Several players are in the mix defensively for what should be yet another athletic and well-coached unit.
As for Roderique, who has been coaching for three decades, questions about the future continue to come.
Long-time Nixa coach Rich Rehagan and Lamar’s Scott Bailey both stepped away from the game last spring, before accepting positions at other programs.
While he doesn’t know exactly how many more seasons he has in the tank, Roderique still has an undeniable passion and excitement for the game, something that will keep the Hall of Famer roaming sidelines for the foreseeable future.
“I really don’t know the answer of when I’ll be done,” said Roderique. “I love coaching football. Maybe when it’s not fun or enjoyable, or I don’t feel like I’m the best person for the job. There may come a time when we need a change at Webb City. It’s hard to say. We’ve coached over 310 games in the last 23 seasons and they do become a bit of a grind, but I just love working with the kids and families.”
Webb City will open the 2020 season on Sep. 28 at Joplin. The Cardinals will play their home-opener the following week against Neosho, where they’ve won 44 of their last 46 regular-season games.
