BY JASON PEAKE
Joplin Globe
The Webb City Cardinals are set to embark on their longest road trip of the regular season.
The undefeated Cardinals travel to Branson in Week 4 of the prep football season, with kickoff set for 7 tonight at Pirate Stadium.
"We're going on the road and this is our longest trip," Webb City coach John Roderique said. "We just want to make sure the kids handle the distraction of being on a bus for two hours and maintain focus. We need to have the same focus that we'd have if we were playing at home."
Ranked No. 1 in Class 4 by the Missouri Media, Webb City (3-0) will put its unblemished record on the line against the Pirates (21). Roderique noted every game provides an opportunity to improve.
"There's always something you can do better, and that's been our focus this week," Roderique said. "You always want to feel like you're improving."
In a stellar start to the season, the Cardinals have earned convincing wins over Carl Junction, Joplin and Neosho. A 30-minute weather delay didn't seem to affect the Cardinals last Friday as they rolled to a 41-0 win over the previously unbeaten Wildcats.
"One thing we were pretty pleased about was how our kids handled the weather and the pregame situation," Roderique said. "The defense set the tone and the kicking game was a big factor. Offensively we did what we needed to do."
Webb City has outscored its opponents 130-36 thus far. Senior running back Durand Henderson leads the Cardinals with 311 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while sophomore Devrin Weathers has compiled 282 yards and three scores.
Senior Alex Gaskill has hauled in four passes for 139 yards and two scores. Ruben Lenker (28), Trenten Thompson (20) and Gaskill (19) lead the Cardinals in tackles.
After going 4-7 in 2017, Branson is off to a 2-1 start to the season for second- year coach Anthony Hays.
The Pirates beat Republic 19-13 in Week 1, lost to Neosho 20-7 in Week 2 and edged Ozark 6-0 last Friday in a game that was played in rainy conditions.
"For us to be 2-1, we're excited about that," Hays said. "And we've been competitive in all three games. And that's what we're asking out of our kids. We want to compete and give ourselves a chance. And we showed a lot of resiliency in both of our wins."
The Pirates have only allowed 33 points in three games. At the same time, the Pirates have only scored 32 points this season.
Senior linebacker Trey Hoenie leads Branson's defense with 50 tackles, including nine for a loss.
"He's had an awesome season so far," Hays said, noting Hoenie made 21 tackles against Neosho. "He's one of those kids who is just always around the football."
Junior quarterback Gabe Sylvester has completed 18-of-34 passes for 249 yards. The 5-foot-10 Sylvester has also run 21 times for 34 yards.
"He's an athlete who
has learned the quarterback position," Hays said. "He's one of those kids who can make plays in the open field. He makes things go for us."
Jay Hill leads the Pirates' ground game with 214 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Hunter Wood is Branson's top receiver with seven catches for 180 yards.
Roderique said his team's defense must be ready for about anything when lining up against the Pirates.
"Branson is pretty multiple on offense," Roderique said. "They spread you out and they'll use several formations. We just have to make sure we're assignment- oriented. That's been a big focus for us this week in practice."
Hays said he's well aware of what his team is up against tonight.
"They're extremely talented and extremely well-coached," Hays said. "That's no secret. We respect them a ton. For us, this week has been about playing to the best of our abilities. How can we get better? That's got to be the philosophy every week."
The Joplin Globe 9/14/2018 (Used by permission)